Ho Chi Minh City Emergency Card

Tourist Police / Authorities

• HCMC Tourist Police (District 1)
  +84 28 3829 7643
  Nguyen Trai, District 1 — 24/7, English/French
• Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
  +84 24 3942 3760
  vietnamtourism.gov.vn — tourist complaints

First 10 minutes if something happens

1. 1.Get to a safe, public spot (café, hotel lobby, shop) and call Police on 113 if anyone is hurt or in immediate danger.
2. 2.Freeze cards immediately in your bank app (do this before calling the bank — it's faster). Revoke Apple Pay / Google Pay from a trusted device if your phone was taken.
3. 3.Change the password on your primary email from a trusted device, then sign out of every other session. Email is the master key to everything else.
4. 4.Contact HCMC Tourist Police (District 1) on +84 28 3829 7643 to file a report — you'll need the reference number for insurance, banks, and your embassy.

Full 8-step checklist at gacs.app/safe-traveller/ho-chi-minh-city

Top 5 scams to watch for

1. 1. Motorbike drive-by phone/bag snatch
   Riders on 125cc bikes snatch phones from hands and bags off shoulders — endemic.
   Avoid: Walk on the INSIDE of the pavement (away from the road).
   If it happens: Do not resist — riders are often armed with knives.
2. 2. Shoeshine 'damage' scam
   Shoeshiner runs off with your shoe or claims 'damage' after unsolicited work.
   Avoid: Refuse all unsolicited shoe services with a firm 'khong' (no).
   If it happens: Pay only what you agreed BEFORE work started.
3. 3. Taxi meter tampering (fake Vinasun / Mai Linh)
   Meter runs 3× fast; a 'similar-looking' taxi imitates the trusted brands.
   Avoid: Real Vinasun: +84 28 38 27 27 27 on car; Mai Linh: green with clear branding.
   If it happens: Photograph the licence plate and car number; refuse to pay > real fare.
4. 4. Coconut-carrier photo shakedown
   Woman with the yoke lets you 'try it for a photo,' then demands $10 per person and won't let you leave.
   Avoid: Do not accept 'free' photos with anyone in traditional dress on the street.
   If it happens: Pay only what you agreed in advance.
5. 5. Menu-swap in tourist restaurants
   Two menus: one Vietnamese with real prices, one English with 3× prices.
   Avoid: Ask to see the Vietnamese menu (menu tiếng Việt) — prices should match.
   If it happens: Refuse to pay unlisted prices; ask for itemised bill.