Nowadays, many foreigners choose Vietnam as a destiny because they are interested in seeing what the country like after many years of war, and how the country has changed after America left. Before you travel to Vietnam, there are many things you should watch out for.

First of all, that is ripping off situation. Most of Vietnamese people think that Westerners are mobile ATMs, so they tend to charge you many times more than the normal prices when you buy at the outdoor markets. For example, you can buy a banana ten times more than what a local person would pay for it. Some foreigners are ripped off that way and they do realize that they pay more than local people, but some do not because they compare that price with the price in their courtiers. So, make sure you know the price range, and you know where you can buy things with a good deal. Most of my friends usually go to the one that he usually goes there, and knows that they offer him a good deal on things. Or you also consult local people, who are your friends about prices and then you can haggle over the prices yourselves. That\'s also a good experience because you would never have to do that in the States, or in your countries.

Secondly, it is also ripping off situation by taxi driver. Many foreigners even living here for many years also have to experience this. Taxi drivers often take you the way that is much father, so that they can make more money on you. Or sometimes, you pretend that do not have any change, which they are supposed to have, to give you back. Imagine you do not care about that small amount that much. What if ten people per day like you do the same thing? He would make a remarkable amount of money, isn\'t it?

Anyway, here are some ways to avoid those scams. Always keep a map with you if you do not know the way. If the drivers do not drive you the right way, tell him and show him on the map. Stick to one driver who you trust so that you will not be overcharged. Or you can also stick to some trusted taxi brands like Mai Linh, Hanoi taxi, those are pretty good and they have been building trust with customers. Another thing you can do about this is try to speak some Vietnamese. Taxi drivers tend to cheat the ones they think are travelers here. So, if you speak Vietnamese, they will think that you are living here, so they will not try to cheat you, because they are afraid that you will know.

Last but not least are the cultural things in Vietnam. You are supposed to be polite all the time, especially with older people, because in Vietnam it is a norm to respect older people. When you give things to them, you should give it with your two hands. Also, never say things like \"you are very beautiful\" to a girl if you are not falling for her here. If you say it, they will think for sure that you like them so much, and they will think you want to start a relationship with them.