Taxis
A notable scam is licensed taxi companies that negotiate outside of the meter. They turn off the meter while driving to get a better price, or take advantage of tourists coming off of the bar street. There are also a few that have similar branding to the more professional companies.
Stick to booking through apps or the recognized brands like Mai Linh, which is green and yellow or Vinasun which is red and white. It must be noted that complaints of thievery or scams at these companies are taken very seriously and can sometimes make the national news. Should you be victim to something like short changing or a taxi driver trying to extort you for money, take a photo of the plate or taxi number and report it to local authorities. In some cases, social media has led to investigations by the state o recovery of cash and valuables.
Coconuts
A popular drink on a hot day, they can cost anywhere from 12 to 20k. While paying a higher price isn't necessarily a scam, the sellers marching around downtown asking you to hold a bamboo stick on your shoulder for a picture want money. They also sell the smallest coconuts at the highest price.
Buy coconuts or cold drinks away from the downtown markets. There are also stalls with listed prices a block or two away from downtown markets that provide clear pricing and a variety of drinks like kumquat tea and orange juice for cheap. Their usual customers are office workers and students so they are fairly reputable. Keep your eyes open for these informal stalls and peek at what they sell before ordering.
Lottery tickets
This is not a scam, but a way for people to make a bit of money. They cost about 50 cents US or 10k vnd and can be checked as winners online if you feel inclined to buy a few. Just be careful of your belongings if left unattended as petty theft for anyone is often tempting.
Hawkers at your restaurant table
Drinking restaurants allow outsiders to come in and hawk their products. They are mostly fresh fruit with chillie salt, fermented meat, snacks, bubble gum, or other nick nacks. It is normal to buy if you want although ask the price before.
Street Beggars
Becoming more common, some people like to beg in the streets and have a mat set up with a child, food, and even a few puppies. In some cases these people suffer genuine hardship although there are others who are supported by a network of people. It is like a job. They are dropped off in the evening and then picked up hours later when their shift is over. If you do not feel like donating money, say no.
Bait and switch hotel
It is possible for fake hotels on reputable websites like Agoda and Booking.com to receive a booking, have the landlord send a message right before arrival, and ask you to switch hotels not always offering to return the difference in price. Check reviews or deal with the landlord through the partner website directly. If you receive text messages from the langlord to make booking changes, do so through the partner website. If you agree to something outside of the website you used to book, it can lead to problems on your end when asking for refunds or filing a claim.
Shoe Shiners
Shoe shiners have multiplied in recent years. They have a good hustle and have been a staple of the city for a long time hanging around coffee shops or prompting office workers on their lunch break for a shine. Now, they often target tourists and can be more aggressive to fetch a higher price for their services. A shoe shine can be around 30 to 50k. Other services are a bit more expensive when gluing gets involved. If you actually want your shoes polished or fixed, there are places downtown that you can search up and enjoy a coffee while your footwear is being worked on. There are cases where multiple shoe shiner will bully tourists into paying 100k to 200k to multiple people making the price get up to about $15 USD for what should normally cost $2.