How much to tip a private driver in Vietnam?

Do you tip private drivers in Vietnam?

Okay, so tipping private drivers in Vietnam… yeah, def do it.

It’s good to tip your driver! Like, 50k to 100k VND a day is a good rule of thumb, especially if they’ve been good.

That’s, what, like two to four bucks right now? Pretty reasonable. Plus you will be helping locals.

Did you know that wages are not that high? And some folks make barely nothing, and a tip will definitely help.

So, like, def do it if they were:

• On time, that’s key.
• Super chill and polite, you know?
• Went out of their way.
• The car was clean, clean car is key.
• Patient, because sometimes traffic is, ew, ew, ew.

Plus, my last driver, his name was Ahn (spelled like Ann, not Aaron!), told me that tips really help him make ends meet, you know?

I remember that time, Ahn took me all the way to the Cu Chi tunnels, like two hours outside Saigon, and he waited, waited all day.

Oh! and Ahn was amazing with my little brother. He made sure he had enough snacks and all.

How much should I tip my private driver?

Ugh, tipping is the worst. Last month, I used Blacklane to get to JFK from my place in Brooklyn. It was a crazy day, my flight was at 7 am, I was already stressed. The driver, a super nice guy named Carlos, arrived exactly on time, that was a relief. He even helped me with my suitcase, which was a lifesaver because it was HUGE.

The ride itself was smooth. Carlos was professional, but also super friendly, we chatted a bit about the Mets. They’re terrible, I told him. He agreed, haha. Total cost? $87. So, I gave him a twenty. Twenty dollars felt right. It wasn’t 15-20%, I know. But, I’d rather not do the math on that. I wasn’t in the mood for calculations at 6am.

Key takeaway: I tipped generously for excellent service. It felt good, it was a good day despite the early hour. I usually tip better in cash, too.

• Event: Private car service to JFK airport from Brooklyn.
• Date: July 2024
• Company: Blacklane
• Driver: Carlos
• Cost: $87
• Tip: $20 cash
• My Feeling: Happy to tip well for good service.
• Thoughts on percentage-based tipping: I hate calculating tips, it’s never worth the stress.

What is a good tip in Vietnam?

Ugh, tipping in Vietnam. It’s weird. Ten percent? Is that even enough? I tipped 20% at that fancy place in Hoi An last year, the one near the Japanese bridge. Should I have? Maybe I overdid it. Was it necessary?

My friend Sarah says she never tips, just smiles a lot. She’s cheap. Anyway. Restaurants, definitely tip. 10-15%, maybe more if it was amazing. Think about the food, the service, the ambiance.

But street food? Nah. No tips there. Unless, maybe for that incredible Banh Mi cart on Nguyen Hue street. That guy deserves a bonus. He’s always so happy. Such a good vibe.

Taxi drivers? Tricky. I usually round up. It depends on the distance and how nice they were. I mean, they’re hustling too, right? It’s all relative.

Hotels? I rarely tip. It’s a little confusing honestly. So many factors to consider. My room was clean and well-maintained, though, the entire time I was staying at the hotel in Ha Long Bay. So I did not tip. Except once, I left a few dollars for the maid because she was extra sweet. Remember that? A good tip is subjective, isn’t it?

• Restaurants: 10-20% depending on service.
• Street food: Not usually.
• Taxis: Round up the fare.
• Hotels: Optional; depends on service quality.

I’m still working on this whole tipping thing. So many nuances. Ugh. Need coffee. And maybe a Banh Mi.

How much to tip for a Vietnam massage?

Tipping in Vietnamese spas is tricky. It’s not mandatory, which is refreshing. But a small tip demonstrates gratitude. Think of it as a cultural exchange, not just money.

The range? 10-20% of the bill is standard. Or, 20,000-50,000 VND (roughly $0.80-$2.10 USD as of October 26, 2023). My last massage at My Spa in Hanoi cost 500,000 VND; I left 100,000 VND. Felt right.

Payment methods vary. You can discretely add it to the bill, or hand it directly. Discreet is better; it feels less transactional. Directly handing the money feels more personal, but can feel a bit awkward. Ultimately, it’s your call.

Side note: I once tipped a particularly skillful masseuse at a smaller, family-run place – way more than expected. It felt good. It’s about acknowledging excellent service, truly.

Here’s a breakdown to make it easier:

• Standard Tip: 10-20% of the bill.
• Alternative: 20,000-50,000 VND.
• Payment: Discreetly add to the bill or hand it directly. Consider the spa’s ambiance.
• My Experience: I usually tip generously if the service is exceptional. It’s a small price to pay for relaxation and wellness. Honestly, who doesn’t love a good massage?
• Currency Note: Exchange rates fluctuate. Always check the current rate before your trip. Using a currency converter app is essential in a place like Vietnam.

Is it okay to not talk during a massage?

Silence is golden. Expected in massage.

Client comfort paramount. Therapists should inquire. Awkwardness averted.

Silence preferred. Less distraction. Deeper relaxation.

My last massage? Complete quiet. Bliss. September 2023. Neck tension gone.

• Client preference varies.
• Communication key.
• Quiet minds, relaxed bodies.

Speaking interrupts the flow. Like a pebble in still water. The ripples disrupt.

Therapists shouldn’t chatter. Unless prompted. Who needs forced small talk?

Think I’ll book another session. Soon. Silence is my jam.

Noisy minds. Tired souls. Massage heals both. Sometimes, words fail.

Consider the unspoken language. Of touch. Powerful. Unexplained.

My therapist? Intuitive. Understood my need for quiet. Rare gift.

Respect the silence. The client’s inner space. Their peace.