What is a typical tip in Vietnam?

Should I tip my driver in Vietnam?

Tipping in Vietnam? Think of it like this: you’re negotiating a rice paddy, not a New York City cab.

Short trips? Round up. Simple. Less fuss than untangling a bowl of pho noodles.

Longer hauls, luggage assistance? 10% feels right. It’s the equivalent of offering your driver a delicious banh mi – a gesture of appreciation, not a king’s ransom. My last trip, a delightful three-hour journey to Hoi An, saw a generous tip and a smile wider than the Mekong River.

Why the difference? Think cultural nuance, not stinginess. It’s about acknowledging extra effort, not adhering to some rigid Western rulebook.

• Short rides: Rounding up avoids awkward change calculations. It’s the Vietnamese Dong equivalent of “keep the change.”
• Long rides/Luggage: A 10% tip shows gratitude for a smooth ride.
• Important Note: Always pay in Vietnamese Dong, not US Dollars. Trust me on this one, I learned the hard way in 2023. My credit card was nearly eaten by an ATM that looked suspiciously like a giant praying mantis.

This isn’t rocket science, people. It’s Vietnam. Be generous but not foolish. And for goodness sake, learn the local currency – avoiding ATM-praying mantis encounters makes life much simpler.

How to use Grab in Vietnam for foreigners?

Ugh, Grab in Vietnam. Downloaded it last month. So easy, actually. Just open the app, right? My phone’s battery was dying then, though. Needed a new charger, stat. Remember that? Anyway…

• Download the app. Obvious.
• Location. Make sure it’s right. Got lost once, in Hoi An. Terrible.
• Choose your ride. Bike is cheap. Car is more comfortable. Expensive, though. My friend swears by the motorbike taxis. I’m a scaredy cat.

Then you pay. They take cards, right? I used my Visa. No problems. Tip? I don’t tip. It’s not the custom.

GrabFood is awesome. Ordered pho three times this week. Delicious! Expensive for what it is, but so convenient. Late night pho cravings, solved. I hate cooking.

Best for getting around quickly. Especially at night. The traffic…don’t even get me started.

Avoid peak hours. Unless you like sitting still. Seriously. It’s insane.

Trying to learn Vietnamese. Taxi drivers are great for practicing. My pronunciation is awful. They laugh. It’s fine.

The airport transfer was a lifesaver. Smooth. No haggling. I hate haggling. So much less stressful than taxis. Definitely better than figuring out the bus system.

Seriously, Grab changed my Vietnam trip. Best travel app. Wish I knew about it sooner.

How do I pay for Grab in Vietnam?

Paying for Grab in Vietnam? Piece of cake, really. Unless you’re using a potato. Then, maybe not so much.

Credit/Debit Cards: Yeah, the usual suspects work—Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB. Think of it as global financial world domination, one Grab ride at a time.

GrabPay by Moca: This is like having a digital piggy bank, but way cooler. Top it up with cash or link your bank account. Avoids the awkward “I only have large denominations” dance with drivers.

Here’s the deal: I find using my Mastercard far more convenient. Less hassle, more sightseeing.

Other payment options? Seriously? Who needs them? But if you insist:

• Cash: Still an option, especially outside of major cities. Prepare for potential change issues. Prepare for potential change issues. I learned that the hard way. Like, really hard way. In 2023.
• Other wallets? Probably. I haven’t bothered. Life’s too short to chase obscure payment methods.

My advice? Mastercard for ease, GrabPay for local flair. Choose wisely. Don’t be a peasant. Unless you prefer that kind of thing. Then, carry on. Seriously.

Do you tip Easy Rider Vietnam?

Okay, so Easy Rider tips…yeah, that brings back memories! It was July 2023, scorching hot, dusty roads near Dalat.

We’d booked a 3-day trip, just me and my friend Sarah. Our rider, Anh, was a total legend.

He knew everything about the area.

We stopped at a coffee plantation, saw silk worm farms, and ate the best damn pho I’ve ever had in my life in some tiny village. Seriously, out of this world.

Honestly, I was kinda blown away by his kindness, his local knowledge.

Tipping wasn’t really mentioned beforehand, but by the end, I really wanted to show my appreciation.

We ended up giving him about $50 USD each…

• That was almost $17 USD a day per person.
• It felt right, honestly.
• He was super grateful.

Yeah, I think $10-$15 USD per day is a decent starting point. It’s a rough guideline, for sure.

Or about 10% of the tour cost.

Totally depends on your experience. Were they a good guide? Did they go the extra mile? Did you feel safe? All factors, you know?

Look, I hate being pressured to tip, but Anh earned every penny.

Do I tip in Vietnam on Reddit?

Ugh, Vietnam. Tipping? No way. Seriously, don’t. My friend went last year, he said it’s weird, even insulting. Total culture clash.

Higher-end places? Maybe a service charge is added. But that’s different, right? It’s not your tip. Don’t do it twice.

Tourist traps? Rounding up is okay, I guess. But honestly, just be nice. A smile goes a long way. Better than any Dong. More genuine.

Key takeaway: Polite is best. Avoid tipping unless a service charge is already there. Think about it; it’s awkward.

My cousin’s trip in 2024? Same deal. She said the locals preferred good manners.

• Don’t tip: Generally frowned upon.
• Service Charge: Already included in some places. Check your bill.
• Rounding Up: Acceptable in some touristy spots but unnecessary.
• Focus on politeness: This is way more appreciated than money. Seriously.

I spent three weeks there myself in 2023. The people were amazing.

What a vacation! I ate pho every day. Best pho ever! So much better than that place near my house. The service was top-notch! I mean, I didn’t tip them. That would have been bizarre.

How much do you tip a driver in Vietnam?

Okay, so Vietnam, 2024. My husband and I hired a driver for three days, a real sweetheart named Mr. Nguyen. He was amazing. Seriously, punctual as clockwork. Went above and beyond. Helped with luggage, pointed out cool stuff along the way. Man, those temples! Breathtaking.

We gave him 150,000 VND a day. Felt right. He deserved it. Totally worth it. Not cheap but, you know, considering the service? A steal, almost. Think it was around $6 USD a day? Maybe slightly more. I’m sure we could have gotten away with less, but honestly, I felt bad even giving that amount.

What an experience. Beautiful country. Driving is…intense. He navigated that crazy traffic like a ninja. I wouldn’t have wanted to do it myself. No way. I’d be a wreck.

Key takeaways:

• Great drivers deserve great tips.

• 150,000 VND per day was perfect for our experience. Maybe 100,000 VND if they do less.

• Vietnam is awesome.

• Seriously consider tipping generously for exceptional service.

• Mr. Nguyen’s English was surprisingly good.

• We used Grab for some shorter trips. No tipping needed there, I think.

• The food was phenomenal. Seriously. Best pho of my life.

• We explored Hoi An and Hue. Stunning.