What is a tip? Tipping culture in Vietnam and across around the world
This term tip is commonly used in the food and beverage service business, particularly in major restaurants and hotels. In Vietnam, restaurant customers can tip as much as they want. Tipping is not required, but in some Western countries, it is added to the food bill.
So what is a tip? What is the difference between tips in Vietnam and other countries around the world?
What is a tip?
Tipping, also known as tip/gratuity, is a term originating from Western countries. At first, tips were small amounts of money that customers left in addition to the bill, with the desire to share with low-income workers. Over time, this type of currency gradually became popular in the service, restaurant, and hotel industries.
In Vietnam, this term refers to the amount of money that clients give to service personnel in appreciation for their enthusiastic service. Giving a tip might also serve to demonstrate the customer’s class. Many countries around the world have unique rules regarding this money.
Tipping Culture Around the World
Tipping is very popular in European service industries. Waiters, receptionists, and cleaning staff are among the most common recipients of tips. However, in many countries, tipping is considered taboo.
In the US: tip is a mandatory amount, calculated from 15 – 20% directly into the restaurant bill.
In France: Tip accounts for 15% of the bill. In addition to the mandatory surcharge, customers in France can leave change to thank the service staff.
Tipping is not required in Canada, however consumers typically tip the wait staff between 15 and 20% of their bill.
Tipping is frowned upon in Japan and Italy. Customers tipping staff is regarded unpleasant and disrespectful to both the waiter and the restaurant owner.
Even in Japan, the government has issued regulations banning receiving and giving tips.
Some countries such as Korea, Thailand, Australia, and Denmark do not have regulations on tips, customers can give or not.
In Sweden: When receiving a tip, the employee will give it back to the store owner and this money is divided equally among everyone in the shop. Each country has a different way of dividing tips.
Each country will have its own regulations on tipping. Therefore, tourists need to learn carefully about their culture before tipping service staff.
Tipping culture in Vietnam
Tipping culture originates from the West but has also been introduced to Vietnam for a long time. In Vietnam, tipping is optional and not mandatory. Foreign guests in Vietnam are quite generous when it comes to tipping service staff, but 70% of Vietnamese people do not have the habit of tipping or act forcefully when asked. Tipping culture in Vietnam differs by region, customer group and service form.
At high-end restaurants or 5-star hotels, tips are calculated as a service surcharge, accounting for 10-15% of the bill or customers can add more if they feel satisfied. For popular restaurants, this amount of money is not available even though the service quality is good and the staff is enthusiastic. Sometimes, if you tip in an unskillful way in Vietnam, it will bring negative thoughts.
Tips in Vietnam are usually shared by everyone, or the chef will not receive this money.
Hidden rules about tipping
Tipping is a type of money that has certain usage rules in different countries. Tourists need to learn carefully before tipping to avoid falling into awkward situations. If there is a tip surcharge on the bill, you can tip more at your discretion and should put it in a discreet place such as in an envelope or clipped to the bottom of a cup.
Tips for each employee position are different:
- Porters and stackers: 2 – 5 USD
- Door staff: 1 – 5 USD
- Housekeeping staff: 2 – 5 USD
- Waitress: 5 USD
- Restaurant and cafeteria staff: Depends on service quality
- Breakfast staff: 1 – 2 USD
- Swimming pool delivery service: 1 – 2 USD
- Customer service staff: 5 – 20 USD depending on request
- Parking attendant: 2 – 5 USD when picking up the car
When giving tips, customers need to give in a warm mood. Tips should also be polite so that the person receiving the money feels happy.
Above is information about what tips are. When knowing what a tip is, customers need to behave appropriately depending on the country, region or different types of restaurants and hotels.
Hopefully with the above information, high-end restaurants will build a suitable tipping mechanism based on the bill value to make customers satisfied.
