Tipping in Vietnam: What's Expected, What Isn't

Tipping in Vietnam is not a traditional practice. Unlike some Western countries, service charges are rarely added to bills. Most service workers earn a set salary. Therefore, tipping is seen as a bonus, not an expectation. It shows appreciation for excellent service. A small gesture is always welcome.

At local street food stalls or casual cafes, tipping is generally not expected. For example, enjoying phở in Hà Nội's Old Quarter, you simply pay the bill. In more upscale restaurants, a service charge (phí phục vụ) might be included. Check your bill first. If not, a small tip of 5-10% for good service is fine.

Tipping is more common for tour guides and private drivers. They often spend significant time ensuring your comfort. For a full-day tour, consider giving your guide from $5-$10 (approximate). For a multi-day tour, this might be from $15-$25 (approximate) per person. Drivers usually receive half of the guide's amount.

In hotels, a small tip for bellhops or housekeepers is appreciated. Around $1-$2 (approximate) per bag or per day is suitable. For spa treatments or salon services, tipping is also common. If you receive excellent service, consider 5-10% of the service cost. This applies nationwide, from Hồ Chí Minh City to Đà Nẵng.

For taxis or ride-sharing services like Grab, rounding up the fare is a common practice. For instance, if the fare is 92,000 VND, you might give 100,000 VND. This is more of a convenience than a formal tip. For other small services, like a shoe shine or a quick errand, a small token of appreciation is always kind.