Warning: 4 Budget Tourist Car Rental Scams & How to Tell Reputable Services from Rogue Taxis

Watch Out for the “Suspiciously Cheap Price” Trap

According to tourist passenger transport safety recommendations from the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam, travelers should prioritize choosing contract vehicle providers with clear legal entities and publicly listed prices to avoid the risk of unexpected surcharges or running into low-quality rogue taxis.

Scam 1: Hidden Surcharges (Toll Fees, Parking Fees, Waiting Times)

Many transport operators quote “jaw-droppingly low” prices over the phone to lure customers into booking. However, once you get into the car or during payment, the driver starts adding up all sorts of fees: toll booth fees (if applicable), airport entry/exit tickets (10k-15k), parking fees while waiting at tourist spots, late-night surcharges (after 9 PM add 50k), traffic jam surcharges…

How to Prevent It

As soon as you lock in the car, you must reconfirm clearly via WhatsApp text message: “Is this price strictly ALL-INCLUSIVE? Does it include toll fees, airport tickets, and parking fees? Do you guarantee that there will be no extra charges whatsoever?” Reputable services will always clearly emphasize the word ALL-INCLUSIVE.

Scam 2: “Bait and Switch” - Providing an Old, Smelly, Run-Down Car

You look at promotional photos showing a brand new, shiny 2023 Vios or 2024 Xpander. But on the pick-up day, a cramped Kia Morning appears before you—its trunk can’t even fit 2 suitcases, the AC is weak, the seats are torn, and the cabin is reeking of tobacco mixed with a musty smell. When you complain, the call center will excuse it by saying “the new car broke down, so we had to dispatch a backup vehicle.”

A clean, modern fleet of odor-free vehicles is a mandatory standard for reputable operators

How to Prevent It

Do not hesitate to ask the car rental provider to commit to the vehicle type and manufacturing year (usually 2020 or newer) before departure. If the car that arrives does not match the commitment or is too dirty, you have the right to refuse the ride and report it immediately.

Scam 3: Forcing Passengers Into Shopping Spots and Restaurants for “Commissions”

This is a common issue with “rogue” cars. The driver will act extremely enthusiastic, cozying up to suggest taking you to “this local seafood spot that is super delicious and cheap,” or “this reputable fine arts stone shop.” In reality, they take you to establishments that rip off tourists to earn a very high commission percentage from your bill. If you refuse, the driver’s attitude will change, giving you a sour look for the rest of the trip.

How to Prevent It

Always stand your ground according to your pre-planned itinerary. You can ask for the driver’s recommendations, but cross-check the restaurant’s name on Google Maps, Foody, or TripAdvisor to read authentic guest reviews before agreeing to stop by for a meal.

Choosing a reputable local private car operator guarantees peace of mind throughout your Central Vietnam journey.

Scam 4: Stealing Car Booking Deposits

During peak seasons (Tet holidays, International Fireworks Festival), some fake social media pages are set up to trick customers into transferring a 50% car deposit under the pretext of “fear of running out of cars.” After the money is transferred, when you call back close to flight time, the phone number goes completely dead and unreachable.

How to Prevent It

Most reputable short-distance car rental services (Da Nang - Hoi An, Ba Na Hills) nowadays DO NOT REQUIRE AN ADVANCE DEPOSIT. You only need to provide your phone number and pick-up time, and the car will arrive right on schedule. You only make payment directly to the driver after completing a safe trip.

Always stay alert and choose trustworthy operators with clear websites, transparent confirmation processes, and a pay-after-trip policy to ensure your journey is completely fulfilling!

Convenient Transportation & Private Transfer Options

Travelers seeking flexible schedules and luggage assistance can reserve our convenient private airport transfer. Feel free to view our complete transfer fare directory for transparent, fixed rates across all central Vietnam destinations.