Dual Pricing In Vietnam Is Now Outlawed

Vietnam is now committed to ending its dual pricing policy in order to create more transparency for international tourists and would-be expats.

As the furore over Thailand’s dual pricing policy continues on social media, Vietnam has been quick to announce it’s banning the practice forthwith. The issue has been a hot potato in Thailand both with long-stay expats and visitors, but the Thai authorities have promised to investigate and possibly ban the practice. However it’s no surprise that Vietnam took the ball and ran with it, giving the country a distinct advantage as regards attracting tourists who feel it’s unfair.

In fact, the unpopular measure isn’t confined to Thailand and Vietnam, as it’s also rampant in Singapore, Cambodia and Myanmar. Most travellers and expat residents would understand should the price increase be minimal, but the Thai examples quoted online are as high as 10 – 20 per cent. In addition, many feel museums should be exempt of any charge as art should be freely accessible, and transparency rather than the usual sneaky cover-up would make the practice slightly more acceptable.

As is usual with Vietnam, it’s taken the objections seriously and, since last January, all historic sites and other attractions such as national parks charge the same amount for admission, with the exception of UNESCO world heritage sites which cost more as preservation is essential. Tour companies in Vietnam have welcomed the government’s stance as it increases the country’s competitiveness, simplifies the costing of tour packages and generally improves the country’s image over its nearby competitors.