"Coffee money" to exit Vietnam on a K1?

[Rvoss77 1]

I first read about it on this website (can't seem to find the original posts about it though...). I remember reading that the Vietnamese national is supposed to obtain permission to leave the country from the "travel police," and if they don't, the Vietnamese immigration official could stop them from traveling. It's hard to tell what to do - sounds like many people had no problem while others lost $200! What would they do if you simply didn't have the cash?

[Anh map 2,098]

It happens. This place is corrupt at all levels.

This was several years ago but I doubt a lot has changed. I passed through the exit check and was standing there waiting, my (then) fiancee got held up as he asked for her ID card, and then something else. She just raised her voice and asked why he needed these things. He stamped what needed to be stamped and sent her on her way. No coffee money.

The immigration guys are just preying on folks who are nervous and stressed. Don't give them a GD thing!!!

Edited June 5, 2015 by Anh map

[obrakeo 15]

Wow, we did not prepare for this at all. But sailed on through customs without even a batted eyelid. I didn't even consider it when rolling through TSN Int'l.

[Tighfield 3]

My wife and I have never experienced this but she does know it can happen. Especially from the police. You should allow be prepared though.

[TylerTrúc 1]

That is just life in Vietnam. I would think you should pay no more than $20 USD.