This warden message is to alert U.S. citizens living in, or traveling to
Vietnam that there are numerous reports of home invasions, robberies,
and assaults against the ex-pat community, including what appears to be
an uptick of activity during the last several weeks in Ho Chi Minh City.
The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City would
like to remind all U.S. citizens that Ho Chi Minh City has a high rate
of crime, and that everyone should avoid complacency, use sound
residential security practices and keep situational awareness at all
times.
During the last 7 months the Mission has received reports and verified
numerous instances of pick-pocketing, bag snatches, and residential
break-ins targeting the expatriate community. Additionally, two
residential guards of an ex-pat compound were found murdered while on
duty.
The U.S Embassy in Hanoi and the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City also
reminds U.S. citizens that there have been acts of extreme violence in
local nightspots frequented by ex-pats, including District 1. Take
precaution to never escalate any confrontation or argument while in a
nightclub or on the street. We always recommend using the buddy system
when going out on the town, especially after 11:00 pm. Please take your
own personal safety and security seriously in order to avoid becoming a
victim.
You can stay in touch and get Embassy/Consulate updates by checking the
Embassy web site at http://vietnam.usembassy.gov/<http://vietnam.usembassy.gov/> and the Consulate web site at
http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov/ <http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov/> .
You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State’s,
Bureau of Consular Affairs website <http://www.travel.state.gov/> at
http://www.travel.state.gov/, where you can find the current Worldwide
Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific
Information. If you don’t have internet access, we have a call center
for updates–1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside
the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
For after-hours emergencies, please call +84-4-3850-5000 or
+84-90-392-4613.
U.S. Embassy in Hanoi <http://vietnam.usembassy.gov/>
170 Ngoc Khanh, Ba Dinh District
Hanoi, Vietnam
Telephone: (84-4) 3850-5000 ext. 6133 or 6103
Emergency after-hours telephone: +84-4-3850-5000U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City
<http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov/>
4 Le Duan, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: (84-8) 3520-4200
Emergency after-hours telephone: +84-90-392-4613
