How to pay a taxi in Hanoi?

How much do you tip a taxi in Hanoi?

Hanoi taxi tips? Unnecessary. Meters exist.

Fair price expected. Rounding up? Optional.

Five to ten percent? Possible. Think of it as a bonus, not an obligation. My last ride cost 200,000 VND. A 10,000 VND tip felt appropriate. That’s about $0.42 USD at the current exchange rate, as of October 26, 2023. A small gesture.

• No mandatory tip.
• Metered fares are standard.
• Round up for exceptional service.

Consider: Gratitude isn’t transactional. But a little something is nice. Especially with helpful drivers. My friend, Mai, once gave 20,000 VND – she loved the driver’s playlist. Purely subjective.

This isn’t a rule. It’s an observation.

Can you pay by card in Hanoi?

Hanoi’s a card-carrying member of the 21st century, darling. Swipe away! Seriously, credit cards are widely accepted, especially in touristy spots. Think of it as a sophisticated dance between ancient charm and modern convenience.

But cash, oh honey, cash is king. Or, more accurately, cash is the primary payment method. It’s the stubborn, reliable friend you can always count on, unlike that flaky debit card that mysteriously declines at 3 am. Don’t underestimate its power.

Key takeaways:

• Cards work: Major credit cards are accepted.
• Cash reigns supreme: Still the most common payment method. everywhere.
• Plan accordingly: Carry both for ultimate peace of mind. Think of it like bringing both a trusty umbrella and a sunhat – you’re prepared for anything. My trip to Hanoi in 2023 proved this to be true. I even used my Amex at that adorable little cafe near Hoan Kiem Lake.

My personal experience? Let’s just say my card got more action than my dating life that year. (Just kidding… mostly).

Further notes: Smaller establishments might prefer cash. ATMs are plentiful, thankfully. My bank, Chase, gave me zero problems with withdrawals. The exchange rate was surprisingly reasonable this year too, though you should still check it.

How much do you tip drivers in Vietnam?

Hmm, tipping in Vietnam… Drivers, right? Okay.

• 50k to 100k VND per day? Yeah, that’s about right. Is that enough tho?

• Private drivers only, I think. Taxis are diff. Wait, do ppl even use taxis anymore? Grab everywhere, duh.

• If they’re good. Punctual is key. Hate waiting around. Accommodating, too. Like, water is nice. Remember Mr. Linh? He always had cold water bottles.

• Attentive… Like, not on their phone the whole time. My cousin Dung nearly crashed us last year. Never again!

• Considerate gesture. Huh. Is it REALLY expected? I always do it. Mom says it’s good karma. Plus, it’s not that much money for us, right?

• What if they’re terrible? No tip? Maybe just 20k? Nah, awkward. 50k minimum. Gotta be nice.

• It’s a thank you, not an obligation. Though… they probably rely on it. Uggh.

• Speaking of money, gotta transfer some VND to my card. Flights to Da Nang are crazy expensive this fall. 50k, 100k, now plane tickets! Jeez!

How much to tip a driver in Hanoi?

50,000-100,000 VND. Think of it as a “thank you” surcharge. For not driving you into a rice paddy. Or honking at you incessantly. Like a lovesick water buffalo. Which, let’s be honest, some Hanoi drivers resemble. Especially during rush hour. My cousin Thuy, bless her heart, once tipped a driver a durian. He looked thrilled. Until it ripened.

• 50,000-100,000 VND per day: A sweet spot for decent service.
• More for exceptional service: Like if they navigate the Old Quarter without hitting a single motorbike. A true magician.
• Less for…less: Say, if they spend half the trip on their phone. Or singing karaoke. Badly.
• Consider the duration: A week-long trip? Adjust accordingly. Don’t break the bank, but don’t be a cheapskate. I once saw a tourist try to tip with a banana peel. Not cool.
• Cash is king: VND, specifically. They probably won’t take Dogecoin, no matter how much you have.

Now, tipping etiquette is a fickle beast. It’s like trying to herd cats. Blindfolded. But remember, a little kindness goes a long way. Especially when navigating the chaotic symphony of Hanoi traffic. You might even get a smile. A real one, not the “I’m-trying-not-to-scream” smile. And that, my friend, is priceless. Almost.

How much to tip drivers in Vietnam?

Tips? Expected.

Drivers: 50,000 – 100,000 VND. Roughly. (2-5 USD). Per day.

Guides: Similar. Give if good. Money talks.

It’s their hustle, not my charity.

Was in Saigon last year. The humidity… brutal. Reminded me of my ex.

• Negotiate fares beforehand. Avoid “surprises.”
• Small bills. Easier to manage. They appreciate it.
• No need to overdo it. Just enough.
• Consider length and quality of service. Adjust accordingly.
• Good service warrants generosity. Bad service? Nada.

“Thanks.” Always works. Then, walk away. The world keeps spinning, y’know? What do I care?

Can you pay with a card in Hanoi?

Cards? Hanoi accepts them. Mostly. Cash rules still. Don’t expect miracles beyond tourist zones.

Think global, pay local. Get Dong.

• Cards widely accepted in tourist areas.
• Cash unavoidable elsewhere.
• Dong: your survival kit.

My Visa worked near Hoan Kiem Lake. A noodle stall, though? Cash only, definitely. My mistake.