Tipping is not required in Vietnam, but it is appreciated in many service-related situations. Unlike in some Western countries where tipping is expected, Vietnam does not have a strong tipping culture. However, it has become more common in certain places, especially those frequented by tourists. Here are some guidelines on when and how much to tip in Vietnam:
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### 1. Restaurants and Cafés:
- Local establishments: Tipping is not expected in local or casual Vietnamese restaurants. Some higher-end places might include a service charge in the bill, but if service is particularly good, leaving a small tip (5-10% of the bill) is a nice gesture.
- Tourist-focused or upscale restaurants: In these places, tipping is more common. A tip of 5-10% is generally appreciated.
### 2. Hotels:
- Bellboys/Porters: If a bellboy helps with your luggage, tipping 20,000 to 50,000 VND (around $1-2 USD) is a polite gesture.
- Housekeeping: Leaving a tip for housekeeping staff at the end of your stay is appreciated but not obligatory. 20,000 to 50,000 VND per day is a common tip.
### 3. Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services:
- Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but you can round up the fare to the nearest convenient amount or leave a small tip if the service was good.
- Ride-hailing services (Grab, Gojek, etc.): There’s no expectation for tipping, but you can leave a small amount as a tip via the app if you wish.
### 4. Spas and Beauty Services:
- Spas, salons, and massage: A tip of 50,000 to 100,000 VND (about $2-5 USD) for a massage or beauty treatment is appreciated, especially if the service was excellent.
### 5. Tour Guides and Drivers:
- Tour guides: If you take a tour, it is customary to tip the guide, especially if they provided good service. Around $5-10 USD per day is common.
- Drivers: If you have a private driver for the day, a tip of 50,000 to 100,000 VND (about $2-5 USD) is appreciated.
### 6. Street Vendors and Markets:
- Tipping is generally not practiced in street food stalls, local markets, or for small purchases.
In summary, while tipping in Vietnam is not mandatory, it is becoming more common in certain sectors, particularly in tourist areas. Leaving a small tip to show appreciation for good service is always welcomed but not expected.
