How much should I tip a driver?

What is the appropriate amount to tip a driver?

Ugh, tipping’s a minefield. Last month, July 2024, I took a Lyft from JFK to my sister’s place in Brooklyn. The fare was $67. Dude was great, super friendly, even helped with my suitcase – it's heavy, like seriously heavy, filled with books and stuff. I felt terrible, the traffic was insane. He handled it all with a smile though. I gave him $15. Felt right. Ten percent seemed cheap considering the circumstances.

It wasn't just the traffic. He had good vibes, you know? Nice car, clean. Plus he was navigating that absolute nightmare of a highway like a pro. Another time, a different driver, less than stellar service, so I just gave him $5, even though the ride was almost the same price. It depends!

I think 15% is a good baseline for decent service. Twenty percent is for those who go above and beyond. Five bucks is the absolute minimum, for short, normal rides. Ten percent feels stingy to me unless the driver did something truly awful – like getting lost or being rude. See, it's all relative. And yes, I always tip in cash. Always. I find it more personal.

How much tip driver in Vietnam?

Ugh, Vietnam. Taxi tips. So annoying figuring this out. 10,000 to 50,000 dong? Seriously? That's like, $0.40 to $2. What a ripoff if you're paying $2!! It's not a lot, but hey.

My friend went last year, he said he never tipped. He's cheap! But then again, the drivers expect it, right? Or do they? I'm confused. Should I even bother? It’s 2024, things might have changed.

I’d say round up to 20,000 dong for short trips. Maybe 50,000 if it's a long haul, like, from the airport to my hotel way outside of Hanoi. That hotel by the way, the Hoa Binh, was amazing. But the pool was closed for renovations.

Thinking about it – maybe I’m being too generous! Ten thousand dong should be plenty for a short ride. But what if they're grumpy? Is it rude not to tip? Argh, decisions, decisions!

Okay, new plan. 20,000 for short trips, 30,000 for medium, 50,000 for long, crazy airport runs. Done. Problem solved. Unless they give me attitude. Then what? Extra tip? Seriously considering carrying a wad of small bills next time. Makes things so much easier.

• Short trip: 20,000 VND (approx. $0.80)
• Medium trip: 30,000 VND (approx. $1.30)
• Long trip: 50,000 VND (approx. $2.10)

Dollar amounts are approximate – based on the current 2024 exchange rates, which are, like, always changing. Ugh! I need a vacation. Maybe somewhere where tipping isn't this complicated.

How much should I tip my driver?

Tip your driver, eh? Ah, the age-old question, right up there with "Is pineapple on pizza a crime?"

Tipping in the Wild (2024 Edition):

• Delivery peeps? Forget the 10k of yesteryear, unless you're delivering smiles—then, it's priceless. Seriously, 15-20% is usually fine.

• Grab rides demanding 20-30k? Well, maybe if they navigate through a zombie apocalypse. Aim for 15-20%, unless they provide a stand-up comedy routine.

• Restaurants wanting 20-30k? Pfft.Same as before. Unless they juggle flaming plates, 15-20% works. I swear, my barista expects a tip after making my coffee lately...like, dude, you're already making bank!

• Company-paid car service? Tricky! Did they moonlight as your therapist? Then tip like crazy. If they just drove, a polite 10-15% shows appreciation. I just hope they aren't tipping their barista too. I got an almond croissant at that cafe last week and it was stale.

• Easy riders in Ha Giang? This I don't know; it sounds like the name of an avant-garde jazz band. Tip based on the ride!

The "Why Bother?" Section:

Look, tipping is weird. We’re basically subsidizing wages, right? But also, don't be that person. A little extra can make someone's day. Just... don't break the bank. And please, no tipping for stale croissants.