Question 1

What is the "Tailor Fabric Bait-and-Switch" scam in Hoi An?

Accepted Answer

Hoi An tailor shops display high-quality silk and linen samples in the storefront but substitute cheaper synthetic fabric once the order is placed. The finished garment is often delivered just before the customer departs, leaving no time to dispute the substitution. Alterations are offered as a stalling tactic if you complain, but the base fabric never changes. This practice is widespread across the Old Town's concentration of 400-plus tailor shops. Handle fabric swatches in bright daylight and photograph the specific bolt of cloth you chose. Request a partial fitting with your chosen fabric before full production begins. Pay no more than a 30% deposit and settle the remainder only when the finished garment matches your sample.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Leather Goods" scam in Hoi An?

Accepted Answer

Hoi An is genuinely famous for leather craftsmanship, but many shops sell goods with leather exteriors and plastic or synthetic linings, passing them off as full-grain leather at premium prices. Customised shoes with this construction fall apart within weeks. Buy leather goods only from shops with verifiable reviews on Google or TripAdvisor. Ask to see the inside lining. Rub a small hidden area with a damp finger — real leather absorbs moisture, fake leather beads it.

Question 3

What is the "Shoe and Bag Repair Overcharging" scam in Hoi An?

Accepted Answer

Vendors in the old town suddenly point out a scuff or loose sole on your shoe or a small tear on your bag, offer to fix it for a quoted price, then charge three to five times that amount on completion. Refusal leads to aggressive confrontation. Decline all unsolicited repair offers firmly and immediately. If you do want a repair, agree on the total price in writing before any work begins.

Question 4

What is the "Photography Demand for Payment" scam in Hoi An?

Accepted Answer

Vendors in Hoi An's morning market and old town invite tourists to photograph them in colourful traditional dress or with their shoulder pole baskets, then angrily demand large sums of money once the photo is taken. Widely reported by travel writers and backpacker forums. Ask clearly before photographing anyone and negotiate a price in advance if they want one. A simple 'how much?' before raising your camera avoids any confrontation.

Street Scams in Hoi An

Tailor Fabric Bait-and-Switch

Fake Leather Goods

Shoe and Bag Repair Overcharging

Photography Demand for Payment

Experienced a scam here?