The Tale of the Dong

As I wait for my transfer bus to Kampot, Cambodia, I have a chance to tally up the traveler's tale. The biggest complaint one heard about Vietnam is that of foreigners being over- charged. And it's true, this happens.

The market women are shrewd bargainers and this is a poor country. Cafe owners will nick a tourist if they feel they can. I had the owner if a cafe try to nick me for 3,000 dong in change until his wife barked at him and then he sheepishly handed it over. Put in context of that one meal, it would have cost $ 1.00 instead of ninety cents.

So you can be diligent all the time or you can relax and let a few go. It's up to you. But consider the final loose tally I will share.

Ten days ago I took 9,000,000 Dong out of an ATM at the Saigon Airport. I have spent nothing else for the last ten-plus days. This includes all meals, all transport, all lodging, tours and Fergusons. I have not used a credit card for anything. I still have well over two million Dong left, even after paying for my visa in Dong.

So, more than ten days ( losing track ) cost me about seven million dong. About $ 320. To be fair, I booked my Saigon hotel online, so add $ 45 to the total. $ 365 for ten days. Try living in Europe on $ 36 bucks a day.

I'm not even that careful. Being a "Flashpacker" I don't have to count every Dong. I know what a $ 5 a-night dorm bunk looks like. No thanks. So if you were willing to pinch a bit, that $ 36 a day could drop pretty quickly.

Sure, I paid too much here and there. They are welcome to it. I have no complaints.