Trip to Ho Chi Minh City: I'm going to be in Ho Chi Minh City at Christmas time. I want to take my camera but I've read several stories online about rampant purse and camera snatching...

rosjan

I'm going to be in Ho Chi Minh City at Christmas time. I want to take my camera but I've read several stories online about rampant purse and camera snatching on the street. I don't know if these stories are baseless or overblown. I'd like to hear from those who have been there.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

A friend told me they do the same in Rome, Italy. Get a camera strap that has metal inside it, so it can't be cut, and wrap the strap, so if someone snatches it, you go along with the camera.

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

Be on guard.

Bill_de Loc: US

Bob Mevis wrote:

Be on guard.

And if you see somebody looking at you, look them right in the eye.

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allanj Loc: New York City

I was there with my DSLR about two years ago. No problems and some good pictures.

DJD Loc: Seal Beach, CA

rosjan wrote:

I'm going to be in Ho Chi Minh City at Christmas time. I want to take my camera but I've read several stories online about rampant purse and camera snatching on the street. I don't know if these stories are baseless or overblown. I'd like to hear from those who have been there.

Two years ago, my wife and I ended a two week tour of Vietnam by spending 3 nights in Ho Chi Minh City. This was during TET and the streets were packed during the evening with people celebrating. I carried a larger DSLR and never had a problem. People I met were extremely friendly and quite willing to pose for photographs. Just like any large city however, there are those who'll take advantage when they see an opportunity. Just beware of your surroundings. There are camera straps available that can't be cut through. Not sure what kind of camera you have, but I've since been carrying a nice point'n shoot that I can fit into my pocket for city/street shooting. Have fun and post pics. It will be a great experience.

Don

Cheapshot Loc: California.

DJD wrote:

Two years ago, my wife and I ended a two week tour... (show quote)

I have traveled North to South, East to West in Vietnam and never had a problem. Sweet people, wonderful food and the dollar goes a long way. I carried a Canon S95 pocket camera that shoots in RAW. However I had a Vietnamese friend that had an iPhone in his back pocket while a passenger on a motorcycle and a pair or "cowboys" (extreme motorcycle riders) forced him and his female driver over to the side of the street...grabbed his iPhone and and hopped back on the passenger seat and sped away and disappeared into the crowded streets. So...be sure to protect yourself at all times.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Stories are always worse than the reality. Still, as a traveler anywhere in the world, you need to only use gear you can afford to loose or have taken. The USA is no different.

rosjan

Thanks everybody. I appreciate the input.

Dat Quach Loc: California

rosjan wrote:

I'm going to be in Ho Chi Minh City at Christmas time. I want to take my camera but I've read several stories online about rampant purse and camera snatching on the street. I don't know if these stories are baseless or overblown. I'd like to hear from those who have been there.

Be very careful during Xmas time because it is extremely crowded. Those stories are real, just type “cuop giat” (robbery, snatching) in YouTube, you will see whether they are baseless or overblown. People get serious injuries for hanging too tight onto their properties and getting dragged behind the robbers’ motorbikes. Just don’t stand right at the curbs talking on the phone or taking pictures.

Just like any other big city, keep nothing in back pockets and wear purses/backpacks in the front.

Be safe and enjoy the trip.

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

Same as some parts of LA, san Diego, Fresno and Bakersfield.
Some parts of Miami beaches, New Orleans hotspots, and any place you don't sound like the natives.
Be careful and watchful everywhere you go.

BebuLamar

Bill_de wrote:

And if you see somebody looking at you, look them right in the eye.

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Really??? They may beat you up for this.

Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL

Use the same tactics you would use in New York... it happens everywhere!

miked46 Loc: Winter Springs, Florida

I switched to a hand strap on my last trip through Italy, and this seemed to work in both Rome & Florence

Handyman Loc: Plymouth, MA

rosjan wrote:

I'm going to be in Ho Chi Minh City at Christmas time. I want to take my camera but I've read several stories online about rampant purse and camera snatching on the street. I don't know if these stories are baseless or overblown. I'd like to hear from those who have been there.

I was there in March with my DSLR and walked all over the city with no problems. Just be aware of your surroundings.