When traveling abroad, understanding local customs is essential, and tipping practices can vary significantly from country to country. Tipping in Vietnam is not as common as it is in Western countries, but in recent years, it has become more accepted in certain areas, especially in tourist-heavy locations. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, knowing when and how much to tip can help you navigate local expectations and show your appreciation for good service without overstepping cultural norms.
Is Tipping Expected in Vietnam?
Traditionally,
tipping was not a common practice in Vietnam. Locals typically don’t tip for services, and it’s not a social expectation in the same way it is in places like the United States. However, with the influx of international travelers and the growth of the tourism industry, tipping has become more accepted, especially in major cities and tourist-centric areas.That said, tipping is never obligatory in Vietnam, but it is appreciated, particularly in the service industry where wages are often low. Offering a small tip for excellent service is seen as a gesture of gratitude, rather than a requirement. Whether you’re dining at a restaurant, staying at a hotel, or taking a tour, tipping can enhance your interaction with local workers while showing your appreciation for their hard work.
How Much Should You Tip in Vietnam?
The amount you tip depends on the service and the context. Here’s a general guide for
tipping in Vietnam:
- Restaurants: For casual dining or street food stalls, tipping is not necessary. However, at mid-range or high-end restaurants, leaving around 5–10% of the bill is a good gesture. Some establishments may include a service charge, so check your bill before tipping.
- Hotels: For hotel staff, such as bellboys or housekeepers, tipping 20,000–50,000 VND (about $1–$2 USD) is common for good service. If you’ve stayed multiple nights or received exceptional service, a slightly higher tip can be appreciated.
- Taxis and Transportation: While it’s not customary to tip taxi or ride-hailing drivers, rounding up the fare to the nearest 10,000 VND (less than $0.50 USD) is a polite gesture.
- Tour Guides and Drivers: When taking organized tours, especially those arranged through ethical companies like YESD, tipping is more common. A typical tip would be 100,000–200,000 VND (about $4–$8 USD) for guides, and around 50,000–100,000 VND for drivers.
Tipping amounts in Vietnam tend to be smaller compared to Western standards, so even small amounts are greatly appreciated.
Tipping in Restaurants
Dining out is one of the best ways to experience Vietnamese culture, from local street food to upscale dining. However, tipping practices can differ depending on the type of establishment:
- Street Food Stalls: Tipping is not expected at street food stalls or small local eateries. These places are often family-run, and prices are kept low. However, if you’d like to show your appreciation, you can leave a small amount or round up your bill.
- Casual and Mid-Range Restaurants: In smaller restaurants, a tip isn’t always expected, but leaving a small gratuity (about 5–10% of the bill) is appreciated, especially if the service was exceptional.
- High-End Restaurants: At more upscale restaurants, particularly those catering to tourists, tipping 5–10% of the bill is the norm. Always check if a service charge has been added to the bill, as this can substitute for a tip.
Tipping in Hotels and Resorts
Tipping is becoming more common in hotels and resorts, particularly in larger cities and tourist hotspots like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Here are a few guidelines:
- Bellboys: If a bellboy helps with your luggage, a tip of 20,000–50,000 VND is appropriate.
- Housekeeping: Leaving a small tip of 20,000–50,000 VND per night for the housekeeping staff is a nice gesture, especially for longer stays.
- Concierge and Other Staff: If the concierge arranges special services for you, such as booking tours or transportation, tipping 50,000–100,000 VND is appreciated.
At high-end hotels and resorts, tipping may be expected more frequently, especially if you’re receiving luxury services.
Tipping for Transportation Services
Tipping for transportation in Vietnam is not as customary as in some other countries, but small gestures are always welcome. Here’s how to handle tipping for different modes of transport:
- Taxis: It’s common to round up the fare or leave a small tip of 10,000–20,000 VND for a polite and efficient driver. However, there’s no pressure to tip if the service is just average.
- Grab (Ride-Hailing Services): Similar to taxis, you can round up the fare, but tipping isn’t required.
- Private Drivers: For longer journeys or full-day hires, tipping the driver around 50,000–100,000 VND is a kind way to show your appreciation.
Tipping for Tour Guides and Drivers
Tour guides and drivers play a big role in shaping your travel experience in Vietnam. If you’ve had a positive experience, it’s customary to tip both the guide and the driver at the end of the tour. Typical tipping amounts are:
- Tour Guides: 100,000–200,000 VND per person for a day tour. If you’re on a multi-day tour, consider increasing the tip based on the level of service provided.
- Drivers: 50,000–100,000 VND per day, depending on the length of the journey and the quality of service.
Alternative Ways to Show Appreciation
If tipping doesn’t feel right in certain contexts, there are other ways to show gratitude:
- Gifts: Small tokens like snacks, souvenirs, or something from your home country are often appreciated, especially in rural areas.
- Kind Words: A simple “thank you” (cảm ơn) goes a long way in Vietnam. Complimenting the service or leaving positive feedback, especially online, can also make a big difference for local businesses.
- Returning to the Same Place: Frequenting the same restaurant, café, or shop can show appreciation and help build a relationship with local owners and staff.
Conclusion
Understanding tipping in Vietnam is key to ensuring a respectful and enjoyable travel experience. While tipping isn’t always expected, it’s a kind way to show appreciation for excellent service, especially in the tourism and hospitality sectors. By following these guidelines, you can navigate tipping with confidence, knowing when and how to tip during your visit. Visit
YESD today to start planning your trip!
