Originally Posted by
jimbo99
I don't really agree with this - especially the "don't argue with anyone" bit. If you have been "done" then by all means argue - of course language can be a barrier.
By "argue," I meant confrontationally. Lots of caucasian folk literally go about yelling and fist-waving, thinking that, and I really do think this is the train of thought, because their counterparties are physically and financially small, this is a game with no downside. I would say it's several notches more dangerous than violently arguing with the most threatening taxi driver in the most threatening neighborhood in the most threatening city in the US.
In the case of taxis, a good way is to get your hotel to argue on your arrival if that's where you're headed.
Yes, but don't underestimate the potential of the doorman having reasons to side with the taxi drivers.
Nobody wants to involve the police - so threatening to call them can have results.
I think threatening to involve the police is the equivalent of waving a gun at someone. It ruins the chances of any amicable reconciliation. How the police adjudicate your dispute depends on many factors unrelated to the dispute itself, but no matter what the outcome of the dispute, involving the police can got you a nasty retribution some otherwise peaceful Saigon evening.
The police run their scams to get their income... but that's probably not going to be their first thought if you're the genuine victim of a crime and the police become involved.
I was referring to "civil disputes," not violent crime.
I was once told that so many Saigonese want to be taxi drivers with the legit companies that if they receive as much as one complaint from a foreigner about one of their drivers they lose their job. Probably not true - but they've been pretty worried when I've got my mobile out.
Great tip.
Most VN people rarely use taxis and seem to care little who they travel with. Some will negotiate the fare anyway rather than use the meter. If they get a taxi for you they are likely just to wave at the first one they see, regardless of the company.
Not in my experience. I was amazed at how well they discern good from bad taxis at a distance.
Finally, for anyone who is in Vietnam for more than a few days, its well worth getting a local pay-as-you-go mobile SIM card.
The two major brands are Vinaphone and Mobifone. I think Mobifone is the government-affiliated one (uh oh, Communists), and the SIMs are conveniently sold at post offices. Vinaphone is supposedly "better," but much more difficult to find. Anecdote: I casually asked a noodle shop owner where there's a mobile phone shop nearby so I can top up my Mobifone; he offered to top up my phone on the spot, in any amount I wanted (that I'd pay him). Worked fine, and I won't ask how he did it.