What’s the tipping principle in Vietnam?1) You expect good service for the price, and tip only for exceptionally great service, or2) You tip for normal, good service, and only not tip for bad service?Also, what’s the usual percentage?(Please only genuine Vietnam-specific knowledge, not your home customs that you followed also on your vacation.)
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No tips required… but are gratefully received
Never tips… This is a bad habit given by Western travelers, it is not a local practice.
I feel like its being expected more and more. I tip around 10% for tour guides, private drivers, masseuse etc. These people get a tiny fraction of what Ive paid for the service, so if its good I like to show my appreciation.
I’m a local, so let me share a complete perspective.
No need to tip. Only if you want to.
Keep tipping in the US !!!!
Tipping is not required but appreciated. One exception – our boatman in Tam Coc told us we should give him 50K VND after we handed him 25K. We ignored the request, he gave us a dirty look. I guess the idea he was used to bigger tips. 25K is at least a beer in most places.
I’m Vietnamese. I’d say definitely suggest tipping for exceptional service! If you’re feeling generous then some small tips (10-20k VND) for good service is appreciated too.
Tipping is not part of traditional Vietnamese culture. Locals normally just pay the bill and only tip for truly exceptional service. It’s appreciated, but not expected.
In a culture where tipping is not expected many foreigners feel guilty paying so little and that impulse drives them to tip to assuage their guilt for having so much more money.