For most of its history, Vietnam was not a tipping culture. Service was considered part of the price, and the notion of paying extra to show gratitude was almost alien. Yet over the past two decades — accelerated by globalization, the tourism boom, and the influence of Western consumer habits — tipping in Hanoi has taken on new shapes. What was once unnecessary, even confusing, is now a subtle but important part of navigating the capital’s service economy.
Today, tipping is neither strictly expected nor entirely optional. It occupies a hybrid space: a gesture of appreciation in local settings, a soft expectation in international-facing businesses, and increasingly, a lever of customer influence. Understanding when, where, and how much to tip can not only make daily life smoother, but also reveal much about the evolution of Hanoi’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Food and Dining
The first place most visitors and expats confront tipping questions is at the dining table.
- Street food and local eateries: At the phở stand on the corner or the family-run bún chả shop, tipping is not customary. Prices are low, margins are tight, and service is embedded in the transaction. In fact, some vendors may even wave off a tip, seeing it as unnecessary.
- Mid-range restaurants: Here, a small gesture goes a long way. Rounding up the bill by 10,000–20,000 VND (about 50 cents to $1 CAD) can be perceived as generous. The key is the personal nature of the service — these are places where staff notice repeat customers, and a consistent tip can create a friendly bond.
- High-end restaurants: In tourist-heavy districts and luxury hotels, service charges of 5–10% are sometimes already included in the bill. In these contexts, a tip of 5–10% is common if service is attentive. Staff are often trained with an expectation of Western-style gratuity, and guests who tip are remembered.
The evolution here is telling: while local eateries still cling to tradition, Hanoi’s upscale food scene is now calibrated to international norms.
Cafés and Bars
Coffee culture runs deep in Hanoi, from chain cafés like Highlands to hipster spots in the Old Quarter.
- Cafés: At most coffee shops, tipping is not expected. Customers may leave behind small change, but it is not assumed. For baristas, friendliness and repeat visits often matter more than tips.
- Bars: Cocktail bars and higher-end lounges are different. Here, tipping is expected — usually 10–15%. The international clientele has reshaped expectations, and bartenders know how to cultivate regulars with good service.
In essence, the coffee shop runs on loyalty, while the bar runs on tips.
Transportation
Mobility in Hanoi has transformed with ride-hailing apps, but tipping practices remain grounded.
- Taxis and ride-hailing (Grab, Be, Gojek): Rounding up the fare is the norm. A 10,000 VND tip on a short ride is appreciated but not expected.
- Private drivers or tour guides: In contrast, tipping is part of the deal. A full-day driver or guide often expects 50,000–100,000 VND per day, with more for exceptional service.
Here, tipping functions as a bridge between global tourism and local service standards.
Beauty and Aesthetics
The salon, spa, and clinic industry in Hanoi offers another window into tipping culture’s evolution.
- Hair salons and nail bars: Tipping is becoming more common, especially among expats and younger locals. A modest 10–30,000 VND tip is usually enough, often handed directly to the technician.
- High-end spas and medical aesthetics: These services are a fraction of the cost in Western countries, and many clients feel comfortable leaving 5–10%. For staff, that tip can equal an extra hour’s pay.
For foreigners, the price differential can make tipping feel like a bargain. For locals, tipping here signals sophistication — a sign of embracing global consumer etiquette.
Other Services
Beyond food, beauty, and transport, tipping is quietly reshaping expectations across sectors.
- Hotels: Bellhops may receive 10–20,000 VND per bag, while housekeeping staff are often left 20–50,000 per night for multi-night stays.
- Delivery: Food delivery drivers rarely expect tips, but rounding up — especially in bad weather or when carrying heavy orders — is a gesture of goodwill.
The Bigger Picture
The story of tipping in Hanoi mirrors Vietnam’s larger trajectory: a society balancing tradition with global integration. For older generations, tipping still feels alien. For younger workers in hospitality, it is increasingly seen as both normal and aspirational.
For businesses, tipping serves a dual role. It supplements wages in industries where salaries remain low, and it incentivizes quality service in a competitive environment. For customers, especially expats and tourists, it is a way to secure “service magic” — the warm smiles, the little extras, the remembered face at the next visit.
Ultimately, tipping in Hanoi is not about percentages or rules. It is about relationships. A small gesture, even the equivalent of less than a dollar, can transform a transaction into a bond. And in a city where personal connections still shape so much of daily life, that may be the most valuable return on investment of all.
