Vietnam’s tipping culture has evolved quickly alongside its booming tourism industry. While tipping isn’t traditional in Vietnamese culture, the influx of international visitors has made small tips increasingly common — and appreciated — in tourist-facing situations.
The Vietnamese dong (VND) is the local currency, but USD is widely accepted, especially for tips and in tourist areas.
Tipping at Restaurants
10% is appropriate for good service at restaurants that don’t already include a service charge. Higher-end restaurants and those in hotels often add a 5–10% service charge automatically — check your bill first.
At casual local spots, street food stalls, and pho shops, tipping is not expected, though leaving small change is a nice gesture.
Tipping at Hotels
- Housekeeping — $1–2 USD per night, left daily
- Porter / bellhop — $1 USD per bag
- Concierge — $5–10 USD for meaningful assistance
Tipping Taxis and Transportation
Tipping taxi drivers is not strictly expected, but rounding up the fare is common. For Grab (the regional rideshare app), tipping is optional and not commonly practiced, though rounding up is appreciated.
Tipping Tour Guides and Boat Trips
Vietnam’s tourism centers heavily on guided experiences — Halong Bay boat trips, Hanoi street food tours, Mekong Delta excursions. For group tours, $5–10 USD per person is standard. For private guides, $10–20 USD per day is appropriate.
Cultural Notes
Tipping in Vietnam is best understood as “growing with tourism” rather than traditional — locals historically haven’t tipped each other, but the tourism sector has adapted quickly to international visitor expectations. Guides, drivers, and tour staff in particular have come to expect small tips as part of their income from foreign tourists.
USD is widely accepted and often the easiest currency for tipping, though dong is used for everyday transactions. Carry small USD bills for guides and drivers, and dong for local spots.
Vietnam Tipping — Quick Reference
| Situation | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (no service charge) | 10% |
| Restaurant (service charge included) | Optional extra |
| Hotel housekeeping | $1–2 USD per night |
| Taxi / Grab | Round up (optional) |
| Tour guide (group) | $5–10 USD per person |
| Private tour guide | $10–20 USD per day |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is tipping expected in Vietnam?
It’s not traditional, but it’s become increasingly common in tourist-facing situations — especially for guides and drivers, who have come to expect small tips from international visitors.
Should I tip in USD or Vietnamese dong?
Both work, but USD is often the easiest for tipping guides and drivers. Dong is more practical for everyday purchases at local spots.
Is a service charge included in restaurant bills in Vietnam?
Often at higher-end restaurants and hotels — typically 5–10%. Check your bill before tipping additionally.
How much should I tip for a Halong Bay boat tour?
For a group tour, $5–10 USD per person is standard. For private guides, $10–20 USD per day is appropriate.
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