Viral Indian Tourist Apologises for Paying Vietnamese E-Hailing Driver with “Thank You” Instead of Cash

An e-hailing driver in Vietnam has gone viral after sharing what may be one of the most baffling passenger encounters ever caught on camera.

After dropping off a tourist from India at his destination, the driver expected the usual routine: the fare paid and everyone going their separate ways. Instead, the passenger smiled, said “Thank you” repeatedly, grabbed his belongings, and prepared to leave.

No cash, only a “thank you”

Realising something was off, the driver gestured for the fare.

“I have no money. Only ‘thank you’,” the Indian tourist told the driver.

After laughing, the man thanked the driver a few more times before casually walking away, leaving the bewildered driver staring after him in disbelief. The viral clip quickly sparked debate online, but the story did not end there.

“I’m not a scammer”

The very next day, the Indian tourist uploaded a video explaining that the incident was merely a misunderstanding.

According to him, he had been rushing back to the airport to catch a flight, but first needed to collect a parcel from a nearby logistics centre because it had not arrived at his hotel in time. Pressed for time, he skipped using a ride-hailing app and instead approached drivers waiting outside the airport for help.

He stated that he normally paid for everything in Vietnam by credit card and was not carrying any cash. When several drivers told him the ride would cost money, he declined and continued searching for help until he met the driver from the viral video.

The tourist claimed the driver never mentioned any fare before agreeing to take him, leading him to believe the ride was simply a kind gesture.

The tourist claimed he tried to pay later, but the driver refused

The tourist said someone claiming to be the driver later contacted him via social media, where he apologised and explained what had happened. He also insisted that he had repeatedly offered to pay the fare via online bank transfer, or have a friend in Vietnam settle the bill on his behalf, along with additional compensation for the inconvenience.

However, he claimed the driver refused every offer and never provided any bank account or payment details.

To back up his version of events, the tourist shared his boarding pass, records of his e-hailing transactions in Vietnam, and screenshots of his conversations with the driver. He ended his video with a public appeal, asking the driver to come forward so he could finally pay what he owed.

What do you think of this travel mishap?

Also read: “Just pray for me” – Bangladeshi Worker Tips Malaysian E-Hailing Driver RM5 Despite 3 Months Without Pay