Vietnam tipping guide
This Vietnam tipping guide notes that tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam, but appreciated.
In restaurants, 5–10% is fine if no service charge is added.
For porters and bellhops, 10,000–20,000 VND per bag is standard.
For tour guides, 100,000–200,000 VND per person per day is typical.
You don’t need to tip at street food stalls.
In taxis, just round up.
Or tip at hotels for basic service.
The rule: tip when service is good, not because you feel obliged.
Vietnam isn’t the US — people don’t rely on tips to survive. But a small gesture goes a long way. This guide covers the real expectations for each situation, with local context so you don’t look like a tourist or offend anyone.
🍽️ Restaurants — Check the Bill First
If a service charge is already included, you don’t need to add anything. Many mid-range and high-end restaurants add 5–10% service charge automatically — it will say “service charge” or “++” on the bill (which means VAT + service).
If no service charge is included, 5–10% is fine. For good service, round up or leave 5–10%. For street food — no tip.
One nuance: In some high-end restaurants, a 5% service charge is often already factored into the menu prices. It does not always show as a separate line. If the service was excellent, leaving an extra 5% in cash on the table is a nice gesture.
If you’re staying in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and eating at a place with table service, you can safely follow this rule.
🏨 Hotels — Small Bills Only
Bellhops/porters: 10,000–20,000 VND ($0.40–$0.80) per bag. For a large bag, 20,000 is fine. Don’t tip coins.
Housekeeping: 20,000–50,000 VND ($0.80–$2) per day, left in the room with a note that says “Cảm ơn” (thank you).
Concierge: 50,000–100,000 VND ($2–$4) for exceptional help (like getting you a last-minute table at a popular restaurant).
Room service: Round up the bill or leave 10% if service was prompt.
Reception: Not expected. They’re paid a decent salary.
🧭 Tours & Guides — The One Place Where Tipping Matters
This is where a tip actually makes a difference. Tour guides in Vietnam often work on low base salaries and rely partly on tips.
Full-day group tour guide: 100,000–200,000 VND ($4–$8 USD) per person.
Half-day group tour guide: 50,000–100,000 VND ($2–$4 USD) per person.
Private guide (full day): $10–$20 USD total, depending on group size.
Bus driver on a tour: 50,000–100,000 VND ($2–$4 USD) total for the group, not per person.
🚗 Transport — Just Round Up
Grab and taxis: Rounding up is standard. If the fare is 85,000 VND, giving 90,000 VND is enough.
Private drivers (full day): 50,000–100,000 VND ($2–$4 USD) per day.
Cyclo drivers: Negotiate the fare first. Tipping isn’t expected, but rounding up is fine.
🛑 Where You Don’t Need to Tip
- Street food vendors — no, never
- Fast food or self-service places — no
- Pharmacy or convenience store staff — no
- Airport staff — no
- Hotel reception — no
📌 Final Rule
If you’re unsure, ask yourself: was the service above and beyond? If yes, tip. If it was just normal service, you don’t need to. Vietnam isn’t a tipping culture — it’s a gratitude culture. A small gesture will always be appreciated, but it’s never expected.
🏨 Where to Stay & What to Pair It With
Once you’ve sorted your tipping etiquette, it’s time to book your accommodation. You will find everything from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts across Vietnam. Check hotels in Vietnam to compare prices and read guest reviews. For a broader overview, I have put together guides to the best hotels on Phu Quoc, best hotels in Da Nang, and best hotels in Nha Trang if you’re still deciding where to base yourself.
Pair your trip with a visit to Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm for a unique cultural experience, or Sim Sơn Winery for a taste of Phu Quoc’s famous sim wine. For a full day of adventure, combine it with VinWonders and Safari — the park is one of the island’s top attractions.
