Tipping is not a traditional requirement but is increasingly familiar in tourist areas. Round up a casual bill; around 10% is a useful guideline for good service in an upscale restaurant.
Round up / 10%Dining quick answer
Guidance applies to the services described below; customs can differ by provider.
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Vietnam tipping cheat sheet
Amounts, whether a tip is expected, and the exceptions that matter. Open a row for details.
RestaurantsAdvice & exceptionsRound up / 10%
Tipping is not a traditional requirement but is increasingly familiar in tourist areas. Round up a casual bill; around 10% is a useful guideline for good service in an upscale restaurant.
Before paying: Check for an included service charge or gratuity. If adding a card tip, confirm the total before completing payment; with cash, make clear what is a tip and what change you need.
Drivers do not expect tips; rounding the fare is a customary small thank-you.
Bellhop & luggage helpAdvice & exceptionsMay be in the tour pool
The operator’s pooled budget includes luggage handlers. Avoid paying the whole pooled amount to each porter.
HousekeepingAdvice & exceptionsOptional thank-you
A tip is appreciated for cleaning after a stay of several nights; the source sets no daily cash amount.
Tour guidesAdvice & exceptionsUS$3–6 / day suggested
On The Go Tours suggests this for its tour leader, in addition to its staff pool. Party-size units are not specified on the page.
Tour driversAdvice & exceptionsMay be in the tour pool
For this operator’s small/private trips, a combined US$5–10 per person per day budget covers support staff, including drivers. It is not a driver-only tip.
FROM ARRIVAL TO CHECKOUT
Your journey
Arriving & getting around
Keep a prepaid airport transfer separate from a metered taxi or a full-day driver. For tour budgets, check the unit and whether guide and driver tips are separate.
On The Go Tours collects its group tipping pool in local currency. Its leader tip is separate; other operators can use different arrangements.
If you choose to give a personal cash tip, use a currency the recipient can spend and make its purpose clear. Card payment for the bill does not guarantee a card-tip facility. Check the final total before approving it.
For a prepaid tour or resort stay, read the gratuity inclusions. A service fee, a staff tip pool and an individual guide tip may cover different people.
