Tipping in Vietnam

Tipping is not compulsory in Vietnam, but it is appreciated, especially in the travel and service industry where wages can be modest. While locals may not tip in everyday life, travellers are generally expected to leave a small gratuity if service has been good.

Guides and Drivers on Day Tours

• Tour Guides: For a full-day private tour, a good tip is 200,000 VND per person (around NZD12 pp). If you have a group of four, it’s fine to give a combined tip of around 600,000–800,000 VND to the guide.

• Drivers: Drivers usually receive less than guides. A fair tip is 80,000–120,000 VND per person (around NZD 5–7), or 300,000–400,000 VND for the vehicle if travelling as a group.

Other Situations

• Porters and hotel staff: 20,000–30,000 VND per bag.

• Restaurants: Many add a service charge. If not, rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated.

Tips for Tipping!

• Always tip in Vietnamese dong (VND), not foreign currency.

• Present the tip directly by hand at the end of the service with a smile and a “thank you” (cảm ơn).

• If service was exceptional, feel free to be more generous.

LGBT

Vietnam is very open towards LGBT travellers. There are no specific laws against same-sex relationships and although the country overall is quite conservative you do see local same-sex couples.

Public displays of affections are not common in Vietnam though, whatever sexuality.

Checking into hotels as a gay couple should present no problems in Vietnam.

The New Zealand Embassy Ha Noi, Viet Nam

Street Address Level 5, 63 Ly Thai To Street, Ha Noi, Viet Nam

Telephone +84 24 3824 1481 Fax +84 24 3824 1480

Email nzembassy.hanoi@mft.net.nz

Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/viet-nam

Hours Mon - Fri 0830 - 1200, 1300 - 1700 hrs

New Zealand Consulate-General Saigon , Viet Nam

Street Address Suite 804, Level 8, The Metropolitan, 235 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Telephone +84 901 80 7770 Fax +84 28 3822 6905

Email nzconsulate.hcmc@nzte.govt.nz

Hours Mon - Fri 0830 - 1130, 1300 - 1700hrs

Checklist for Travel

Passports: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date (some countries require 3 months). Check for blank pages (at least 2-4 for stamps/visas). If it's expiring soon, renew it urgently via the Department of Internal Affairs (dia.govt.nz).

Visas: Ensure that you have the correct documentation for travel. It is your responsibility to ensure you have any visas required.

Photocopies of Documents: It’s worth making copies (physical and digital, e.g., in cloud storage like Google Drive) of your passport, visas, driver's license, and credit cards. Leave a set with a trusted contact back home.

Insurance: Please ensure you have insurance for your trip – especially to cover medical eventualities. This is really essential and you should not travel without some kind of medical insurance. You should ensure it includes repatriation to New Zealand.

Vaccinations: Make sure you have all the required / recommended vaccinations for your trip. There is further information in your trip Information about health matters. For some destinations, vaccinations are mandatory (e.g. Yellow Fever

Currency and Payments: Get some cash in advance if recommended, but rely on cards (notify your bank of travel to avoid blocks). Use fee-free cards like Wise or Revolut for ATM withdrawals.

Packing Essentials: Check weather forecasts for destinations (e.g., via accuweather.com) and pack accordingly (layers for variable climates). Include adapters/plugs (universal ones for worldwide use). Don’t forget about restrictions of liquid for carry-on items on flights.

Local Laws and Safety: Check the latest information about your destination on safetravel.govt.nz. to be aware of any local recommendations. You can also register your travel on safetravel.govt.nz for alerts on destinations (e.g., weather events, political unrest). This helps MFAT contact you in case of any emergency.