Pineapple picture scam Hanoi Vietnam

A little information on currency;

At the time of this writing 1 US dollar is equivalent to 21,818 VND (Vietnamese dollars). One other thing to note is when asking prices Vietnamese will say things like 150 which actually means 150,000 VND or 10 which means 10,000 VND. Vietnamese (or other nationalities) might also use US dollars so always check, recheck and carry a calculator. 

Now that is out of the way so what is the pineapple picture scam? Throughout Asia and other parts of the world you will see our better halves do a lot of carrying. (the two pictures below are not mine). 

In Hanoi around a main backpacker hub Ma May street there are ladies carrying baskets with pineapples. The ladies will come up and basically throw the baskets at you and say, hey try this and I will take a picture for free. After you get your picture taken they will try to sell you little bags of cut up pineapple for a ridiculous amount. I was ok with actually getting my picture taken I figure why not! I knew exactly what was going on as I have been in Asia long enough. The lady asked me for 150 VND (150,000) she was furious when I was saying no. She drops it down to 100 etc I simply say I will give you 10 and after several tense moments she eventually gives in. 

Just a little food for thought;

There are many scams out there like this one and they all work relatively the same. If people say free, or cheap or, look like they are just trying to help and, they are local put your guards up. Unfortunately you have to on some levels not trust people. Scams tend to happen more in touristy areas/tourist traps. 

Sometimes other scams might be them giving you corn to feed the birds and then asking for money. There were ladies selling doughnuts and would say hey try this one but then ask for money for it. Some people may demand money for taking a picture of them. Most of these scams work on a smaller level, but could still cost you a lot a good firm no and keep walking will get you out of it. 

As always please feel free to comment or ask questions. Don't forget to come back often. A couple of my upcoming blogs are for negotiating and, different modes of transportation.

Safe travels everyone,

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