Tipping in Vietnam isn’t mandatory, but it’s a thoughtful way to show appreciation for good service. While not deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture, tipping is increasingly common and greatly appreciated by service staff who often rely on these extra earnings to supplement modest incomes. So, how much should you tip a guide in Vietnam, and who else should you consider tipping? This guide provides practical advice for navigating tipping etiquette in Vietnam.
Who Should You Tip in Vietnam?
Consider tipping these service providers if you’re satisfied with their service:
Tour Guides
Tour guides provide invaluable service, dedicating their entire day to ensuring you have a memorable experience. They share their knowledge, handle logistics, and assist with any issues that may arise. Their expertise, experience, and dedication warrant a thoughtful tip.
For private tour guides, a tip between US$7 and US$10 per day is generally considered appropriate. If you’re traveling in a larger group of 5 to 8 people or more, a tip of US$3 to US$5 per person per day is a reasonable guideline.
Taxi Drivers
Taxi drivers ensure your safe and efficient transportation to various destinations. A tip of US$3 to US$5 (70,000 VND to 100,000 VND) per day is a kind gesture if they’ve provided excellent service, driven safely, and been helpful.
While tipping isn’t strictly necessary for standard taxi rides where the fare is metered, rounding up the fare as a small tip is always appreciated. For example, if the ride costs 55,000 VND, you could pay 60,000 VND and allow the driver to keep the change. Consider giving a larger tip to drivers who are particularly friendly, knowledgeable, or helpful.
Bellhops
Bellhops provide direct service by assisting with your luggage upon arrival and departure. Tipping them is a standard practice to acknowledge their help.
A standard tip for a bellhop is around US$2 (50,000 VND), or US$1 per bag if you have a large amount of luggage.
Housekeeping Staff
While some believe tipping housekeeping staff is unnecessary, leaving a small tip demonstrates appreciation for their work in keeping your room clean and comfortable.
Consider leaving US$1-2 (50,000 VND) on a table in your room as a thank-you gift if you’re satisfied with the cleanliness of your accommodation.
Restaurant Waiters/Waitresses
Most restaurants in Vietnam don’t automatically include a service charge, so tipping is a thoughtful way to acknowledge excellent service.
You can tip directly from US$1 to US$3 (20,000 to 70,000 VND) to your waiter or waitress if you’re pleased with their service. Some establishments have a tipping box where you can leave a small amount, typically around US$1 (20,000 VND), which is then divided among the staff.
Note that fine dining restaurants and those in 5-star hotels often add a service charge (5-15%) to the bill. However, only a small portion of this may reach the staff, so consider adding a small gratuity to the person who served you if you were especially impressed with their service.
Spa Staff
At high-end spas, tipping isn’t generally expected as the prices are usually inclusive of staff commissions. However, at lower-end spas with lower service prices, it’s customary to tip 15-20% of the total bill, approximately US$5 (100,000 VND), directly to the staff member who provided the service.
Should You Tip in USD or VND?
While both US dollars and Vietnamese Dong (VND) are generally accepted, tipping in VND is the preferred option. VND is the local currency and is more practical for service staff to use. Additionally, due to the lower value of VND compared to USD, it can be more advantageous for you to use the local currency for tipping and other purchases during your visit.
Tipping Etiquette in Vietnam: Key Takeaways
Tipping in Vietnam is not mandatory but is a growing practice that is highly appreciated by service staff. Remember these key points:
- Tip only when satisfied: Only give a tip if you are happy with the service you received.
- VND is preferred: While USD is accepted, tipping in the local currency (VND) is more practical.
- Consider the service: The amount you tip should reflect the quality of service provided.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently navigate tipping etiquette in Vietnam and show your appreciation for the hard work of those in the service industry. Enjoy your trip!
