- ABOUT CUSTOM VIETNAM TRAVEL
- Our Specialty
- Company Profile
- Who we are
- Meeting our team
- USFUL INFORMATION
- Tipping Guidelines
- Pre-trip information
- Tour FAQs
- Passport & Visa
- BOOKING YOUR TOUR
- How to book
- Booking terms & conditions
- Booking Check-list
Vietnam Tipping Guideline
- Cambodia Tipping Guideline
- Laos Tipping Guideline
- Thailand Tipping Guideline
- Myanmar Tipping Guideline
The custom of tipping varies widely between countries, but it is usually the standard of service that determines tips. Travelers are often confused about the tipping culture in Southeast Asia, especially in Vietnam, one of Custom Asia Travel’s destinations. Tipping is a firm and expected element in the tourism industry today and Vietnam is no exception.
Most of the tours, booked by Custom Asia Travel’s customers are private ones. Therefore, tipping for independent travel is not compulsory and is at the customers’ own discretion. However, private guides and drivers do expect a tip where good service has been provided and it is very much appreciated. In other words, tip when you are pleased with the service received, and do not tip if you don’t feel you have been given good service. Never feel obliged to tip - it is always discretionary.
The following is just a guide to gauge an appropriate amount to tip and not all inclusive:
Vietnam’s official currency is the Vietnam dong (VND), but US dollars are accepted at most places, and can also be used for tips.
SERVICE | TIP AMOUNT |
---|---|
Tour Guide | |
FIT < 6 pax | US$ 12 - 15 /grp/day (USD 14 for 2 pax) |
Group 7 - 15 persons | US$ 15 - 20 /grp/day |
Group 15 persons up | US$ 20 - 30 /grp/day |
Tour Guide - Adventure trip (Trekking, cycling...) | |
FIT < 6 persons | US$ 15 - 20 /grp/day |
Group 7 - 15 persons | US$ 20 - 25 /grp/day |
Group 15 persons up | US$ 25 - 30 /grp/day |
Local way leader/ Cook (trekking tours) | USD $5 - 7 /grp/ day |
Vehicles | |
City Transfers | US$ 6 - 10 /day/booking (USD 8 for group of 2 pax) |
Up country/ Mountain road | US$ 10 /group/ working day |
Incentive Groups | US$ 10/day/group |
Bus boy (helper) | US$4/day |
Cyclo, Tuk - Tuks | US$ 1 - $2 /person |
Boat crews | |
Short tour (1 - 2 hour) | US$ 3 - 5/sampan, 5 per couple |
Long tour (half day) | US$ 6 - 8/ boat, 8 per couple |
Cruise with O/N | US$ 10 / cabin/ night |
Hotels | |
Porters | US$ 1 /luggage |