In Vietnam, you can typically haggle 30% to 50% off the initial, inflated asking price, especially in tourist markets like Ben Thanh or Hoi An night markets. Start by offering 50% of the price, maintain a polite smile, and be prepared to walk away, which often results in a better offer.
It is generally recommended to offer half the initial price. This may seem extreme, but it is a common starting point for negotiations in Vietnam. There is a good chance that the seller is anything but OK. So, gradually increase the price to the limit of what you want.
Street Snacks - A Paradise Starting from Just 5,000 Vietnamese Dong. Banh trang tron, bubble tea, fried fermented pork rolls, Vietnamese sweet soup (che thap cam)… all can be found for just 5,000 to 25,000 Vietnamese Dong per item. With 100,000 Vietnamese Dong, you can enjoy a true “street food buffet” experience!
So the first time you hit an ATM in Vietnam, you're a millionaire! Two million VND is less than $100 USD. All that to say, when I say something like “My apartment costs 7.5 million”, you shouldn't be alarmed.
How To Bargain in Vietnam like a Local (NEVER Get Ripped Off!)
Is Vietnam cheap for the UK?
For UK visitors, Vietnam is considered to be a relatively cheap destination to travel to. The cost of living in Vietnam is relatively low, and this is reflected in the prices of food, accommodation and transport.
Price. Vietnam is the clear winner in this category. Whether at the high end or for budget backpackers, Vietnam is—at minimum—half the price of Thailand, and sometimes even cheaper.
Bargaining in Vietnam isn't just allowed — it's expected. Whether you're buying souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market or negotiating the cost of a cyclo ride, knowing how to haggle can save you serious money and make your travel experience feel a lot more local.
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.
Some higher-end tailors will only offer set prices however others will certainly require some haggling. Salesmen and women in the shops will always offer a super high price at first. A good tip is to offer back about 1/3rd of what is initially suggested and work your way up.
A report published in 2024 by South Africa's New World Wealth and Switzerland's Henley & Partners showed that Vietnam had 19,400 millionaires with a net worth of over $1 million each and 58 centi-millionaires with assets exceeding $100 million each.
US dollar is a widely accepted currency in Vietnam and most goods and services can be paid for in Dongs or Dollars. It is good to carry a combination of both at all times. It is also preferable if the dollar bills are in good condition as many businesses may refuse to accept worn out notes.
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.
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.
Your $100 can go a long way in Vietnam. Budget travelers can expect to spend up to $25 a day on food and lodging. Middle-budget spenders can enjoy good restaurant food, hire cabs, and stay comfortably in good hotels for about $35-65 a day.
