Hanoi police on March 18 fined a street vendor who allegedly tried to overcharge a pair of foreign tourists VND200,000 (US$8.5) for a small bag of Vietnamese apples.

Hanoi authorities take action against street vendors who cheat tourists out of money.  Photo: Hanoimoi

Nguyen Minh Hoai, deputy chairman of the Buoi Ward People's Committee in Hanoi's Tay Ho district, has asked the street vendor how to behave to preserve Hanoi's image.

The street vendor, identified as B.T.L. from Hanoi's neighboring province of Hung Yen, admitted that her behavior was wrong and apologized for unintentionally creating an unfavorable image of Hanoi for foreign tourists. She promised not to do it again.

Two days ago, a video surfaced on social media showing the encounter between two foreign tourists and a street vendor on Thuy Khue Street in Tay Ho District.

A street vendor charges a foreign tourist $8.5 for a small bag of fruit. Screenshot from an online video

The two tourists were approached by a woman selling fruits on her bicycle. After one of them tasted the fruit, she asked for the price. Due to the language barrier, the vendor handed over the fruit and nodded, indicating that the tourist should give her VND200,000.

When the tourists asked the vendor for change, believing the fruit was not worth $8.5, the vendor refused. As tensions mounted, the tourist returned the bag of apples and insisted on change, but the vendor refused and tried to offer other fruit instead.

Despite the tourist's refusal, the vendor insisted on keeping the $8.5. A hotel security guard nearby intervened, questioned the vendor about the price and advised her to return the overpayment. After admitting her misconduct, the vendor returned the money to her customers.

A hotel security guard intervenes when the street vendor allegedly tries to overcharge a couple of foreign tourists. Screenshot from an online video

When visiting Hanoi, tourists not only take pictures of famous sights but also of street vendors, who are icons of Hanoi's culture and represent the hard work of Vietnamese women.

On the streets, in the small alleys, it is easy to find street vendors. Most of them come from the outskirts or other provinces, carrying not only goods but also the means to support their families.