Travel tips in Vietnam

Currency & Tipping

Vietnam’s official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Denominations range from 500 VND to 500,000 VND, with coins being rarely used. While credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, cash is still preferred in smaller towns. Although some places accept USD or EUR, transactions are often easier when using local currency.

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam but is highly appreciated, especially in the tourism sector.

• Tour guides & drivers: A guide typically receives around $10 per group per day, while drivers are tipped about half that amount. For longer trips (10–15 days), you may adjust accordingly.

• Restaurants & cafés: Tipping is not common unless the establishment supports a social cause (e.g., helping disabled children). However, you can always leave a tip if you feel inclined.

National Holidays

National holidays in Vietnam are official days off for most workers. Travel costs for accommodation and transportation often rise due to increased demand, so booking in advance is recommended.

• New Year’s Eve: January 1

• Lunar New Year (Tet Holiday): Usually mid-January or early February (dates vary each year)

• Hung Kings Commemoration Day: 10th day of the third lunar month

• Reunification Day: April 30

• International Labour Day: May 1

• National Independence Day: September 2

Do’s & Don’ts in Vietnam

✅ Do:

• Show respect to elders by greeting them with a slight bow. A handshake is customary with others.

• Remove your shoes before entering a home or apartment.

• Wait for an invitation before visiting someone’s house.

❌ Don’t:

• In Vietnam, it’s customary to show respect to elders by greeting them with a slight bow, while a handshake is more common with others.

• It’s also a tradition to remove your shoes before entering someone’s house or apartment, and you should avoid visiting without being invited.  

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  When it comes to gifts, Vietnamese people rarely open them in front of the giver, which is a polite practice and not meant to be offensive.