Short answer: Appreciated, not expected. Tipping is not a standard part of Vietnamese culture, but it is becoming more common in tourist areas and upscale places. Small tips for good service are appreciated, especially for guides, drivers and spa therapists. Tip in dong, not dollars.
Is service included?
Upscale restaurants and hotels may add a service charge to the bill; the rate varies. Local restaurants and street food stalls do not. If a charge is included, no extra tip is needed.
How much to tip in Vietnam
| Who | Usual tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (sit-down) | 5 to 10% | Not expected at local places; 5 to 10% for good service in upscale or tourist restaurants. |
| Cafes and bars | Round up | Leave the small change if you like; not expected. |
| Taxis and rideshare | Round up | Not required; round up or let the driver keep the change. Grab allows an in-app tip. |
| Hotel housekeeping | About ₫10,000 to 20,000 | Optional; around ₫10,000 to 20,000 for good service, more common in larger hotels. |
| Hotel porters | US$1 to 2 per bag, in dong | Around the local equivalent of US$1 to 2 per bag. |
| Tour guides | US$10 to 20 per day, in dong | Around US$10 to 20 per day for a guide and half that for the driver; 5 to 10% of the tour price is another guide. |
| Hairdressers and spas | 10 to 20% | 10 to 20% is customary at spas, especially hotel spas; check for signs saying a tip is already included. |
| Food delivery | Optional | Small tip in the app or cash if you like, especially in bad weather or late at night; no firm custom. |
Amounts are in the local currency (VND). They are common customs, not rules: tip more for great service and less where it was poor.
How to tip
Use cash in Vietnamese dong; US dollars are not commonly accepted. Hand the tip to the person directly with a thank you (cam on), and keep it low key. Card machines rarely offer a tip option, but Grab rides and deliveries can be tipped in the app.
What to avoid
Do not tip in US dollars or foreign coins; use dong notes, which staff can actually spend.
Work out a tip
The tip calculator is set to Vietnam and the local currency: enter the bill, pick a percentage and split it between the table.
Tipping with no cash
When you have no local cash, ask whether a tip can go on the card. More and more guides, drivers and performers show a QR code instead: point your phone camera at it and you can tip by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay without installing anything.
Sources
- Lonely Planet: The ultimate guide to tipping in Asia
- Local Vietnam: Tipping in Vietnam
- Intrepid Travel: Tipping in Vietnam
Checked in October 2026 against the sources above. Customs change and vary between cities and venues.
Common questions
Is tipping expected in Vietnam?
Appreciated, not expected. Tipping is not a standard part of Vietnamese culture, but it is becoming more common in tourist areas and upscale places. Small tips for good service are appreciated, especially for guides, drivers and spa therapists. Tip in dong, not dollars.
How much should you tip at a restaurant in Vietnam?
5 to 10%. Not expected at local places; 5 to 10% for good service in upscale or tourist restaurants.
Is a service charge added to the bill in Vietnam?
Upscale restaurants and hotels may add a service charge to the bill; the rate varies. Local restaurants and street food stalls do not. If a charge is included, no extra tip is needed.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Vietnam?
Round up.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in Vietnam?
About ₫10,000 to 20,000.
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