½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

Menu
½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

Is carrying DSLR safe Vietnam?

Post new topic

Iwonder

HI Guys,

Just a question,

I own a full frame DSLR with a few lenses I like to capture street & portrait photography which to me poses the most danger of getting robbed or someone attempting to in Ho Chi Minh.

As I like to capture scenes in day / night would it be safe carrying the camera around? I'm pretty careful when it comes to safety and securing my items as best I can.

I would love to know if there have been specific targets towards people with cameras or these gangs mainly try snatch phones or girls bag?

Thanks

See also

Living in Vietnam: the expat guideNew members of the Vietnam forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025Common songs known in VN for KaraokeExperiencing ageism from young expatsFlying in with guitar
ralphnhatrang

I suggest you keep your camera and equipment well out of sight until you wish to shoot, take out your camera, shoot, then return the camera to your bag. Walking around with a cameraÌý hanging around your neck is an invitation for some one to rip it from you.

Also, ALWAYS keep one hand on your bag, which you should carry across your chest and not hanging off one shoulder, so that you can prevent a thief from ripping it offÌý you.Ìý When two thieves on a motor bike tried to steal my shoulder bag, all they got was the strap and I still was firmly holding my bag against my stomach.

Bazza139

Good thinking, but you have already answered your own question: self-awareness.Ìý ÌýAnd you show that.

Common sense dictates you don't carry visible signs around.Ìý ÌýUse in crowds?Ìý Self-explanatory too.Ìý ÌýSo even armed guards cannot prevent the omnipresent threat of theft.Ìý ÌýIn fact, they draw attention...

One option is to carry within a larger bag securely attached to you.Ìý The equally obvious danger is being dragged away as well.Ìý Ìý It's happened before, and unhappily for the owner...
Ìý
Be aware - and aware..?Ìý ÌýYou can never cover all the bases.Ìý ÌýCover with a soft cloth such as a dark scarf which will often even hide the fact you are taking photos.Ìý ÌýDo NOT use this trick in China...

Empathy?Ìý ÌýSure.Ìý Think as a thief would.Ìý ÌýWithout becoming one.Ìý Ìý Ìý Too obvious?Ìý Too rarely...

..but I think I'm probably preaching to the choir....

Whos_your_Addy

I agree with both respondents.Ìý I love taking shots of Vietnam and always carry my DSLR and SLR around with me.Ìý rarely do I walk around with it strapped around my neck though.Ìý Keep it in your bag until you are ready to shoot.Ìý I don't think it poses a great deal of concern since I do believe this city to be relatively safe, but it still is a major city and will have crime.Ìý So just be careful and aware as stated before.Ìý Looking forward to seeing some of your shots, make sure you post some onto the site.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Vietnam

  • Dating In Vietnam
    Dating In Vietnam

    If you're considering moving to Hanoi, or Ho Chi Minh City, the dating scene may be of interest to you. ...

  • Making phone calls in Vietnam
    Making phone calls in Vietnam

    The telecommunications sector in Vietnam has flourished throughout the past two decades. Like many foreigners, ...

  • Moving to Vietnam with your pet
    Moving to Vietnam with your pet

    If you are planning to move to Vietnam with a pet, there are a number of formalities that have to be completed ...

  • Driving in Vietnam
    Driving in Vietnam

    Vietnam is known for four categories of lush and diverse landscapes, and one of the easiest ways to see firsthand ...

  • Getting married in Vietnam
    Getting married in Vietnam

    Have you met that perfect someone who you want to spend the rest of your life with? Luckily, getting married in ...

  • Sports activities in Hanoi
    Sports activities in Hanoi

    We know there's a lot of attention on the drinking culture in Hanoi, but what about the options for a healthy ...

  • The most popular neighbourhoods in Hanoi
    The most popular neighbourhoods in Hanoi

    Formerly known as Thang Long, Vietnam's present capital city was renamed Hanoi in 1831. This enchanting, ...

  • Working in Vietnam
    Working in Vietnam

    Anyone thinking about working in Vietnam is in for a treat. Compared to many Western countries, Vietnam's ...

All of Vietnam's guide articles