Hanoi Taxi Scam, Vietnam

Passing on some useful advice given by ArtHotel about Hanoi Taxi Scams. The most important is always your safety.

1. If you have a reservation in the city, check how many branches does it have and write down the hotel address and contact number. Before you get into a cab, call your hotel to tell them to expect you. Never go anywhere without your hotel address and number.

2. If you hire a taxi from the airport, take down the license plate number, taxi number (it's a sticker on the passenger side of the windshield) and taxi company. If the driver tells you that he is bringing you to another hotel because the one you booked is full, chances are he is lying. Firmly tell the driver to stop the car and get out. Leave the car door open when you get out of the cab so that the driver does not suddenly drive off with you luggage in the car boot/trunk while you are waiting for him to pop the trunk. Pay the agreed fee (safety first!) and try to contact your hotel.

3. If your hotel provides pick-up service, please take it. It saves time and unwanted trouble. There may be people holding up signs with your name at the airport. There is a trick going around where errant cab drivers copy off the real cab drivers place card, hoping that they will get a tourist who thinks they are the real deal. Then, they will whisk you off to god knows where. Ask your hotel for some sort of identification that is unique to the hotel's driver.

4. Some meter taxi owners in Hanoi will attempt to negotiate a flat fee in advance rather than use the meter. If you have a fair idea of how far you are going or how much you are willing to pay, this may be a good idea. If the driver refuses, just walk away. I would advice that even if he gives you a discounted rate, you should go for another cab. Chances are that he is miffed that you didn't like his price so he is going to get you once you enter his lair taxi.

5.Be very, VERY careful with meter taxis in Hanoi. Some have central locking and are know to lock passengers in and demand large amounts of USD/money of any sort before letting them go. the driver may threaten to have you beaten up or arrested if you do not give in to his demands, but if you kick up enough fuss, they will let you go. Main thing is to keep calm. Remember the taxi number, license plates and company (point 1 on top). Call your hotel if you are able to. Never hand your phone to the cab driver.

6. So far there are 2 reputable taxi companies in Hanoi.
- Hanoi Taxi (Tel:+84 4 38535353)
*Hanoi Taxi name is in BLUE and numbers are in RED listed on the side. Taxi's normally in white or silver.
 Drivers always in uniform with a collared top.

- Mai Linh Taxi (Tel: +84 4 38222666)
* Taxi drivers always wear a green tie. Cars have the logo below and comes with a green underside.

7. The driver may take you for "sightseeing" and extends the tour to get more money. This is hard to know unless you know the city well. If you see your driver doing something fishy, like passing a building twice but telling you it is something different, demand he stop the taxi at any major street intersections and leave the taxi.

8. Be vigilant when taking a taxi. A taxi driver can suddenly stop and throw your luggage out of the trunk. While you are busy picking up your luggage and yelling at him, he would have jumped back into the car and drives off with the rest of your stuff. Lesson to note: Take everything with you whenever you leave the car even for a short time.

8. Beware of meters that run faster than the seconds on your clock. It is probably rigged so that you would be asked to pay a higher price in the end. Stop the car immediately and get out.

9. If there is any trouble with your cab driver e.g. trouble with the charges or think he scammed you, please be firm but still polite to the driver and call your hotel. Some travel blogs advice that you inform the driver that you forgot the money and let the driver know that you need to return to get it. So when you get back to the hotel ask the receptionist to help you. Sometimes it works... sometimes drivers read the Internet too.

10. Never store all your money in your wallet.

11. Bring the minimal USDs (like USD30) that you need. Pay in VND instead.

Hope the tips help. Hanoi would be a great place if they have less of these crooks around.