TIPPING IN VIETNAM | A Guide for Travelers (2024)

Tipping is a common practice in many countries around the world, where it is seen as a way of expressing gratitude and appreciation for good service. However, tipping is not a universal norm, and different cultures have different rules and expectations when it comes to tipping. In this article, we will explore the tipping etiquette in Vietnam, a Southeast Asian country that attracts millions of tourists every year with its rich history, culture, nature, and cuisine.

Is Tipping Expected in Vietnam?

The short answer is no. Tipping is not expected or mandatory in Vietnam, as it is not a part of the traditional Vietnamese culture. In fact, tipping was introduced to Vietnam by Western tourists and expats, who brought their tipping habits with them. Therefore, most Vietnamese people are not familiar with tipping, and some may even feel confused or offended by it.

However, this does not mean that tipping is unwelcome or inappropriate in Vietnam. On the contrary, tipping is appreciated and accepted in some situations, especially in the service industry, where the wages are low and the workers rely on tips to supplement their income. Moreover, tipping can also be a way of showing respect and kindness to the local people, who often go out of their way to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.

So, when and how much should you tip in Vietnam? The answer depends on several factors, such as the type and quality of service, the location and establishment, and your personal preference and budget. To help you navigate the tipping culture in Vietnam, we have compiled some general guidelines and tips for different scenarios.

Tipping Guidelines for Different Services in Vietnam

Here are some suggestions on how to tip for different services in Vietnam. Please note that these are only approximate amounts and you can always adjust them according to your satisfaction and discretion.

• Restaurants: Tipping is not expected in most restaurants in Vietnam, especially in local eateries, street food stalls, and family-run businesses. However, if you dine in a more upscale or touristy restaurant, you may notice a service charge of 5% to 10% added to your bill. This is usually shared among the staff, so you don't need to tip extra. If there is no service charge, or if you want to reward exceptional service, you can leave a tip of around 10% of the total bill, or round up to the nearest 10,000 VND (around $0.5 USD).
• Hotels: Tipping is not expected in most hotels in Vietnam, unless you stay in a luxury or international hotel. In that case, you can tip the bellboy or porter 10,000 to 20,000 VND (around $0.5 to $1 USD) per bag, the housekeeper 20,000 to 50,000 VND (around $1 to $2 USD) per day, and the concierge 50,000 to 100,000 VND (around $2 to $4 USD) for special services or requests. You can either hand the tip directly to the staff or leave it in an envelope with their name on it in your room.
• Taxis: Tipping is not expected in taxis in Vietnam, as the drivers usually use a meter and charge a fair price. However, if you want to tip for good driving, honesty, or helpfulness, you can round up to the nearest 10,000 VND (around $0.5 USD), or give 5% to 10% of the fare. Make sure to have small bills ready, as the drivers may not have change. Alternatively, you can use a ride-hailing app, such as Grab or Gojek, which allows you to pay online and tip electronically.
• Tour Guides: Tipping is expected and appreciated for tour guides in Vietnam, as they often provide informative, entertaining, and personalized tours. The amount of tip depends on the length and quality of the tour, as well as the size of the group. A general rule of thumb is to tip 50,000 to 100,000 VND (around $2 to $4 USD) per person per day for a group tour, and 100,000 to 200,000 VND (around $4 to $8 USD) per person per day for a private tour. You can also tip the driver 50% of what you tip the guide. You should give the tip in cash at the end of the tour, preferably in an envelope with a thank-you note.
• Spa and Salon: Tipping is not expected in most spas and salons in Vietnam, but it is a nice gesture to show your appreciation for a good service. You can tip 10% to 20% of the total bill, or 20,000 to 50,000 VND (around $1 to USD 2) per service. You can either add the tip to your bill or give it directly to the staff.

Some Tips on Tipping in Vietnam

Here are some additional tips on tipping in Vietnam that can help you avoid awkward situations and make your trip more enjoyable.

• Always check your bill before tipping, as some places may include a service charge or round up the amount. If you are not sure, you can ask the staff politely.
  

• Always use the local currency (Vietnamese Dong) for tipping, as foreign currencies may not be accepted or exchanged at a fair rate. You can exchange your money at the airport, banks, hotels, or authorized money changers. Avoid using large bills, as they may be hard to break or counterfeit.

• Always be discreet and respectful when tipping, as some people may feel embarrassed or offended by it. You can tip in a handshake, in an envelope, or a small pouch. Avoid making a big show of it or expecting a reaction from the recipient.

• Always be flexible and generous when tipping, as tipping is not a fixed or obligatory practice in Vietnam. You can tip more or less depending on your satisfaction and budget. You can also tip in other ways, such as giving a compliment, a smile, a thank-you note, a souvenir, or a positive review online.

Tipping in Vietnam: A Summary

Tipping in Vietnam is not a common or expected practice, but it is a nice way of showing your appreciation and kindness to the local people who provide you with good service. Tipping is more prevalent in the service industry, especially in high-end or touristy establishments. The amount of tip varies depending on the type and quality of service but generally ranges from 10% to 20% of the total bill, or from 10,000 to 100,000 VND (around $0.5 to $4 USD) per service. Tipping should be done discreetly and respectfully, using the local currency and small bills. Tipping is not mandatory, but optional and flexible, so you can tip according to your satisfaction and discretion. Tipping is not the only way of expressing gratitude, as you can also use other gestures, such as a compliment, a smile, a thank-you note, a souvenir, or a positive review online.