Do You Tip in Vietnam?

Do you tip in Vietnam?

Tipping in Vietnam is not deeply traditional, but it has become increasingly appreciated, particularly in tourist areas, and amounts are small. In restaurants, leaving the change or around 5 to 10 percent for good service is welcomed, though check the bill, since some upscale places add a service charge. It is customary to tip tour guides and drivers, especially on multi-day tours, and small tips for hotel staff, spa and massage therapists, and porters are appreciated. Tips are best given in Vietnamese dong, and small notes make it easy. While you will not cause offense by not tipping for casual services, a modest tip for good service is a kind and increasingly expected gesture.

What currency is used in Vietnam?

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND), and the numbers are large, so you will handle notes in the tens and hundreds of thousands, which takes getting used to; watch the zeros carefully. US dollars are sometimes accepted for larger purchases, hotels, and tours, but dong is preferred and better for value, and you will need it for everyday spending, markets, street food, and taxis. Cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments in cities. Withdraw dong from a bank ATM for a fair rate, be aware of per-withdrawal fees, and count your change carefully given the many zeros. Carrying a range of small notes helps for daily purchases and tips.

What power adapter do you need for Vietnam?

Vietnam commonly uses Type A, Type C, and Type F plugs, on a 220-volt supply, and many outlets accept both the US-style flat pins and the European round pins. The important point is voltage: at 220 volts, Vietnam is nearly double the US 120 volts, so even though a US flat plug may fit, plugging in a single-voltage US appliance like a hair dryer can damage it. Always confirm your devices accept 220-volt input; phone and laptop chargers are almost always dual voltage and fine, but check anything else and use a converter for single-voltage items. A universal adapter is a convenient choice for the mixed sockets.

Can you drink the tap water in Vietnam?

No, tap water in Vietnam is not safe to drink. The water is not treated to a standard reliable for visitors, so stick to bottled or filtered water for drinking and for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach. Bottled water is very cheap and available everywhere. Be cautious with ice from basic street stalls, though ice at reputable hotels and restaurants is usually made from purified water and generally fine. Stick to hot, freshly cooked food and peel your own fruit. These simple precautions greatly reduce the risk of the stomach illness that unfamiliar water can cause, letting you enjoy Vietnam's excellent food safely.