Is It Customary to Tip in Vietnam? A Guide for Travelers
As a traveler visiting Vietnam, you’re likely to encounter many amazing experiences – from trying local street food to exploring ancient temples. However, one aspect of your trip that might be unfamiliar is the practice of tipping. In this guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about tipping in Vietnam.
Section 1: Understanding Tipping Culture
1.3 What is Tipping?
Tipping, or gratuity, is a practice of giving money to someone who has provided service or performed a task for you. In various countries, tipping customs vary greatly, and it’s essential to understand these norms before your trip.
1.2 Tip vs. Service Charge
Vietnam often includes a service charge on bills in restaurants and bars, but this doesn’t mean that you should skip leaving an additional tip altogether! Understanding the difference between the two will help you avoid feeling awkward or confused when interacting with locals.
1.1 Who do you Tip?
You might wonder who exactly is worthy of your hard-earned tips: hotel staff, restaurant workers, tour guides, or maybe even friendly cab drivers? Knowing who to show appreciation for can make a world of difference in making your interactions smoother and more genuine.
Section 2: Tipping Guidelines
2.4 Hotel Staff
When checking out, you could consider tipping the front desk associate around VND20,000 – 50,000 (about $0.80-$2 USD), depending on the quality of their service and any personalized gestures during your stay.
2.3 Restaurant Workers
In Vietnam’s dining culture, waiters often come by to refill your drinks or clear plates without expectantly waiting for an additional tip. Don’t confuse this courtesy for an invitation to leave an arbitrary amount, though! For excellent service or going above and beyond in the kitchen, a VND100,000 – 200,000 (about $4-$8 USD) gratuity is fitting.
2.2 Taxi Rides
If your taxi ride took you through heavy traffic or if you received excellent hospitality from your driver, consider tipping around VND50,000 – VND100,000 for a short trip within the city limits and upwards of VND500,000 (around $20 USD) for airport pickups that included heavy luggage handling.
Section 3: Special Cases
3.4 Tipping Tour Guides
For an enriching experience with knowledge-filled tour guides who often share insight about little-known aspects of Vietnamese history or customs, consider showing your appreciation in the form of a VND500,000 – 1,000,000 (about $20-$40 USD) tip for their exceptional company.
3.3 Spa Treatments
If you visit Vietnam to indulge in some therapeutic spa experiences like aromatherapy massages or luxurious facials, do not forget to bring your wallet to express gratitude with a small gift, if desired. Your massage therapist deserves tips ranging from around VND50,000 – 100,000 (about $2-$4 USD) for excellent service.
3.2 At Bars
For skilled bartenders that know their stuff when crafting cocktails and serving drinks during your evening social hours at popular bars in Vietnam, small generosity would go a long way! Tip around VND50,000 – 100,000 per drink.
Section 4: Safety Reminders
4.3 Reporting Scams
There are those out there – unfortunately — taking advantage of genuine tourists to make a quick buck with misleading tactics or services. Keep an eye on your belongings and never hesitate in approaching authorities for help when dealing with shifty behavior from service staff.
Conclusion:
