Is Tipping in Vietnam Required? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Leaving a tip in Vietnam after enjoying great service is always appreciated. Your travels in Vietnam can create unforgettable memories, so don’t hesitate to indulge in the delicious local cuisine and show your gratitude with a tip afterwards.

As reported by Business Insider, it’s customary for tourists to leave a tip of 5 to 10 percent of the restaurant bill. However, tipping hotel staff or taxi drivers isn’t mandatory.

That said, there are certain services where tipping is expected. For instance, if you hire a tour guide, it’s customary to offer a tip based on the length of the tour.

Understanding Tipping in Vietnam

While tipping is always welcomed in Vietnam, it's not mandatory or common practice. A small tip is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for the services provided by waitstaff, drivers, and other service workers. It carries significant meaning for those who assist you during your travels and promotes excellent service in the future. Tipping has also become a common custom in the travel and tourism industry in many places.

When tipping in Vietnam, be sure to have some local currency on hand to give to service workers. Avoid using coins, as they may be seen as disrespectful.

Additionally, make sure you are familiar with the currency, note denominations, and exchange rates before you start tipping. Without this knowledge, you might end up giving too much or too little.

While tipping in Vietnam isn't a widespread practice, it's still acceptable and appreciated, especially since costs are generally low in the country.

Should We Tip Our Tour Guide in Vietnam?

Definitely! It's a good idea to offer Vietnamese tour guides a small tip for their excellent services. They provide insightful and immersive experiences that enhance your understanding of the destinations. With most tours being quite affordable, whether you're on a walking, hiking, motorbike, or culinary tour, be sure to tip generously.

What’s the Right Amount to Tip in Vietnam?

A tip of 10-15% of the tour cost is standard, and feel free to give more if your experience was exceptional. If your tour includes a driver, consider tipping them a similar amount as well. Here are some places to consider leaving a tip!

1. Dining Establishment

In restaurants, a tip of around 10% is customary. Even at upscale establishments, there may be additional charges beyond taxes, which do not benefit the waitstaff. Therefore, leaving a gratuity directly for the servers is appropriate.

2. Cafés and Bars

While tipping at cafés and bars in Vietnam isn’t common, it is certainly welcomed. You’ll often find a tip jar on the counter, but it’s also perfectly fine to hand a tip directly to the servers who assist you.

3. Taxi Drivers

While tipping taxi drivers in Vietnam isn't a common practice, it is certainly appreciated. A small tip ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 VND is suitable, depending on the distance to your destination. Additionally, you can use the Grab app to find rides and simply hand cash to the driver upon arrival.

4. Hotels

Tipping hotel staff in Vietnam is greatly appreciated, especially at locally owned establishments. Consider giving individual tips to staff members like porters, housekeepers, and receptionists to support the local community.

5. Spas

When visiting a spa in Vietnam, it’s essential to tip the masseuses and staff. Even in high-end establishments, they often receive low wages despite providing specialized services. A tip of at least 10-20% of your bill, given directly to the staff, would be greatly appreciated.

Tipping in Vietnam Currency

The Vietnamese Dong (VND) serves as the official currency of Vietnam. It comes in various denominations of coins and banknotes, symbolized by "₫." However, coins are becoming increasingly rare in everyday transactions.

The commonly used banknotes in Vietnam include 1,000 VND, 2,000 VND, 5,000 VND, 10,000 VND, 20,000 VND, 50,000 VND, 100,000 VND, 200,000 VND, and 500,000 VND. Familiarizing yourself with these denominations ensures that your tips align with the local economy, even if the exchange rate between USD and VND varies. Knowing the values will make tipping smoother and help avoid any misunderstandings.

It's generally advisable to tip in Vietnamese Dong (VND). While some recipients may accept US dollars, using VND is more practical for them since they won't need to convert it. Tipping in local currency ensures that your amount is suitable for the community and reflects the local economy.

Moreover, using VND helps prevent potential misunderstandings or discrepancies in currency exchange rates. Tipping in Vietnamese Dong not only bolsters the local economy but also shows your respect for the local culture.

When tipping in Vietnam, take into account the quality of service you received and your overall satisfaction. Hand your tip directly to the staff with a warm smile and a sincere thank you. Always aim to convey positive and respectful energy during your stay in Vietnam.

Exploring Vietnam with Mytour

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