In the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon), a prevalent tourist scam involves overly friendly fruit vendors, particularly those selling fresh coconuts on a pole over their shoulders. The scheme unfolds as unsuspecting visitors express interest in the refreshing coconut water, only to find themselves being overcharged. Sometimes the fruit vendor comes in the form of like a good samaritan helping tourists to cross the busy roads of Saigon.
After skillfully opening the coconuts, the vendor demands an exorbitant payment ranging from 100,000VND to 150,000VND (RM20 to RM30), while the standard market rate stands at 60,000VND.
Primarily targeting tourists unfamiliar with local pricing, the scam capitalizes on the knowledge gap and leverages the numerical complexity of Vietnam's Dong currency. The vendors will purposely mispronounce the amount require and then ask for a higher amount (eg 15,000VND for 150,000VND).
To steer clear of this coconut scam conundrum, tourists are advised to research local pricing norms and exercise caution when faced with unexpectedly high payment demands. Staying informed is key to ensuring an authentic and scam-free exploration of this vibrant city.
