Taxi drivers are the worst people on the planet. Don't judge the country based on the experience with them. I travel Vietnam, all countries surrounding, Europe, Africa etc and cabbies are always trying to rip me off. What I do is be assertive, strong and make the deal transparent. And I rarely fail, although many times I have to argue hard and threaten by calling police. But that's the way it goes.

I feel sorry for tourists who don't know the game and are not strong enough to resist them.

Examples of taxi behaviour:
In Saigon, a driver would ask 500.000 for "airport fee" at the counter. He would even rip money of my pockets. Another one would have broken meter and charge 10x more. In Hanoi, for example, there's only few licensed drivers so what happens, right after leaving airport area, the drivers swaps with another driver (a mad young guy driving crazy) and the licensed driver walks back to aiport to get another customer. Go check yourself. In Jakarta, driver would lie he's from XXX (the serious) company and would take your around the city instead of going straight to the location. In Bangkok, they want to forget about using meter. In Phuket, there is taxi mafia (the richest people on the island) which agreed on crazy overpriced fares and noone can have smaller price. Tourists are totally dependent on sky high prices.

Keep resisting to those mongers like I do. I don't treat them like human beings, I ignore if they call me. Generally never follow anyone who is calling you, too kind to you - you always going to loose money. I never ever follow the places or standpoints where tourist dummies are. I know how to trick these bastards everywhere. I know where in Saigon locals get the taxi, i know where in Bangkok locals get the taxi and avoid the airport fee. Looks impossible but it's just 100m walk, of course the route is not highlighted, instead there are arrows to standpoints with overpriced taxis and buses. I know how to ride 2x cheapier taxi even in trick-proof Phuket (99% tourists tricked here!). Also beware of tuk tuks, they are nowadays same money hungry as taxi drivers! I recommend motorbike taxi or rent. I don't use bus and still don't get tricked and reach my destination fast, using the services of these bad guys..

Actually, the further from the tourist path you venture the worse it gets - Imagine every transaction, and I mean every, being one of 'they are not one of us, they must pay more'. It is a badge of courage for the locals to make people who are different from them to pay more. Add to this the little fiefdoms each cadre of a particular ward/sector/level, and you have rife corruption on top of all that.

Interesting blog and discussion! I'm going back to Vietnam for the 1st time, so I'll get to see for myself. Fortunately, I can speak, read & write the language fluently. Although my family & friends have visited, I've only heard stories from their experiences. I was raised overseas since I was a young child, but have traveled extensively throughout the world.

From my collection of globetrotting, petty crime is everywhere, especially in big cities of any country. Some are worse than others. I believe that there are things that you can do before you go to help prevent such mishaps. They're basics that all travel books will tell you. Research as much as possible about the place. Be aware of your surroundings, etc.. Having common sense is crucial. Always act like you know what you're doing & where you're going, even if you don't. Try to learn some of the language or a few important words. Try to blend in, not stick out like a sore thumb. Don't be flashy & so touristy. Yes, I know for some, it's easier said than done. Just use your brains & follow your gut feelings. One thing with big cities, they're all alike. Once you tour the major monuments, historical sites, leave and venture to the outskirts where you can get the real deal. See how the locals really live and what life is truly like from day to day. Gems are always hidden away from the city center!

I have to say that taxi drivers anywhere in the world are the same. They can be total jerks who will cheat you whenever the opportunity arises. Not to mention, they're horrible drivers to boot! Whatever it takes to make a few extra bucks off of you. That's why I take public transport whenever possible. Living like the locals can teach you many things!

Vietnam is a developing country and most people are poor. It's understandable that those living in poverty will do what they can to make ends meet. We can't generalize or judge everyone the same way. Just be cautious and firm if you encounter the few bad apples! Vietnamese people are known for their hospitality & friendliness. I do think that the authorities should wise up and enforce rules & regulations to make tourism safer & less frustrating for visitors to the country. It will and can only benefit them. Word of mouth spreads like wildfire and can be damaging. Tourism is a huge source of revenue for VN. Not only that, but VN has plenty to offer the world. Treat your tourists like customers that you want to become regulars. No one wants to invest in a corrupt community or dangerous area. VN needs to get a stronger hold on that concept!

Viet Kieu here, just got back to the states from Vietnam. Scams are every where, especially in saigon. My last week spent was in saigon and that place angers me. We went to a club called "gold" or something like that . Me and 3 other viet kieu friends bought a bottle and one was given free for 250 usd. At the end of the night, the bill came out to be 500 usd. The other 250usd was from coke/water/green tea ... ARE THEY SERIOUS?! how u spend 250usd on coke/water/green tea? .. we argue them for 5 mins and they wouldn't budge .. Paid them and gtfo. They even ask us to tip our bartender, the one that reported what we drink to the cashier, laugh. We just walked off and will never come back to that place. Terrible

Theres lots more but this one really done it for us in saigon

I just came back from my second time being in Vietnam, and this is what happened:

1. At immigration I provided the letter, photo's and 25USD. 15 mins later I walked out. Very efficient. This was in Hanoi.
2. I arranged a taxi (private driver) through the hotel. He was waiting there and took me to the hotel and never charged me anything. All arranged by the hotel. I just gave him 20.000VND tip.
3. I never felt unsafe. Travelled from Hanoi to Saigon. Didn't see any pickpockets, shemales or what ever that tried to cheat me.

Just use some common sense and you are fine in Vietnam. It's full of friendly people that doesn't hurt a soul.

Not sure why the author of this article is so negative because I had a complete opposite experience.

I live in Malaysia for the last few years and I have more scam stories of Malaysia then Vietnam.

It is entirely true, for who would want to visit anyone or any place where people try to scam you at every turn? How bad is crimes and robbery, though?

 It is the sad truth that such experiences do prevent people from returning or investing in the economy. I also share the utter disbelief that rip off taxi companies with eerily similar names to Vinasun and Mai Linh (even copying their logos?!) are allowed to operate with impunity at the most frequented tourist sites. 

First impressions count, people! Make a change. You'll be glad you did.

I just landed yesterday in Hanoi and I'm Viet Kieu.

At the hotel they tried to make me pay the price for "foreigners" which really angered me and at the connected bar they tried to make me pay double for a drink.

So to say, I lived for a long time in China and 5 years ago the situation was pretty similar to the one described by the article. in 2004 in China I had to fight with taxi drivers in whatever language to get a fair price and to get the shortest trip. Tricked by officials etc. Which really upset me and everytime I got back home in Europe I was very resentful of the Chinese people (though I love the country) and talked bad about them.

But in the last couple of years many things have changed. Taxi drivers don't cheat you anymore and even suggest a shorter way or a less busy street during traffic jam (in Beijing = always!) and officials abide to the set rules. That it, if there is an official notice, you are 100% sure they will follow it and not try to trick or take advantage of you. Actually the governmental services towards foreigners have improved with services and dedicated staff for foreigners even in English (included websites).

What I think from my long intro is that Vietnam needs is time to understand what are the advantages to treat better foreigners. Chinese understood it with time, Vietnamese will as well with more and more contacts. For Viet Kieu will probably be the same as for the Chinese overseas community. Vietnam needs them for global links and investment, especially because Vietnam doesn't have Hong Kong...