Should I tip when traveling to Vietnam? How much is appropriate for each kind of service without tipping too little, too much, or being cheated? This article contains all the detailed and useful information on tipping in Vietnam and many must-know tips that can make you feel safe and comfortable during your trips.
Written by Oliver PHUNG (Tour guide)
Updated on Mar 21, 2025
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Oliver Phung is a specialist in cultural tourism and trekking in the mountains of Northern Vietnam, with over 7 years of hands-on experience. Born and raised amidst the sounds of the kèn (a traditional instrument) and the songs of the Mông, Thái, Tay, and Dao ethnic communities, Oliver does not just have a passion for their history and culture, he lives it. For him, sharing the beauty of these traditions is not just a job, it's a way of life.
Drawing from his experience on hundreds of trekking trips and guided tours across routes from Ha Giang, Lao Cai to Cao Bang, Oliver offers an authentic and in-depth perspective.
Absolute no! Tipping is not common or compulsory in Vietnam; in fact, it’s still a relatively new concept in the country. However, it has become a part and parcel of Vietnamese culture even today, including for local-field tourists. When a Vietnamese person uses a service and feels good about it, they tend to leave a little cash as a tribute to recognizing quality service, so leaving 5-10% of the bill at restaurants is your thankful gesture for good service.
Tipping is required when traveling in Vietnam
To better understand it, here is an illustration:
Tipping culture can very much be compared to food culture. For example, a host calls you for a meal. If you eat everything on your plate, they might guess you were extremely hungry. On the contrary, if you leave some maawa food, it's either that you are not hungry but very picky about food, or that it wasn't worth your time at all.
This is, broadly, what happens with tips. We want to say thank you sincerely when we are glad about a given service. However, it becomes a bit tricky to understand how much and in what way to bestow tips without running into misunderstandings or awkwardness. If a tip is too scant, the person receiving it may think that we were not exactly comfortable with their service, which brings discomfort to both parties involved
Important note:
The proverb is that the Vietnamese Dong consists of only notes and no coins. You will consider mainly using plastic bills (for larger amounts), whereas paper notes are of minimal value and essentially, throughout, act as coins. Only plastic bills should be considered for tips since leaving paper bills could be considered rude.
When Should You Leave Tips?
In situations where tipping is expected, giving a gratuity to tour guides and drivers is practically essential. In addition, there are other cases in which you should also pay attention.
Tour Guides
Tour guides shall always be your comrades and therefore contribute a lot to the success of your travel. They provide much interesting information and create unforgettable experiences. Tipping shows gratitude for their well-deserved professionalism and dedication, as well as inspires them to provide excellent services.
The tour guide is a travel companion
Drivers
Drivers are another key element in your trip. Thanking them for their kindness and professionalism, for carrying you safely and comfortably, is a sign of appreciation that is always well received.
Drivers are the ones who contribute to the success and safety of the trip
Experience Services
Tipping becomes nearly obligatory if your itinerary includes activities such as tricycle taxi rides (xích lô), rowing in either Tam Coc or the Mekong Delta, or even indulging in some relaxation through a massage.
Most of these workers earn low base salaries, and their hard work truly deserves recognition through tips from tourists.
You should tip when boating
If you travel with a tourist agency and not independently, it is not necessary to tip, as the agency usually accommodates that.
If you are participating in a trip through the mountainous areas of northern Vietnam, a porter will need to be hired for your trekking and should be tipped after working hard to carry your luggage under the rough conditions they endure. They, too, deserve some extras.
Porters in the Northern Mountain Region of Vietnam
Tipping at hotels is discretionary, although a small tip can be left for bag or luggage handlers, at the reception, or for the cleaning service at the end of the stay.
When you stay in a family home or a house rented from local families, you can bring a small gift as a souvenir or a common item from your country rather than offer money, creating a closer, old-fashioned atmosphere.
Tipping in restaurants is not mandatory. However, if you are satisfied with the quality of the service, a small tip will be highly valued and is a way to show your appreciation.
Shopping
When you buy, it is not customary to tip the seller. This decision is up to you and your level of personal satisfaction.
How Much Should I Tip in Vietnam?
Here are some tips on tipping that you should consider at the end of certain services.
Tour Guides
Group of 1-3 travelers: $5-8/traveler
Group of 4-6 travelers: $3-6/traveler
More than 5 travelers: $3-4/traveler
Drivers
The tip must be equivalent to half of the tour guide's gratuity.
Experience Services
Ferryman/rower: $1-2/traveler
Tricycle driver (xích lô): $1-2/traveler
Masseur:$1-2/traveler
Accommodation in Local Houses
It is advisable to bring a gift or leave a tip of $1-2/traveler.
Porters During Trekking in Border Areas (if applicable)
$1-2/traveler
Other Tipping Tips to Know When Traveling in Vietnam
Understanding Vietnamese currency is essential to avoid confusion. Many notes look similar, and Vietnam is a cash-based economy, with no coins in circulation. While some hotels, supermarkets, and high-end venues accept card payments, most transactions are cash-only. So always carry enough cash for your needs, including tips.
When tipping, always use local currency instead of US dollars, as they are not widely accepted and may be inconvenient for the recipient. In rural areas, people might feel embarrassed by your offer of a tip. If they seem reluctant, a sincere "thank you" may be more appropriate.
Don’t stress if you’re on a tight budget. While tipping is a nice gesture, it’s not mandatory in Vietnam as it is in some other countries. However, small tips are appreciated, especially since many locals don’t earn much. Generosity goes a long way, and tipping is a simple way to acknowledge the warmth, kindness, and brilliant hospitality of the Vietnamese people.
As mentioned above, tipping is almost mandatory in Vietnam in certain situations, such as tipping tour guides and drivers.
Which Services Should You Tip for in Vietnam?
It is recommended to prioritize tips for services such as tour guides, drivers, boatmen, tricycle drivers (xích lô), among others. In addition, you can tip in other situations if you deem it necessary.
What to Keep in Mind When Tipping in Vietnam?
When tipping, consider giving it directly to the person who provided the service or through the tour guide so that they distribute it equally among the driver or others involved. Delivering it directly can ensure a fairer distribution.
What are the most commonly used denominations of money in Vietnam?
Currently, Vietnam's currency (VND or Vietnamese dong) circulates mainly in the form of paper and polymer banknotes. The most common denominations are:
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