A South Korean tourist was charged VND700,000 (US$31) for a taxi ride from Da Nang International Airport to her hotel in the city that should have cost VND60,000 ($2.6).

The scam was reported to the director of Da Nang’s Department of Transport via an anonymous textmessage on Saturday, according to Bui Thanh Thuan, deputy director of the municipal transport department.

According to the text, the foreigner hailed a taxicab from Da Nang International Airport to her hotel on An Thuong 26 Street in Ngu Hanh Son District on Friday evening.

Although the taximeter displayed the fare to be VND50,000 ($2.2), plus an additional VND10,000 ($0.4) airport entrance fee, the confused passenger was asked to pay VND700,000 ($31).

She reportedly handed over one VND500,000 ($22) bill and two VND100,000 ($4.5) bills to the driver. That was 12 times her fare.

The Da Nang Taxi Association has identified the driver to be Nguyen Truong Giang, who is employed by Hai Van Taxi Company.

A representative from the company arranged a meeting with the ripped-off tourist on Sunday to make a full refund for her ride.

The taxi company also offered the South Korean free taxi rides for the rest of her stay in Da Nang, as well as assigned a Korean-speaking driver to be her private chauffeur.

It is reportedly working with the tourist’s hotel to pay for her accommodation as well.

Meanwhile, Giang has been temporarily suspended while the company determines a disciplinary action against the driver.

He is expected to be asked to pay a fine and be dismissed from his position.

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