What's the tipping culture like in Vietnam and other Asian countries?

When and how much should you tip? These are common travel questions. Here's some tipping advice if you're satisfied with services in Vietnam and certain other Asian countries.

1. Vietnam

Restaurants: Leave a tip of $1 to $2 if you're happy with the service (VND20,000-40,000 dong). Hotels: According to a customer service staff member at Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, a reasonable amount to tip housekeeping staff is $1 or $2. Other staff members may receive $1-5 depending on service quality. Taxis: Not mandatory, but $1 or less is appreciated.

2. Cambodia

Restaurants: Typically 5% to 10%, more for exceptional service. Hotels: Allocate a few dollars for housekeeping; you'll notice a significant improvement in service. $1-2 for luggage handlers. Other staff don't have a standard, but good service deserves recognition. Taxis: Not expected, but always welcome.

3. Thailand

4. Singapore

Restaurants: Ifa Hamzah, the front desk at Fullerton Bay Hotel, notes that tipping isn't a custom in Singapore; however, guests still receive top-notch service.

5. China

Restaurants: Around 15% service charge. Hotels: Approximately $8 for housekeeping throughout your stay; staff members vary in their duties and service quality, with around $16 being reasonable. Luggage handlers may receive $3-4. If a staff member guides you around the hotel, tipping $5-8 is appropriate. Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers isn't common here.

6. Japan

Tipping in Japan is considered impolite; hotel staff are trained to refuse, sometimes accepting to avoid embarrassing you when returning the money. So never tip in the Land of the Rising Sun. If you feel compelled to do so, slip it into an envelope as a 'gift' rather than taking money out in front of them.

7. South Korea

Tipping isn't common here as 10% is already included in your bill. Leave a small amount only at Western restaurants, but never at Korean ones. Hotels don't require tipping, and with taxis, let them adjust the fare if necessary.

8. Indonesia

Restaurants: 5-10% service charge. Hotels: Luggage handlers expect a small gratuity from you. Taxis: Up to you.

9. Malaysia

Restaurants: Leave a small amount only at Western restaurants. Hotels: Luggage handlers expect a small gratuity from you. Taxis: Let the driver increase the fare when necessary.

9. Philippines

Restaurants: 5-10% service charge. Hotels: Allocate a small amount at your discretion for hotel staff. Taxis: Let the driver increase the fare when necessary.

10. India

Restaurants: Around 10%. Hotels: Allocate $5-10 for housekeeping, concierge, and porter services. Taxis: Not necessary, but if you want to make a nice gesture, you can tip them $2-4.

11. Nepal

Restaurants: Most restaurants include gratuity in the service charge. If satisfied, you can leave around $0.5 to $1.2. Hotels: Some hotels have a common gratuity box and evenly distribute it among the staff. If you're really satisfied, you can tip an additional $1-10 for housekeeping, concierge, and porter services. Taxis: Not really necessary.

12. Bhutan

Restaurants: Tipping at restaurants is not mandatory. If you wish, you can leave a 10% service charge. Hotels: It's up to you whether to tip or not. If not, it's also fine, but if you're really satisfied with the service, allocate $9 per night for all combined services. Taxis: It's up to your discretion.

13. Myanmar

Restaurants: Tipping at restaurants is not mandatory. If you wish, you can leave between $2-10 depending on your meal cost. Hotels: No standard, around $5 for each individual service. Taxis: Drivers won't mind if you don't tip them.

14. Bali

Restaurants: Not required, but for special cases, consider tipping from $1 to $10. Hotels: The hotels here include a 10% service charge in your bill. If satisfied, just tip an extra $1. Taxis: Also includes 10% in your service fee.

15. Sri Lanka

Restaurants: Some restaurants include a 10% gratuity in the customer's bill. If you're satisfied with the service, you can add another 10%. Hotels: Gratuity is evenly distributed among the staff. You're advised to add 10% of the bill for all combined services. Except for special cases like your daily caregiver, where you may tip $10 for these staff members. Taxis: Not necessary.

*** Source: Travel Guide from Mytour – According to Dân Trí