Tipping Etiquette in Ho Chi Minh City

Tipping is not a traditional part of Vietnamese service culture the way it is in the US, and it's never strictly obligatory — but in tourist-facing businesses (hotels, tour operators, higher-end restaurants) it's become increasingly common and genuinely appreciated, given how modest local wages are relative to visitor spending power.

Restaurants

Street food stalls and casual local restaurants generally don't expect tips. At restaurants aimed more at visitors, particularly higher-end ones, rounding up the bill or leaving a modest tip (roughly 5–10%) is appreciated but not required — check whether a service charge is already included on the bill first, as some venues add one automatically.

Tours and guides

Tipping guides and drivers on day trips (Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta and similar) is common practice and genuinely appreciated, given that guiding income often depends significantly on tips. A modest amount per person for a half-day tour, more for a full day or multi-day trip, is a reasonable approach.

Hotels and taxis

Hotel bellhops and housekeeping are not always tipped by locals but appreciate it from visitors, especially at higher-end properties. Taxi and Grab drivers are not traditionally tipped, though rounding up the fare is a common, low-key way to show appreciation without it being expected.