Can you haggle in Saigon Square?

Yes, haggling is expected and highly recommended at Saigon Square in Ho Chi Minh City, as it functions like an indoor market where prices are often inflated for tourists. Shoppers should start by offering roughly 50% of the initial asking price and, if necessary, walk away to secure a better deal.

Can you bargain in Saigon Square?

Tips for shopping in Saigon Square

While some stalls have fixed prices, it is common to bargain. Feel free to ask for discounts, especially when buying multiple items. Many stalls don't accept returns or exchanges, so always try on the clothes or check the items carefully before purchasing.

How much can you haggle in Vietnam?

10 Essential Tips for Bargaining in Vietnam. Before you start negotiating, have a rough idea of what something should cost. Ask your hotel staff, local friends, or check prices online so you have a baseline. A good rule is to offer about 50% of the starting price — then work your way up from there.

How to bargain in Ho Chi Minh?

Rule of Thumb: Start by offering 30–50% of the asking price and aim to settle around 40%. Tourist Tip: Tourist-heavy markets like Ben Thanh Market in HCMC often mark prices up dramatically. Non-touristy areas usually have fairer, fixed prices.

What to avoid in Ho Chi Minh City?

Petty crime in Ho Chi Minh City

• Carry bags cross-body and on the side away from traffic.
• Keep phones and cameras secure when taking photos near the street.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewellery.
• Store passports and valuables in your hotel safe.

DO NOT shop at BEN THANH market - TOP 5 UNIQUE MARKETS in SAIGON

Is it okay to wear red in Vietnam?

Delicate suits and jackets are recommended, especially when you have to visit your friend's houses during the festival. We recommend you to pack some red clothes or jackets as this colour is considered as the appearance of luckiness according to Vietnamese culture.

Is 10,000 dong a good tip in Vietnam?

In casual eateries, the practice of tipping is informal. You might simply leave a small amount of Vietnamese Dong on the table or hand it directly to your server. For example, if your bill totals 80,000 VND, rounding it up to 100,000 VND or leaving around 5,000-10,000 VND as a tip shows kindness.

How to haggle like a pro?

Haggle like a pro with these 8 simple rules

1. Smile.
2. Know the going rate.
3. Decide what you're willing to pay before you start.
4. Counter a high opening gambit with a low counter-offer.
5. Negotiate in local currency.
6. Walk away.
7. Go for a multi-item deal.
8. Don't get carried away.

Is 500,000 dong a good tip in Vietnam?

A general guideline is to tip your driver around 50,000 to 100,000 VND (2 to 5 USD) per day, per person. For guides, you can tip approximately 200,000 to 500,000 VND (10 to 20 USD) per day, per person. However, these amounts can be adjusted based on the level of service and your satisfaction.

What are the unspoken rules in Vietnam?

Unspoken rules in Vietnam emphasize respect, harmony, and modesty, requiring visitors to remove shoes indoors, dress conservatively (especially at religious sites), stay calm in public (avoiding loud confrontation), and show respect for elders. Key etiquette includes mastering chopsticks (don't pass food, stick them upright), accepting offers of food/drink gracefully, using both hands for transactions, and understanding that public affection is generally frowned upon.
 

Is it rude to not tip in Vietnam?

No, tipping is not expected in Vietnam. Unlike the United States where tipping 15-20% is mandatory, Vietnam doesn't have a traditional tipping culture. Service workers receive wages and don't rely on tips. However, tips are appreciated in tourist areas (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang) for good service.

How much is 1 pound to a dong?

£ 1 GBP = ₫ 35236.8239 VND

Last updated Monday, 19 January 2026 13:53. Rates shown are interbank rates. eurochange rates will differ.

Do and don'ts in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, DO dress modestly at religious sites, remove shoes when entering homes/temples, use both hands for giving/receiving, try street food, and stay calm in public; DON'T show public affection, touch heads, point with feet, raise your voice, or disrespect national symbols like Ho Chi Minh, while being wary of traffic and scams.

Is it better to use cash or card in Vietnam?

As mentioned above, despite Vietnam's growing embrace of digital payments, cash remains essential in many everyday situations. Even in cities, there are still places where paying in cash is the only option. You'll need it for public buses, temple donations, and entrance fees.

What is the 3 second rule in negotiation?

The best tool to use is the 3-second rule. The Journal of Applied Psychology showed that sitting silently for at least 3 seconds during a difficult time negotiation or conversation leads to better outcomes. Embrace silence as your stealth strategy.

What are the 4 golden rules of negotiation?

These golden rules: Never Sell; Build Trust; Come from a Position of Strength; and Know When to Walk Away should allow you as a seller to avoid negotiating as much as possible and win.

How to negotiate politely?

Maintain a positive attitude: Keep the conversation respectful and collaborative. A hostile or overly aggressive approach can shut down negotiations quickly. Practice empathy: Try to understand the other person's situation. Are they bound by company policies?

What is the 3-3-3 rule for clothes?

The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.

Should I bring toilet paper to Vietnam?

Tips for Using Squat Toilets in Vietnam:

First rule of squat toilets: BYOTP—bring your own toilet paper. Public facilities often don't supply it, and the last thing you want is to realize this too late! A small kit with travel-sized tissues, wipes, and hand sanitizer can save the day and help you freshen up afterward.