Tip in Vietnam

Tip has become popular in modern life. Especially, in the service and tourism industries. However, “Tip or not tip?” and “How much tip is enough?” are still a problem of many tourists coming to Vietnam.

In Vietnam, the tip is optional. About 70% of Vietnamese people do not have a habit or appear to be forced when it comes to tip. This depends on many factors. In some cases, the tip even implies negative meanings. According to the people who have been working in service industries, the tip in Vietnam is quite special and different by region, by groups of customer and type of service.

In 5-star hotels and high-end restaurants, tips are usually charged directly to the bill but customers are still willing to give more if they are satisfied. But with common services, there is almost no extra money even though the quality of service is good and the staff is enthusiastic. Customers at bars should leave a tip or round the bill up. Taxi drivers will be happy to keep the charge, even if they don’t often expect that generous amount.

In fact, sometimes the tip is a way for people to show their class to others.