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Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. But is totally controled in
Vietnam, very little Muslim number. It seems never happen here.
Civil unrest/political tension
Although rare protests do occur in Vietnam. The most recent example of
protests in Vietnam were during May 2014, where there were large-scale
demonstrations aimed at Chinese-affiliated companies, factories and official
representatives in Vietnam. Australians should avoid taking photographs of
demonstrations, the military or the police, as this may not be tolerated by
the Vietnamese authorities.
Internal conflict is rare in Vietnam, although some localised violent
clashes between protesters and police have, in the past, resulted in a small
number of casualties.
Crime
We advise you to exercise normal safety precautions in Vietnam. Exercise
common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour as you would in
Australia.
Street crime and harassment occur, especially in larger cities. Aggravated
theft and assault occur, particularly in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang,
Nha Trang, Sapa (particularly on the train to/from Lao Cai) and Cat Ba
Island (near Ha Long Bay).
Petty theft, including bag-slashing, is also common in tourist areas,
markets, on crowded trains, buses and at supermarkets. The incidence of
petty theft increases in the lead up to Vietnamese and Western holiday
periods.
Snatch-and-grab crimes against pedestrians by thieves on motorcycles are
frequent and have sometimes resulted in injury to victims. These types of
crimes can occur when crossing the street or walking along footpaths. Be
aware that jewellery, handbags, phones and cameras are popular targets for
criminals. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and
where possible, minimise the amount of valuables you carry.
Foreigners have been robbed and sexually assaulted after accepting spiked
food and drinks, particularly at late-night establishments in major cities.
There have been reports of break-ins to hotels and private residences, even
while guests are in their rooms. You should take care to ensure your
valuables are secure at all times and report any theft promptly to the local
police and hotel management.
Due to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and other sexually transmitted
diseases and infections, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are
strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.
There have been reported cases of tourists becoming victims of gambling
scams. Be aware of people who are overly friendly towards you and invite you
back to their home. These approaches may lead to gambling scams, in which
some Australians have lost thousands of dollars. Gambling may contravene
local laws, which also apply to tourists. See the ‘Laws’ section for further
information.
There have been reports of taxi scams involving foreigners. At airports,
travellers are advised to use airport taxis, prearranged hotel transfer
services or taxis from clearly marked taxi ranks with minders. Check that
any person holding a placard with your name on it knows your destination.
You should ensure that, if you are catching a taxi late at night, you choose
a reputable and reliable company and that the taxi driver knows your
destination before entering the taxi.
There have been reports of threats of physical violence or death related to
personal or commercial disputes. If this occurs, you should report the
matter to the local police personally, or through your hotel staff or other
in-country contacts. To avoid potential disputes, make sure you have a clear
agreement on what the expected level of service is.
Money and valuables
Before you travel, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas,
such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards.
Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many
countries.
Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted throughout major cities in
Vietnam. Cash can be obtained using several internationally recognised
credit/debit cards through ATMs, which are widespread in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh
City and Da Nang. You should check with your bank to confirm if your ATM
card will work in Vietnam
Incidents of card swiping have occurred throughout Vietnam and you should
keep your credit card in sight at all times. There have also been incidents
of theft occurring near ATMs soon after travellers make cash withdrawals.
If you require a replacement ATM card while overseas, please be aware that
you may have difficulty having it delivered to Vietnam. Many banks do not
maintain local or regional branches with English-speaking staff and
Vietnamese postal services are generally unreliable. You should consider
using an international courier service if you need a replacement.
Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets,
visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to
the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive
watches, jewellery, cameras and other valuable items are tempting targets
for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock
your luggage.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may
try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a
safe place. You are required by the law to report a lost or stolen passport.
If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact
your Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City as soon
as possible. |
