Fast Forward to the Part Where Things Get Interesting…
So our flight was supposed to be at 3:50PM and we were expected to reach Hanoi at around 6:20PM, but it got delayed a little.
At first, everything went smoothly with no issues or conflicts.
When we reached the airport, we planned to take a Grab through the app. However, we ended up taking a ride from someone who approached us instead. The price shown on the Grab app was around 315K VND (about SGD 15.30).
I double-checked with the guy who approached us and asked if it was 315K VND, and he confirmed yes.
So we decided to go ahead with it.
Then when we reached our destination, the cost suddenly came up to 879K VND (about $42.77).
Before things went south, she had been texting her boyfriend and updating him about what was going on. That itself wasn’t a problem.
But when the Grab fare came out as 879K VND, her boyfriend texted her saying, “Come on lah, you how old already still kena scam, why never listen to my advice.”
After that, her mood changed immediately.
She then started arguing with the driver to lower the price to 600K VND (about $29.20). At that point, I was already thinking, just forget it and pay. We made a mistake, learn from it and move on. But she didn’t want to let it go.
It’s not that I didn’t want to argue, but we’re not in our own country, and we’re just two girls traveling. For me, safety comes first over the money.
In the end, she managed to negotiate it down to 600K VND.
To be continue in the next post…..
Traveling internationally can be full of surprises, especially when it involves local transportation. When I first arrived in a foreign city, I too faced a situation where the expected taxi fare quoted beforehand escalated once we reached the destination. It’s common for travelers unfamiliar with local prices to become targets for inflated charges, especially when relying on unofficial or unbooked rides. One effective tip is to always use trusted ride-hailing apps instead of accepting offers from drivers who approach you directly. Apps like Grab or local equivalents provide fare estimates beforehand and digital payment options that protect you from sudden price hikes. However, sometimes delays or app availability issues leave little choice but to negotiate on the spot. In such cases, setting a price before boarding and insisting on it firmly but politely can help. Staying calm and avoiding confrontation is crucial, particularly when traveling in pairs or alone, as safety should be the top priority. It might be frustrating to pay more than expected, but it’s valuable to view such experiences as learning moments. Each encounter teaches more about local customs, bargaining culture, and how to better prepare for the next trip. Also, sharing live updates with friends or family while traveling can provide emotional support and make you more cautious based on their advice, although it can sometimes add stress if negative comments arise. In summary, by combining cautious planning through ride apps, polite but firm negotiation skills, and prioritizing personal safety, travelers can better handle unexpected transportation challenges abroad and make the most of their trips.
