Common scams & things to watch out for
Saigon is an extremely safe place to visit and it's up to the individual to keep out of trouble. For example, frequenting late night bars in Pham Ngu Lao is likely to attract the company of prostitutes -- some of whom are not as friendly as they seem. A common story is to be plied with alcohol and then pick-pocketed -- with the missing money and phone not noticed until morning. Pickpockets are known to operate at Ben Thanh market as well, so keep unnecessary valuables in the safe at the guesthouse.

When travelling by motorcycle keep bags secured or at least make them 'ungrabbable'. Although rare, motorbike drive-by thefts are not unusual -- especially if you're advertising the fact you have a digital camera and probably a sack load of other goodies. Don't present an opportunity and you'll be fine.

Police
The police emergency number is 113, but expect a different service from what you're used to. On Pham Ngu Lao St, just near the junction with De Tham on the park side of the road, there is a small 'tourist security' office. If you're taken seriously then the boss may be called. The Tourist hotline number is T: (08) 925 0000. Tourist Security officers are becoming a more common sight around Saigon, helping tourists cross the street and standing by outside tourist attractions.

Emergency
For a medical emergency, District One has several privately-owned and western-run medical centres. Try SOS International (65 Nguyen Du St, T: (08) 829 8424) or Family Medical Practice (Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan Street, T: (08) 822 7848). Better get that travel insurance as it's not cheap -- even an appointment with the GP costs US$60. FV, or Franco-Vietnamese Hospital (6 Nguyen Luong Bang St, District 7) may be needed for more complicated problems. Their emergency hotline number is (08) 411 3500. Cho Ray hospital (201B Nguyen Chi Thanh St, District 5, T: (08) 855 4137) has a trauma unit.

Visa extensions
Most travel agents can get a visa extension for you. Typically a 30-day extension sets you back US$25 and takes one week -- an express two-day service costs around US$40. Three- and six-month extensions are also available for tourist visas. Chi's Cafe (40/27 Bui Vien St, District 1, T: (08) 920 4874) provides as good a service as any.

Immigration office
Saigon's immigration office is open Mon-Fri, closed for lunch between 11:00 and 13:00. Save yourself the hassle of waiting in lines and dealing with bureaucrats by using a visa extension service through a travel agent instead. To process the visa by yourself, the first step is to pick up the correct form from the office. 254 Nguyen Trai St, District 1, T: (08) 839 2221