Vietnam Tipping Culture - How To Tip In Vietnam?
As Western tourists continue to flock in, Vietnam's tipping culture has gained ground. Discover the intriguing facets of tipping in Vietnam and gain valuable insights with Autour Asia's expert guidance on navigating tipping practices in the country!
I. What is tipping culture?
Tipping culture, which is also known as gratuity, originated in Western culture. Initially, tips were small amounts of money that patrons voluntarily added to their bills as a gesture of solidarity towards those with lower incomes. Over time, this practice became popular in the service, restaurant, and hotel industries.
In Vietnam, this practice is translated into monetary appreciation bestowed upon service personnel as a way of acknowledging their dedicated and attentive service. Occasionally, tipping serves as a subtle demonstration of a customer’s social standing or refinement.
II. Is tipping culture normal in Vietnam?
Is Vietnam a tipping culture? Tipping is not a common practice in Vietnam, despite being greatly valued. The concept of tipping still feels unfamiliar to the majority of locals, and tourists visiting Vietnam frequently refrain from tipping simply because they perceive it as unnecessary.
The service landscape predominantly comprises street-side eateries and family-run establishments, lacking explicit guidelines on gratuities. Individuals working in these settings might find themselves puzzled or might even prompt you to take your change back. Conversely, gratuities are generally embraced (and anticipated) in upscale dining venues, bars, and spas. Notably, in bustling metropolises like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, tipping appears to be more customary.
However, in rural areas, tipping is not expected and could be deemed offensive, particularly among older individuals who typically don’t foresee such gestures.
III. Should you tip In USD or VND (Vietnamese Currency)?
Both options are viable, offering you the flexibility to choose. However, owing to the widespread use of the Vietnamese Dong (VND) and its primary role, tipping in VND emerges as the most practical choice.
Additionally, its lower value compared to the US Dollar makes it advantageous not just for tipping but also for shopping during your travels in Vietnam.
Read more : currency in Vietnam
IV. How to tip in Vietnam ?
In Vietnam, tipping culture is not mandatory. So how to tip in Vietnam ? If you want to show appreciation for exceptional service, You can consider the suggestions below:
Tipping at a hotel
If you discover a hotel that aligns with your room preferences or encounter exceptionally helpful and amiable staff, consider expressing appreciation through tipping.
You have several options if you opt to offer a tip at the hotel: place it discreetly on a nearby table, contribute to the gratuity box (if available), or position it visibly within your room. Directly presenting the gratuity ensures it reaches the intended individual, acknowledging their efforts specifically without being divided among employees sharing the same shift.
The appropriate amount typically varies between 20,000 to 50,000 VND. Employees at luxury hotels (ranging from 4 to 5 stars) might anticipate larger tips, although abstaining from tipping is entirely acceptable. Recognizing outstanding service by penning positive reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor or other travel websites holds considerable significance as well. Some hotels even grant monthly bonuses to employees mentioned by name for their exemplary service on these platforms.
If you reside in the same abode, lending a hand in tidying up and presenting a small gift from your homeland would be a thoughtful gesture. Additionally, promising to recommend their accommodation to friends or family can hold considerable value for them.
Tipping in a restaurant
If you wish to show appreciation for exceptional service, adding an extra 5-10% to the bill, even if a service charge is included, is a thoughtful gesture. To ensure that your gratuity goes directly to exemplary staff members, it’s advisable to hand it to them personally.
While exploring Vietnam, trying street food from local vendors is almost inevitable. These spots are often family-run businesses, offering delicious fare without the expectation of receiving a tip.
Conversely, while they might feel too proud to accept additional money, they deeply value positive feedback and a warm demeanor. Engage in conversation, offer a thumbs-up, or even request a photo; by day’s end, they’ll gladly regard you as a newfound friend.
Tipping in a bar
Bars are often considered part of the premium experience in Vietnam, with prices usually surpassing those of restaurants and local eateries. Despite this, bartenders often don't earn significant incomes and depend heavily on tips. It has become customary to tip them, usually around an average of 50,000 VND.
Tipping a tour guide
Tour guides play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of your trip. Therefore, it’s important to show generosity towards your tour guide, especially during private tours.
An average tip for a tour guide typically ranges from 3-5 USD per day (approximately 70,000 VND - 120,000 VND). However, if you find the service exceptional, extending a maximum tip of up to 10 USD (around 230,000 VND) remains a reasonable gesture of appreciation. Some travelers might even consider presenting their tour guide with a small, customary gift from their hometown, though this choice entirely rests with you.
Tipping taxi drivers
Courteous, amiable, trustworthy, and English-proficient taxi drivers are truly invaluable, and tipping them is a suitable way to show appreciation if you come across such a remarkable individual.
A straightforward and thoughtful gesture is to round up your fare. For example, if your ride amounts to 42,000 VND, rounding it to 50,000 VND is a simple act of consideration. While tipping more than 10,000 VND may not be the norm, the choice ultimately rests with you. According to you, how much to tip a taxi driver?
V. Notes on tipping
In lieu of tipping, a warm smile, a glowing review on TripAdvisor, or even a thumbs-up gesture can be an exceptional substitute. Vietnamese individuals tend to cherish sincere and upbeat feedback more than monetary rewards.
To ensure that your appreciation has the desired impact, strive to personally hand the tip to the exemplary service staff you wish to commend. Appreciation often loses its impact when not directed to a specific individual.
However, exercise caution before offering tips in rural or suburban regions, especially when dealing with elderly individuals. They might feel uncomfortable, and in certain instances, excessive tipping might even cause offense.
If you’re traveling on a tight budget and lack funds for tipping, there’s no need to fret. Tipping isn’t obligatory in every situation in Vietnam.
In summary, this guide to tipping culture in Vietnam offers insights into suitable scenarios and suggested gratuity levels to acknowledge and value your service providers. For further valuable information about Vietnam, feel free to explore the website - Autour Asia, Vietnam travel Agency.
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