In-depth
Lucky plates drawing lots of cash for brokers
  • | dtinews.vn | March 16, 2010 11:28 AM

Many Vietnamese are eager to try and secure "lucky" plate numbers for their vehicles. Although the provision system of numbered plates has been computerised, brokers still can find ways to earn money from the pockets of those who want to have lucky plate numbers.

Computerised number plate provision system (Photo by ANTD)
People spend a lot to have lucky numbers such as those seen on these vehicles.

It was actually quite easy for us to locate a broker who could help us to obtain a lucky numbered plate. As soon as DTiNews arrived at the Department of Hanoi’s Railway-road traffic police station on 86 Ly Thuong Kiet Street where people register their cars and motorbikes, a young man approached us and offered his services.

He took us to talk with a man whose name is Hoa. Hoa told us, “If you want a number plate having total amount of all digits at 8 or 9, the price is VND4 million ($208). Or you can choose your favourite number but you need to wait. Currently, number plates here start with 8.”

Hoa added, “At present, we cannot provide a number plate of 8888 or 9999 even you pay us a lot of money because they belong to senior officials. However, other number plates of 7777 or 6666 cost about $7,000-$10,000. Tell me what number plate you want, I will tell you its exact price.”

We said that our fortune teller told us to choose a number plate of 8613. Hoa said its price is VND7 million ($364).

People who are familiar with the meaning of number plates told us that numbers with 9999 or 8888 have the highest price. 9999 means survival. 8888 means prosperity. 6868 means luck and prosperity. 6789 means victory. 7979 means wealth. 6363 means lucky and wealth. 1102 means unique. 1368 means wealth, luck and prosperity. 2204 means immortality.

With some knowledge about number’s meanings, DTiNews continued our journey to another registration office on Nguyen Trai Road, Ha Dong, Hanoi. According to some information, the brokerage fees here are higher than the office on Ly Thuong Kiet Street.

As we arrived, a person whose name is Tuan asked us what plate numbers we want. He said, “Number plates with 6868 cost $12,000. Number plates with 6666 cost $15,000. After only one week, you can have your favourite plate.” He also gave us his mobile phone number and told us to contact him again when we decide to choose a number plate.

(To be continued)

* Names of people mentioned in the story are not their real names.

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