Last week, HCMC police began to hand out leaflets to tourists in District 1 with a list of safety tips to keep themselves and their belongings safe during their stay in the city.
The papers, headlined with the text: “Prevention is better than a cure,” have been distributed primarily around Pham Ngu Lao. They contain illustrations and text in both English and Vietnamese which give visitors tips on everything from taking taxis to negotiating prices, according to Tuoi Tre.
On taxis: “Ripping off unsuspecting passengers is an art form for dishonest drivers. Stick to reliable companies such as Vinasun and Mai Linh Taxi.”
On negotiating: “Remember that negotiating is not rude, but expected. Never settle for the initial offers, especially in tourist areas.”
Other tips recommend keeping belongings close to one’s body and not to wear precious jewelry when out and about.
Police have not only distributed the leaflets directly to tourists, but also to hotels in the hopes of getting them in the hands of the 500-1,000 foreign visitors that travel to the city daily.
Good on them.
[Tuoi Tre]
