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Vietnam tipping culture, service charges, and VAT: How much should you pay?
Tipping is not required in Vietnam, so it is optional and generally reserved for good service. “++” at restaurants means a service charge (often 5%, sometimes 10%) and VAT will be added. VAT is reduced to 8% on some items through December 31, 2026. If the receipt already includes a service charge, an extra tip is optional.
At a glance
- Tipping is not required. Leave a tip optionally when you receive good service.
- “++” at upscale restaurants means a service charge (often 5%, sometimes 10%) and VAT will be added.
- VAT is 8% on some goods and services through December 31, 2026; it does not apply uniformly to everything.
- If a service charge is already on the bill, an extra restaurant tip is optional.
- You do not need to tip at local restaurants, street food stalls, or in taxis.
Do you have to tip in Vietnam?
Tipping is not required. Some travelers choose to tip tourism workers to show appreciation for good service.
You can skip the tip in situations where it is not usually expected, such as everyday meals at local places or taxi rides.
How can you check restaurant service charges and VAT?
“++” on an upscale restaurant menu means a service charge and value-added tax will be added to the listed price. The service charge is often 5%, sometimes 10%.
VAT is reduced to 8% through December 31, 2026, for some goods and services that would otherwise be taxed at 10%. This does not apply uniformly, so check the items and amounts on the bill.
- Check the menu for “++”
Check whether a service charge and VAT will be added to the listed price.
- Check the bill for a service charge
If one is already listed, an extra tip is optional.
- Check the final total
Check the amount with VAT and the total due.
How much should you tip at restaurants and bars?
At tourist-oriented restaurants without a service charge, a tip of 5–10% of the bill may be appreciated for good service. If the bill already includes a service charge, an extra tip is optional.
Tips are not expected at street food stalls or small local restaurants. They are also not generally expected at bars, but you can leave the change or round up the drink bill if you wish.
| Situation | Tip |
|---|---|
| Tourist-oriented restaurant with no service charge | Optional 5–10% of the bill for good service |
| Restaurant with a service charge listed | Extra tip is optional |
| Street food stall or small local restaurant | A tip is not expected; round up the change if you wish |
| Bar | A tip is generally not expected; leave the change or round up the drink bill if you wish |
| Hotel bar or venue | Check the receipt for a service charge first |
How much should you tip at hotels, on tours, and at spas?
If a hotel porter carries your bags to your room, you can optionally tip 10,000–20,000 VND per bag. You can leave 20,000–50,000 VND per day for housekeeping. Tipping is not needed for routine front desk service.
For a group tour, you can optionally tip the guide 50,000–100,000 VND per traveler per day and the driver 25,000–50,000 VND per day. For a private tour guide, around 100,000–200,000 VND per day is an option.
Tipping at spas and massage shops is not required. If you are especially pleased, you can tip 10% of the price. Upscale spas may already include a service charge, so check before paying.
| Situation | Tip |
|---|---|
| Hotel porter | Optional 10,000–20,000 VND per bag when they carry it to your room |
| Hotel housekeeping | Optional 20,000–50,000 VND per day |
| Hotel front desk | No tip needed for routine service |
| Group tour guide | Optional 50,000–100,000 VND per traveler per day |
| Group tour driver | Optional 25,000–50,000 VND per day |
| Private tour guide | Optional amount of around 100,000–200,000 VND per day |
| Spa or massage | Not required; optional 10% of the price if you are especially pleased |
How can you tip through the Grab app?
Tipping through Grab is optional. After giving a 5-star rating, users of GrabCar, GrabBike, GrabFood, and GrabExpress can tip in the app if they paid by card or Moca e-wallet.
If you did not leave a rating after the ride, the guidance says you can send a tip within 72 hours. Tips in the app go in full to driver-partners, and Grab says it does not deduct a fee from tips.
- Leave a rating after your ride
Choose 5 stars to tip in the app.
- Check the payment method
This applies to eligible trips paid by card or Moca e-wallet.
- Send a tip only if you wish
Grab says tips are voluntary and drivers should not ask riders for tips.
What to do in these situations
- When a restaurant bill lists a service charge
Check that the service charge is included, then decide whether to leave an extra tip based on your experience.
- When the menu shows “++”
Check whether a service charge and VAT will be added to the listed price, then review the final total.
- When eating at a street food stall or small local restaurant
You can pay without tipping. Round up the change if you want to show your appreciation.
- When hotel staff carry your bags or tidy your room
If you appreciated the service, you can optionally leave 10,000–20,000 VND per bag for the porter or 20,000–50,000 VND per day for housekeeping.
- After using Grab
Leave a rating in the app and decide whether to send a tip. Tips are voluntary.
Before you go checklist
- Tipping is not required; it is optional when you are pleased with the service.
- Check for “++” on restaurant menus and for a service charge on the bill.
- If a service charge is already included, an extra tip is optional.
- The 8% VAT reduction applies to some goods and services through December 31, 2026.
- Use the amounts listed for hotels, tours, and spas as a guide, and check whether a service charge is included before paying.
FAQ
Do you have to tip in Vietnam?
No. Tipping is not required, but you can tip optionally for good service.
If a restaurant bill includes a service charge, should you tip again?
An extra tip is optional. Check whether a service charge is already listed on the bill.
What does “++” mean on a Vietnamese restaurant menu?
It means a service charge and VAT will be added to the listed price. The service charge is often 5%, sometimes 10%.
Does Vietnam’s 8% VAT apply to all restaurants and goods?
No. It is reduced to 8% through December 31, 2026, for some goods and services that would otherwise be taxed at 10%.
Should you tip at street food stalls?
A tip is not expected. If you wish, you can show your appreciation by rounding up the change.
Is tipping through the Grab app required?
No. Grab tips are voluntary, and eligible users can send one in the app if they wish.
Official sources & check dates
- 100 things to know before traveling to Vietnam | Vietnam Tourism · 2026-10-28
- Quốc hội thông qua Nghị quyết về giảm thuế giá trị gia tăng | 베트남 법무부 · 2026-10-28
- Vietnam Tipping Guide 2026: Who, When & How Much | Day Trips Vietnam · 2026-10-28
- Vietnam Starter Package | Vietnam Tourism · 2026-10-28
- Vietnam Destination Information | Crooked Compass · 2026-10-28
- Tipping & Bargaining Guide | VNLocals · 2026-10-28
- Do you tip at Vietnamese restaurants? The complete guide for travelers | Vietnam Tourism · 2026-10-28
- Tiền tip của khách hàng được thanh toán cho tôi như thế nào | Grab 도움말 · 2026-10-28
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- Vietnam entry, visa-free stays, e-visas, length of stay and how to apply
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- Vietnam Currency Exchange, Travel Cards, and ATM Fee Guide
- How to choose a Vietnam SIM or eSIM: prices and where to buy
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- How to order with delivery apps (GrabFood and ShopeeFood)
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- Vietnam Motorcycle Traffic, Crossing the Road, and Rental Guide
- Vietnam nightlife safety tips and how to handle common scams
- Vietnam Weather, Rainy Season and Typhoon Periods by Region at a Glance
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Site updated: 2026-10-28