Do I really have to leave my passport behind?

Yeah, most of the hotels ask to keep your passport and room key in reception. I think it's more safe than we bring those out. Some times we should believe someone
If you want to submit your passport some other offices, of course they will give it to you.As you know some hotels gives the facility to keep your valuables in safe locker. When I visit Pattaya city, I saw they provide safe locker in each room!

MIA2013 wrote:

When I was in Vietnam during Tet 2013. I stayed at hotels in Dalat, Mui ne, Nha Trang and in D.1. I had to leave my passport at the desk reception and they keep it until I checked out. D.1 New World Hotel just made a copy of my passport and gave it back to me. Why didn't the other hotels do it as well. I was kinda nervous about having to surrender my passport to strangers! Now that I think about it, I believe one or two wanted me to leave my room keys while I was out and pick them up when I came back in???? I never found anyone or anything missing while I was out. Is this common practice in Vietnam.

Thanks for any info expats!

Lan

It's common that hotels keep the National ID card (for foreigners, your passport is in lieu of a Vietnamese National ID card) whenever you check in at a hotel.  I think they do it for the police check-ups but in practice, I really think it's just an excuse to prevent guests from just running without paying. 

I'm not sure why the hotel in D1 didn't keep yours.  Maybe they have good connections with the airport authority so if you run and not pay, they can put an APB on you at the airport.

As for the room key issue, if you notice, there isn't a "Joe's Locksmith" shop around every corner in a tourist city.  When foreigners lose their keys, it's a big hassle for the hotels.  Either that or the hotels don't want people going to a Joe's Locksmith and making a copy of the key to then return at a later date and rob the future guest's room.  The hotel would be on the hook for a previous guest's crime. 

Initially I thought it was suspicious too and didn't want to surrender my passport.  If those clowns lose it, I'm up a creek without a paddle.  And my keys?  Why do they need them?  After I realized it was either follow their rules or sleep out on the street, I had to surrender my passport as well as my keys.  I just didn't leave anything valuable in the room.  They can have my dirty socks if they like.  A little American souvenir for ya!

charmavietnam wrote:

...When I visit Pattaya city, I saw they provide safe locker in each room!

Where is Pattaya City in Việt Nam?  Oh you mean in Thailand?

I always pay in advance for my room through agoda.  I carry copies of my passport and always leave them a copy.  No problems.

Lan,

You should give others a chance.  When I first came to Vietnam, I was just as wary.  However, after I took a little time to get to know the hotel's staff and their procedures, I became quite comfortable with them handling my valuables.  I even asked them to keep my cash for me, which was a lot safer than me walking around with.

Yes, your passport is your deposit.

Yeah, Thailand

Tran Hung Dao wrote:

Where is Pattaya City in Việt Nam?  Oh you mean in Thailand?

ancientpathos wrote:

I always pay in advance for my room through agoda.  I carry copies of my passport and always leave them a copy.  No problems.

Probably because you paid in advanced, they accepted the photocopy of your passport.  Next time try not paying in advance and see if they would still accept the photocopy or require the real thing. 

If it works, let me know.  I'll then start carrying photocopies and just give them that instead of the real McCoy.

"This is my passport. There are many others like it, but this one is mine. My passport is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my passport is useless. Without my passport, I am useless......."

In Vietnam, the hotels are required to register your stay with them with the local police.
You should NEVER surrender your passport to anybody except immigration authorities. Even that, you only need to let them have a copy. In future, ask them to take a photocopy and endorse across the copy "for local police registration". Outside Vietnam, the hotels normally provide a securely bolted safe in your room!
No one can help you if you lose your passport except your embassy.

hELLnoi wrote:

....No one can help you if you lose your passport except your embassy.

That's right...and American passports fetch aplenty on the black market.

I am always asked for my passport, but I usually keep the key. Out of curiosity, what would happen if the police stopped you and you didn't have your passport? Would they follow you to the hotel so you could get it, or would they accept a copy?

jakejas wrote:

I am always asked for my passport, but I usually keep the key. Out of curiosity, what would happen if the police stopped you and you didn't have your passport? Would they follow you to the hotel so you could get it, or would they accept a copy?

Just call your hotel to confirm that you are a guest of the hotel. QED.

jakejas wrote:

I am always asked for my passport, but I usually keep the key. Out of curiosity, what would happen if the police stopped you and you didn't have your passport? Would they follow you to the hotel so you could get it, or would they accept a copy?

That's why I'm against letting go of my passport to a hotel....in case the police ask for it.  And they will if I get in trouble (accident, being robbed, etc) so it's my proof that I'm an American Citizen. 

I don't think any governmental entity will accept photocopies...of anything, without physically examining the original first.  If they do accept the photocopy, they must have another agency verify that the photocopy is not doctored and that the verifying agency had physically examined the original.  There's too many fakes floating out there.

Do you carry your passport everywhere you go when not travelling or booked in a hotel? I never carry my passport with me unless I'm travelling and even than I'll leave it at the hotel.

Maybe next time I'll try the photocopy route but I'd still bring along the original just in case they don't accept it.

When you surrender your passport to the hotel for check-in purpose, they are responsible.  Thus, they keep very good eyes on your document.  On the other hand, if you lug your passport around, you are responsible.

Amidst all of the chaos in Vietnam, I trust the hotel staff more than my own pocket and everybody on the streets.  I don't believe those folks opened their hotel for my passport, however grand it maybe.

Plus, unless you are planning on checking-in to another hotel or to get other paperworks done, no one wants to see your passport, anyway.  Well, if you violate traffic laws, the police might.  However, unless you plan on getting a ticket or having to pay "coffee money", you don't want to show them your passport...

Stayed at a place in D1 couple weeks ago and was asked to pay at check in AND they kept my passport. I'm sure I could have told them to make a copy and give me the original as I have no other way to ID myself. But I didn't bother with that fight.

Imagine not having any papers on you and get into an accident where you are left unconscious. How will anybody know who you are?

Guys!
Seems like you don't trust anyone in this world!
How do you manage it if it is with you when you go beach?
Oh, I don't want to swim, just see the beach and people?
How about someone pickpocket you?
I know many foreigners lost their passports when they robbed!
In my opinion it's safe to keep under the custody of hotel staff. You can enjoy the trip without worries!
Whenever you need it(in case some emergency) just tell them that you are staying in such hotel. Or you can keep a copy to show them. Of course they should believe it's your passport copy. Otherwise let them check! How? They will come to your hotel or call and inquire.But you should remember your hotel name and address or take a business card of the same with you.
I always feel safe to keep my valuables with hotel authorities.

charmavietnam wrote:

Guys!
Seems like you don't trust anyone in this world!
How do you manage it if it is with you when you go beach?
Oh, I don't want to swim, just see the beach and people?
How about someone pickpocket you?
I know many foreigners lost their passports when they robbed!
In my opinion it's safe to keep under the custody of hotel staff. You can enjoy the trip without worries!
Whenever you need it(in case some emergency) just tell them that you are staying in such hotel. Or you can keep a copy to show them. Of course they should believe it's your passport copy. Otherwise let them check! How? They will come to your hotel or call and inquire.But you should remember your hotel name and address or take a business card of the same with you.
I always feel safe to keep my valuables with hotel authorities.

Attention - Expats!!!
https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=302951
Charmavietnam, what is the FIRST advise you give to new visitors to Vietnam?
Walking on the streets and you have LOCAL VIETNAMESE telling you to mind your handphone, money, AND (if you are crazy enough) any jewellery!
When you TRUST anyone in Vietnam, it is called Russian roulette
Each time you hear the click, you relax and let your guard down further. Won't be long before you get the BANG!

Wild_1 wrote:

When you surrender your passport to the hotel for check-in purpose, they are responsible.  Thus, they keep very good eyes on your document.  On the other hand, if you lug your passport around, you are responsible.

In every hotel, they display the "Inns Act" which clearly states that the hotel will NOT be responsible for the loss of ANY of your belongings (or restricted to a minimal amount).
The hotel is NEVER responsible for any of the guests properties. This extends to your car parked at the hotel's car park ANYWHERE in the world. In Vietnam, there is a guard at the hotel's parking, but there are bike guards everywhere.
When it come to a document as important as your passport, I would take the additional precaution.

Hell!
What the HELL are you talking?
I never said what you imagine. When I post about the park incident, yes of course you should be very careful with your valuables when you go to that park after 6pm. It does not mean that all people in Vietnam are robbers man! With regard to me I know to whom I might trust. It's up to you keeping your passport yourself wherever you go or keep it with the hotel custody. You should read carefully before you jump. Hotel and park are different places.If you want you can take your passport with you when you go to park or beach. I don't think majority of expats agree with your opinion! If they agree, that's their worry.

Like wrapping it up in a plastic bag and place it in your swimming trunk's pocket?  I don't know...  It can still get wet.

What Inns Act? Who make that act?
Of course they are not liable(in their view) if your valuables lose from your room but if there arise a case, before the law they are liable. This is same as you see "goods once sold will not be taken back" inscription in your purchase bill/receipt. According to laws they are liable to replace if some problem with that product!
How about if you give it to them for keeping?
Do not trust anyone ; but you should trust someone!

hELLnoi wrote:

In every hotel, they display the "Inns Act" which clearly states that the hotel will NOT be responsible for the loss of ANY of your belongings (or restricted to a minimal amount).
The hotel is NEVER responsible for any of the guests properties. This extends to your car parked at the hotel's car park ANYWHERE in the world. In Vietnam, there is a guard at the hotel's parking, but there are bike guards everywhere.
When it come to a document as important as your passport, I would take the additional precaution.

Wild_1 wrote:

Like wrapping it up in a plastic bag and place it in your swimming trunk's pocket?  I don't know...  It can still get wet.

There are waterproof sealed containers sold at sports shops to hold your documents.

charmavietnam wrote:

What Inns Act? Who make that act?

The "Inns Act" is NOT law. It is a practice agreed upon by providers of accomodation, to limit their liability by informing their customers that they are not liable for any loss suffered by their customers.
As the name suggested, it was started long ago but has continued to be practiced today, even by the big international hotels worldwide! It follows closely to the basic contractual rule of Buyers Beware.

hELLnoi wrote:

Charmavietnam, what is the FIRST advise you give to new visitors to Vietnam?
Walking on the streets and you have LOCAL VIETNAMESE telling you to mind your handphone, money, AND (if you are crazy enough) any jewellery!

Have we forgotten anything?

hELLnoi wrote:

There are waterproof sealed containers sold at sports shop to hold your documents.

So you hang it in your underwear when you swim in beach man?

hELLnoi wrote:

The "Inns Act" is NOT law. It is a practice agreed upon by providers of accomodation, to limit their liability by informing their customers that they are not liable for any loss suffered by their customers.
As the name suggested, it was started long ago but has continued to be practiced today, even by the big international hotels worldwide! It follows closely to the basic contractual rule of Buyers Beware.

Yes, it's not law drafted by any legislative body. So why should we worry?

charmavietnam wrote:

hELLnoi wrote:

So you hang it in your underwear when you swim in beach man?
There is a strap for you to attact it to your arm or leg

hELLnoi wrote:

The "Inns Act" is NOT law. It is a practice agreed upon by providers of accomodation, to limit their liability by informing their customers that they are not liable for any loss suffered by their customers.
As the name suggested, it was started long ago but has continued to be practiced today, even by the big international hotels worldwide! It follows closely to the basic contractual rule of Buyers Beware.

Yes, it's not law drafted by any legislative body. So why should we worry?

The providers of accomodation need NOT worry. They have "warned" you against any loss you may suffer. If anything, it is for the lawyers to argue in a court of law. As the case is against a hotel away from your home, you will have a fun time travelling back and forth.
Best is you have taken travel insurance for properties. Insurance do not cover lost of passports.

.

Most of the time if you are dealing with a manager or more experienced hotel staff you can ask them to make a copy of your passport instead of leaving your passport and they will do it. If the hotel staff is not well experienced they may not want to do it. I have no issue with them holding my passport as long as i don't need it for hiring a motorbike or something.
When I am at my home in Vietnam I don't generally carry my passport around with me anyway.

hELLnoi wrote:

charmavietnam wrote:

Guys!
Seems like you don't trust anyone in this world!
How do you manage it if it is with you when you go beach?
Oh, I don't want to swim, just see the beach and people?
How about someone pickpocket you?
I know many foreigners lost their passports when they robbed!
In my opinion it's safe to keep under the custody of hotel staff. You can enjoy the trip without worries!
Whenever you need it(in case some emergency) just tell them that you are staying in such hotel. Or you can keep a copy to show them. Of course they should believe it's your passport copy. Otherwise let them check! How? They will come to your hotel or call and inquire.But you should remember your hotel name and address or take a business card of the same with you.
I always feel safe to keep my valuables with hotel authorities.

Attention - Expats!!!
https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=302951
Charmavietnam, what is the FIRST advise you give to new visitors to Vietnam?
Walking on the streets and you have LOCAL VIETNAMESE telling you to mind your handphone, money, AND (if you are crazy enough) any jewellery!
When you TRUST anyone in Vietnam, it is called Russian roulette
Each time you hear the click, you relax and let your guard down further. Won't be long before you get the BANG!

That was MY INITIAL reaction too!  I was like "hey, didn't Charmavietnam just write a post warning about robbers and here she is writing a post saying "Seems like you don't trust anyone in this world!""

THD!
We should consider the situation
I repeat hotel and park (especially 23/9 park in Q.1) are different! We can trust hotel authorities but cannot trust snatchers in park!

Tran Hung Dao wrote:

That was MY INITIAL reaction too!  I was like "hey, didn't Charmavietnam just write a post warning about robbers and here she is writing a post saying "Seems like you don't trust anyone in this world!""

charmavietnam wrote:

THD!
We should consider the situation
I repeat hotel and park (especially 23/9 park in Q.1) are different! We can trust hotel authorities but cannot trust snatchers in park!

Tran Hung Dao wrote:

That was MY INITIAL reaction too!  I was like "hey, didn't Charmavietnam just write a post warning about robbers and here she is writing a post saying "Seems like you don't trust anyone in this world!""

I said my initial reaction.  Like a knee-jerk reaction.  Anyhow, I was going to post just that but hELLnoi beat me to it.

I just don't trust anyone until they prove otherwise.  It's a defense mechanism I've developed since coming to Vietnam.  In the USA, I might be more open and trusting of people since you just don't read about petty swindling/robbing stuff on the news.  Here, not a day goes by when I read about some tourist getting conned, harassed or attacked. 

The situation is Vietnam is pretty bad for foreigners/tourists to the extend that the PRIME MINISTER took issue with it and is directing agencies to tackle this problem. 

So in the issue of passports, I don't trust even the hotel people.  For you, I'm glad you can trust hotel people and give away your Indian passport.  It's not worth as much on the black market as my American passport.  

(that kinda sounds like a racist joke doesn't it?  But you are Indian so I am stating facts in a funny manner.)

.

Even though I am an Indian, am not much proud of my India nowadays (ref-assault/harassment against girls)
Now this is my home (till I fed up)!
Yeah, racism!
I felt many times from some 'minority' Vietnamese, especially students who come to practice English at park. Because they like 'white' skin too much:D (Even if they are from non-native countries)
If not much 'white' foreigners there, then they approach me! poor kids, injected racism in blood!

Tran Hung Dao wrote:

(that kinda sounds like a racist joke doesn't it?  But you are Indian so I am stating facts in a funny manner.)

.

'Personal preference'? No way!

jimbream wrote:

Charma,
Are you sure you're not confusing 'racism' with personal preference?

racism in Vietnam?

to have racism you need reverse racism

No wonder
Once, one of my colleague(Vietnamese) when I worked for a diamond company, said, "you black Indian came to my country and try to controlling me", in front of my Korean boss (who just laugh then). I just smiled thinking of his narrow mind

khanh44 wrote:

racism in Vietnam?

jimbream wrote:

Tran Hung Dao wrote:

In the USA, I might be more open and trusting of people since you just don't read about petty swindling/robbing stuff on the news.

Oh THD,really?
Ever stayed a while in Manhattan?
That place gives me the creeps.The hoods and the homeless,
passive aggressive beggars,people with Rolex's asking for a cigarette,rip off taxi drivers(tips,tips tips).

Are you describing New York City or are you describing Hồ Chí Minh City?  You're right on that part.  I wouldn't trust people in the ghetto either but in general, the system is set up with that is pretty open and safe for visitors.  The USA does have problems with people who prey on tourists but it's not that bad compared to Vietnam.  I don't hear President Obama getting on the horn with the FBI saying we need a tourism police.

Would you agree that the tourism industry in the USA is stronger than Vietnam? 

Would you feel safe handing your passport over to a USA hotel?  The answer is N/A because hotels don't ask for it.  The original poster, MIA2013/Lan is asking this very question because American hotels don't keep your passport.

charmavietnam wrote:

No wonder
Once, one of my colleague(Vietnamese) when I worked for a diamond company, said, "you black Indian came to my country and try to controlling me", in front of my Korean boss (who just laugh then). I just smiled thinking of his narrow mind

khanh44 wrote:

racism in Vietnam?

Well, I didn't want this thread to spin into a racism discussion; we can open a new post with that.  My "endearing comment" was just to say that an American passport can fetch more money on the black market than an Indian passport.

.