Should You Tip in Vietnam? A Guide to Tipping in Vietnam

As a tourist in Vietnam, understanding the local tipping customs can help you navigate everyday situations with confidence. In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of tipping in Vietnam and provide you with practical advice on how much to tip, when to tip, and what types of service to tip.

Section 1: Understanding Tipping Etiquette in Vietnam

What is considered polite in Vietnamese culture?

In Vietnamese culture, politeness and respect are paramount. When interacting with locals, especially vendors or people in service-related industries, it’s essential to show appreciation for their hard work. A well-timed smile and a friendly demeanor can go a long way in making your interactions pleasant and enjoyable.

What is the current tipping standard in Vietnam?

The standard tipping amount in Vietnam varies depending on the industry. For services like taxi drivers, bartenders, or hairdressers, 1,000-5,000 VND (about 4-20 USD) per service is considered sufficient. For tour guides, 5-10% of the total tour cost is a suitable tip.

Are there any tipping taboos to avoid?

While tipping in Vietnam is generally acceptable, there are some situations where it’s best not to tip at all. These include situations like getting change from a street vendor or taking the luggage of your driver; these services are part of their work and don’t require extra payment.

Section 2: Tipping in Vietnamese Restaurants

Are restaurants included in tipping culture?

Yes, eating out is an integral part of Vietnamese culture, and showing appreciation for good service at restaurants is common. For a meal valued under 10 USD, rounding up to the nearest thousand VND (about 40 USD) or leaving 1-3% of the total bill as a tip would suffice.

What about food delivery services?

For food delivery, a small amount (around 5,000-10,000 VND, approximately 20 USD) is considered sufficient. Some delivery apps suggest tipping the driver directly, but it’s also okay to pay through the app itself.

Section 3: Tipping for Non-Restaurant Services

What kind of services should you tip?

When using services like gyms, beauty salons, or even taking an Uber ride (not included in taxi rides we discussed earlier), the standard practice is a few thousand VND, equivalent to about 10-50 USD. Taxi apps also include tipping suggestions.

Should you leave tips on credit cards?

Both card and cash options are allowed in various service sectors; however, cash tips often show more appreciation for immediate services like food delivery or laundry.

Section 4: Tipping in Tourist Areas and Major Cities

In tourist areas, will higher tipping become the norm?

In high-season destinations, you might encounter expectations to tip more generously. Consider your specific interactions with your service providers. However, if your expectation was a standard local service, stick to that.

Section 5: Final Tips and Takeaways

How can visitors be kind while balancing the reality of tipping in Vietnam?

Respect local customs and keep tips reasonable for everyday services you use regularly during your stay in Vietnam. In situations where expectations might differ (e.g., tourists staying at higher-end or luxury hotels), you may need to consider more liberal gratuities.

Can individual travelers set a budget for tipping as part of their overall trip preparation?

Yes, especially with the growth of digital payments apps that allow for easier transaction tracking, your personal tipping budget can definitely be integrated into your general expense planning.