Living in the twenty-second century, is modern-day Vietnam safe?

[ASEAN NOW News]

The war officially ended over 40 years ago and Vietnam's younger generation have moved forward.

 

According to the 2019 Global Peace Index, Vietnam ranks 57th out of 163 countries in safety—well above the United States in the 114th position.

 

In today’s Vietnam, violent crime is quite rare.

 

Street vendor file photo

 

In fact, the greatest risks to most ex-pats are being overcharged by a taxi driver or street vendor, being involved in motor vehicle accidents, or just crossing a busy road.

 

With so many Vietnamese using motorbikes to get around, it can be quite daunting at first just to cross the road in HSMC or Hanoi.

 

However, if you listen to residents, moto bikers do adjust to your presence and make every attempt to avoid hitting you.

 

They say once you begin crossing the street, do not stop and think about it; keep a steady, slow, and predictable pace and watch the traffic flow around you like water in a rocky stream.

 

If you still do not feel confident there’s always safety and comfort in numbers.

 

Just wait until there are others ready to cross and join the group.

 

Driving has risks

 

Driving in Vietnam has its risks, especially on their busy highways.

 

Many tend to avoid driving on high-speed highways.

 

Traffic is chaotic in the cities, but if you take the time to learn the rules of the road—and they do exist—you are unlikely to be involved in more than the rare low-speed small accident.

 

Many people choose to drive small, environmentally friendly electric motorbikes in the city; they are fast enough to go the speed of traffic and light enough to be easily maneuverable.

 

Taxi Scams

 

Vietnam has an outdated reputation for frauds or scams, and they happen far less frequently now than a decade ago.

 

Unscrupulous taxi drivers are the most common culprits, but ride apps like Grab Taxi (like Uber and Lyft) have all but eliminated that risk.

 

Reputable taxi companies include Vinasun, Mai Linh, and Hanoi Taxi Group.

 

Unless you know where you are going and how to get there, it is best to avoid the smaller, less established taxis; regardless of which taxi you use (except for Grab), the driver should be willing to use a meter.

 

Grab taxis operate on fixed rates so you will know exactly how much to pay when you make your booking request.

 

If you want to take a ride in a cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) or on a motorbike taxi, be sure to agree on the price before starting your trip.

 

The same goes for street vendors, and always agree on a price before purchasing anything.

 

I once got caught in a typical photo swindle in HCMC near one of the popular museums.

 

A friendly street vendor suggested I had my picture taken with his basket of pineapples balanced on my shoulder. Then he demanded five dollars!!!

 

Home security

 

Burglaries and other crimes of opportunity are uncommon but are more likely to occur in Vietnam’s urban areas.

 

Lock your doors and do not leave valuables lying out in the open unattended.

 

Being aware of your belongings and your surroundings is all that is needed to avoid being a victim—not just in Vietnam but anywhere.

 

Even though Vietnam is considered a safe country to visit, it is best to keep the following things in mind:

 

1.     Carry copies of your travel documents. Many hotels will ask that you leave your passports at the front desk for the duration of your stay. It is the law, this is normal, and the hotel will keep them safe. If you plan to rent a motorbike or go on a tour, you may need to show your passport and visa information; copies of these documents will suffice. Having copies will also help enormously if you lose your original documents.

2.     If you are on a motorbike, wear a helmet. Not only is it the law, but motor vehicle accidents pose the biggest safety risk in Vietnam. Traffic is frequently congested, which comes as no surprise considering that there are more than fifty-eight million motorbikes and several million automobiles registered here—a number that is growing in double digits annually.

3.     Be aware of overly helpful strangers. Most Vietnamese people are genuinely helpful, but there are a few characters who may hope to earn a commission by guiding you to specific vendors. For example, if someone insists on accompanying you into a store to help you make a purchase, politely but firmly decline. Better yet, go to a different store—alone.

4.     If you are taking a taxi, know your route beforehand and be vigilant that the driver is not taking you on “the scenic route” as the meter ticks away. The meter should tick slowly, too—if you see one that looks as if it is running at high speed, stop the ride immediately. This is not as common as it used to be, but still happens occasionally, especially at train stations and areas where tourists are likely to gather. Your best bet is to use Grab, Be, or one of the other local ride-sharing services where the price is set before you ride.

5.     Do not take photos of government buildings or military posts.

6.     Take plenty of water when it is hot outside to avoid dehydration.

7.     Keep your valuables tucked out of sight. Snatch thefts are most likely to occur in Ho Chi Minh City, and thieves are remarkably skilled at removing purses and cell phones from distracted passersby.

 

Get a local SIM card. A card costs only a few dollars and a prepaid plan with a month of unlimited data costs less than $4. You will have instant access to maps and bus routes, as well as the ability to call your hotel, the police, or your embassy if assistance is needed.

 

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[Rhys]

insightful...I still like Jimmey Chang's BAR

[aussiexpat]

Since your title is living in the 22nd century, sounds like Vietnam won't change much in the next 80 years ????