Learn the tipping etiquette in Vietnam, including when and how much to tip in restaurants, hotels, taxis, and more. Enhance your travel experience with this guide. When visiting Vietnam, understanding the local tipping customs can enhance your experience and help you navigate social norms with ease. While tipping is not deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture, it has become more common, particularly in tourist-friendly areas. Knowing the right moments and amounts to tip can show appreciation for good service while respecting cultural expectations. Here’s a guide on tipping in Vietnam.

Tipping in Restaurants and Cafes
In most restaurants and cafes in Vietnam, tipping is not expected, especially in smaller, local eateries. However, in tourist-oriented or higher-end venues, tipping is appreciated. For mid-range to upscale restaurants, leaving a tip of around 5-10% of the total bill is a good practice if you’re satisfied with the service.

In cafes, tipping is even less common. Still, rounding up your bill or leaving a small amount—around 5,000 to 10,000 VND—can be a nice gesture, particularly if the service was attentive or you’re part of a larger group.

Tipping Tour Guides and Drivers
Tipping is more customary for tour guides and drivers, especially on private or group tours. If you had a memorable experience, it’s polite to show your appreciation with a small gratuity.

• For tour guides, tipping 100,000 to 200,000 VND (around $4-8 USD) for a full-day tour is appropriate.
• Drivers typically receive about half that amount, around 50,000 to 100,000 VND for a full-day tour.

On Halong Bay cruises, especially luxury or multi-day cruises, tipping the crew is often encouraged. Contributing to a communal tip jar is common practice, with a range of $5 to $20 USD per person depending on the length of the cruise and the level of service.

Tipping in Hotels
In hotels, tipping practices vary by the type of accommodation, but it is generally appreciated for good service:

• Bellhops or porters who assist with luggage typically receive 20,000 to 50,000 VND (approximately $1-2 USD) per service.
• Housekeeping staff may receive 20,000 to 50,000 VND per night, usually left in the room at checkout.

At luxury hotels and resorts, tipping is more expected, particularly for exceptional service, while in smaller or more modest establishments, tipping is less common but always welcomed.

Tipping in Spas and Salons
Vietnam is known for its spas and salons, popular among both locals and tourists for massages and beauty treatments. A small tip of 50,000 to 100,000 VND (about $2-4 USD) is typically appreciated for good service. In higher-end spas, leaving up to 10% of the total bill is also acceptable.

Tipping in Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
In taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab, tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated, especially for good service. Locals generally don’t tip taxi drivers, but rounding up to the nearest 10,000 VND is a common practice for tourists. For longer trips or exceptional service, you can tip an additional 10,000 to 20,000 VND.

Tipping Street Vendors and Market Sellers
Tipping is not expected in transactions with street vendors or at local markets, as these tend to be fixed-price environments. However, if you’re on a street food tour or engaging with a local vendor in a more personalized setting, tipping your guide or vendor can be a kind gesture to show your appreciation for the experience.

For example, in street food walking tours through areas like Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where guides put in extra effort to create a memorable experience, tipping around 50,000 to 100,000 VND is a thoughtful way to express gratitude.

When Not to Tip
In certain situations, tipping may be inappropriate or unnecessary. For instance, in government offices, official businesses, or hospitals, tipping is generally not accepted and may cause confusion or discomfort. In rural areas or small local establishments where tipping is less common, offering a tip might be seen as unusual or misunderstood.

General Tipping Guidelines in Vietnam

• Currency: Always tip in Vietnamese Dong (VND) rather than foreign currency to avoid any inconvenience for the recipient.
• Discretion: Tipping quietly and respectfully is important, especially in places where tipping isn’t a common practice, to avoid making anyone uncomfortable.
• Appreciation: While tipping is not mandatory, it’s a way to show appreciation for excellent service, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

Conclusion
Tipping in Vietnam is not obligatory but is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for good service, particularly in tourist-centric areas. Whether you’re dining in an upscale restaurant, enjoying a guided tour, or relaxing at a spa, tipping can help enhance your travel experience and foster positive connections with locals. Just remember to tip discreetly and in moderation, staying within the local norms.