🇻🇳 Tipping in Vietnam
Tipping appreciatedVietnam’s tipping culture is modernising with tourism: 10% in many tourist-facing restaurants, tips for guides, drivers, and overnight crews, and a habit of small extras for people who have looked after you well. At street pho, coffee, and local joints, the price is the price. Apps like Grab can carry a small tip. Dong amounts look large; convert mentally so you do not over- or under-shoot. Kindness in cash is understood.
Tipping is appreciated but not traditional in Vietnam
Tipping isn't part of Vietnamese culture traditionally, but it's now expected in tourist restaurants and hotels. 10% at restaurants and rounding up for taxis is a generous and welcome gesture.
When to tip
Tourist restaurants, hotels, tours, and boat crews over multiple days; round on Grab; avoid tipping where locals never do.
Where & how much
| Venue / service | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (tourist) | 10% | Appreciated in tourist areas. |
| Street food | Nothing | Not expected. |
| Taxis / Grab | Round up | Not expected but kind. |
| Hotels | 20,000–50,000 ₫/night | For housekeeping. |
| Tour guides | 50,000–100,000 ₫ | Standard for tours. |
Work out a tip in Vietnamese dong
Enter the bill in ₫ — the local currency for Vietnam.
Service quality
People
Each person pays
₫0
- Tip amount
- ₫0
- Tip per person
- ₫0
- Total bill
- ₫0
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Get Wise free →Frequently asked questions about tipping in Vietnam
Should I tip at Vietnamese street food stalls?
No — street food and local pho shops don't have a tipping culture. Pay the stated price and enjoy your meal. Tipping at street stalls can actually cause confusion or awkwardness with local vendors.
How much should I tip a Vietnamese motorbike taxi (xe om)?
Rounding up generously is appreciated — if the fare is 40,000 VND, giving 50,000 VND and waving away the change is a kind gesture. App-based services like Grab show a tip prompt where 10,000–20,000 VND is appropriate.
Should I tip on a Ha Long Bay cruise?
Yes — crews on overnight bay cruises work long hours. 50,000–100,000 VND per person per day for the crew, given collectively to the captain at the end, is the standard amount. Budget for this when booking multi-day tours.