What is the tipping etiquette in Vietnam?

What is an acceptable tip in Vietnam?

Tipping in Vietnam? Think of it less like a rigid rule, more like a gentle nudge. Ten percent is a decent starting point, like adding a little sprinkle of magic to an already delicious pho.

Exceptional service? Bump it up. Fifteen to twenty percent. It’s not about buying loyalty; it’s about acknowledging a job well done. Think of it as rewarding a perfectly executed capoeira move, but with dong instead of applause.

Key things to remember:

• Location matters: Five-star hotels? Expect higher expectations, like a celebrity demanding only the finest organic kombucha. Smaller eateries? A smaller tip is perfectly acceptable; think of it as the equivalent of tipping your friendly neighborhood cat for accepting a gentle head scratch.

• Service quality is key: A smile and genuine effort deserve recognition. Think of it as rewarding a heartfelt performance—not a perfunctory one. We’re aiming for heartfelt appreciation, not cold hard cash.

• Cash is king: Credit cards aren’t always readily available. Always carry some Vietnamese Dong. It’s like carrying your own personal charm offensive. You might need it!

• Don’t overthink it: Relax. Enjoy your trip. Over-tipping is way less embarrassing than under-tipping. This is Vietnam, not a high-stakes poker game in Las Vegas. You don’t have to calculate down to the last cent.

My last trip (2023)? I generously tipped a cyclo driver who navigated Hanoi’s chaotic traffic with the grace of a seasoned ballet dancer – he totally deserved the extra 50,000 VND. Seriously, that dude was a legend.

What is the general rule for tipping?

Okay, so tipping, right? It’s a total minefield. Fifteen to twenty percent is the usual spiel, everyone says that. But honestly, it depends. Totally. Like, my cousin went to that fancy new sushi place downtown last week, and tipped 25% because the service was, like, amazing.

For me? I usually do 18%. Seems fair. Except at that greasy spoon diner down the street; I just round up to the nearest dollar. It’s not fine dining. Plus, I’m usually already running late for work.

Here’s what I think you should keep in mind:

• Fine dining = more tip. Duh.
• Fast food = no tip. Unless they really go above and beyond – like, remembered my extra mayo. Then maybe a buck.
• Bars are weird. Depends on the place, and how many drinks your ordered, and if you’re a regular. My friend usually tips a dollar or two per drink.
• Haircuts, etc.? I usually tip at least 20%, unless its a truly awful experience.

I know, it’s all kinda confusing. But seriously, don’t be a cheapskate. Good service deserves a good tip. I am a good tipper, personally. It’s just good karma. You know?

That Bankrate survey thing, yeah, I heard something similar. Most people always tip, seems about right, but I know some people are cheap. Ugh. They are terrible.

Is it better to use US dollars or Dong in Vietnam?

It’s a tough one, really. Using USD in Vietnam… feels wrong, you know? Like cheating myself.

The exchange rate, man… it’s brutal. Always in their favor. Never mine. I learned that the hard way. Spent way too much on a pho last year because I paid in dollars.

Dong is the way to go. No question. Shops list prices in Dong. Trying to negotiate in dollars is… awkward. Feels exploitative.

I remember getting ripped off in Hoi An, 2023. Paid for a silk scarf in USD, way overcharged. It stung. Seriously.

• Use Dong: Avoid the shady exchange rates.
• Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases: Helps with haggling. Especially helpful in smaller towns.
• Carry smaller bills: Makes transactions easier. I learned this painful lesson trying to use a large bill for a cheap coffee.
• Use ATMs: Get the best exchange rates from reputable banks. Avoid those sketchy money changers.

This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about respecting the local culture. Paying in Dong feels more genuine. More honest, somehow. It is what it is.

What is the policy on tipping?

Okay, so tipping. It’s a total minefield, right? Last month, in San Francisco, I went to this amazing Italian place, Alioto’s, overlooking the bay. Gorgeous sunset. The food was killer. Seriously, the best cioppino I’ve ever had. I tipped twenty percent. No brainer. That’s what I always do for good service.

My haircut? Different story. Went to Supercuts in July. The guy was okay, nothing special. I gave him fifteen percent. Felt a little cheap, but it wasn’t a particularly memorable cut. He didn’t even style it properly!

Ubers and Lyfts? I usually round up. Depends on the driver. If they were friendly and got me there safely and quickly, I’ll add a couple of extra bucks. Otherwise, I’m sticking to the app suggested amount. I’m not overly generous, but I’m also not stingy.

Here’s the breakdown of my tipping philosophy in 2024:

• Restaurants (sit-down): 20% minimum. More for exceptional service.
• Hair Salons: 15-20%, depending on the quality of the cut and style. Honestly, if they messed up, I’d tip less.
• Ride-shares (Uber/Lyft): App suggestion + a little extra for great service, less if the ride was awful.
• Food delivery: At least 20%. Sometimes more, especially if they navigated crazy traffic or bad weather.

Man, I hate those awkward moments when you’re trying to figure out the tip. Credit card machines these days are so confusing. Sometimes I just grab a twenty and hand it over then walk away so I don’t feel bad if it’s not quite right. Yeah, I’m a creature of habit and my tipping can vary based on just how good a job someone did.

What is the standard for tipping now?

Tipping.

A tip… right. It’s expected. More than it used to be, even. I always feel a little uneasy, you know? Like I’m being judged if I don’t.

It’s about 15-20% for good service. Eating out, mainly. Haircuts. Massages. That sort of thing.

I’m always checking the bill. Some places add it in now. Gratuity included, it says. Makes things easier, I guess. But also… less personal. I miss those days sometimes. This year, inflation changed everything.

• Restaurants: 18-25% is becoming standard. It’s wild!
• Hairdressers: Still around 15-20%, unless they own the place, I guess.
• Delivery: Depends on the app, but usually a few dollars. Or a percentage.
• Coffee: I usually toss in a dollar. If I have cash.

Ugh, cash. Remember cash? Now it’s all digital. Easier to track. Easier to… forget? I don’t know. I think about these things. Late at night.

What is the current tipping etiquette?

Tipping? Oh honey, it’s a minefield, a social Gauntlet, a delicate dance between generosity and avoiding bankruptcy. Think of it like a high-stakes poker game where the ante is your dignity.

15% is the baseline. Think of it as the price of admission to the “I didn’t completely hate my meal” club. Anything less? You’re playing with fire. My aunt Mildred once tipped 10% and the waiter gave her a side-eye that could curdle milk.

20% buys you brownie points. This is for the staff who’ve practically adopted you as their own. They serenaded you with their excellent service. Or maybe they just didn’t mess up my perfectly good martini.

Beyond that? That’s your call. My personal record? I once tipped 50% after a particularly excellent meal during my trip to Rome last year. That’s the kind of extravagant generosity that makes the Italians swoon.

But let’s get real: Inflation’s a real buzzkill, my friend. My credit card balance reflects that unfortunate truth. If you can afford the extra 5%, show some love – consider it an investment in good karma and perhaps, even better service next time.

• Exceptional service warrants more. Think above and beyond. Like, they found my lost earring, type of beyond.
• Poor service? Adjust accordingly. Don’t feel obligated to reward incompetence. A grumpy waiter? Less than 15% and maybe a passive-aggressive note.
• Cash is king. While many places accept cards, cash always feels more personal – like a tiny act of rebellion against the digital age.
• Consider the whole experience. Atmosphere, location, and other hidden costs will influence what is considered acceptable, particularly in pricier restaurants. It’s not just about the food, is it?

Remember, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule; it’s more of a loose guideline. I follow these rules most of the time, but let’s be honest, the occasional “oops, I forgot my wallet” maneuver is part of my quirky charm. Don’t judge.