Question 1

What is the "Xe Om (Motorbike Taxi) Overcharge" scam in Ho Chi Minh City?

Accepted Answer

Unofficial xe om (motorbike taxi) drivers outside Ben Thanh Market and tourist hotels quote foreigners flat rates 3–5x higher than fair. If you try to negotiate or leave, some drivers become aggressive. Drivers sometimes change the agreed price upon arrival. Use Grab Bike for all motorbike journeys — the fare is calculated automatically and displayed before you accept the ride. If you must use a street xe om, agree firmly on the total price before mounting. Ask your hotel what a fair price is for your specific journey.

Question 2

What is the "Cyclo / Xe Om Overcharging" scam in Ho Chi Minh City?

Accepted Answer

Cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) and xe om (motorbike taxi) drivers quote one price at the start and demand much more at the destination, insisting the price was per hour or per person. Some refuse to move until extra payment. Always agree on the total price in writing (show them a number on your phone) before getting in. Use the Grab app instead for transparent pricing. If overcharged, offer the original agreed price calmly and firmly.

Question 3

What is the "Cyclo Undisclosed Fee" scam in Ho Chi Minh City?

Accepted Answer

Cyclo (pedicab) drivers in District 1 offer tours at an agreed rate, then at the end claim the price was per person not per vehicle, per kilometre not per trip, or for a much shorter route than completed. The final bill can be 5–10x the agreed price. Get any cyclo fare agreement in writing or on the driver's phone. State explicitly: "total for one trip, price agreed now." Take a photo of the agreed price on a notepad or the driver's phone screen. Avoid cyclos near Bui Vien street where the highest-pressure operators work.

Taxi & Transport Scams in Ho Chi Minh City

Xe Om (Motorbike Taxi) Overcharge

Cyclo / Xe Om Overcharging

Cyclo Undisclosed Fee

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