Tip Or Tribute? Gratuity Or Gratitude? How Cultures Vary & Why It Matters

My daughter and I recently visited Vietnam.  I looked in to customs on tipping as it is so deeply ingrained in the service industry here in the U.S. and I was curious as to what to anticipate.  What we learned was that while tipping is appreciated, it’s not expected, and expressing gratitude in other ways was actually requested. The Vietnamese travel industry is booming and I think they are doing it wisely. Leaving a thoughtful Google review, Trip Advisor or other Social media posting is desired and actually can be much more impactful. Whether it was after a meal, hotel stay or tour, we were specifically asked if there was anything that could be done better and that a review posted on the internet would be greatly appreciated.   It got me to thinking about expressions of gratitude and cultural norms.

In the U.S., tipping is almost mandatory in many service industries, driven by both social expectations and the reality of wage structures and higher cost of living.  In the U.S., service providers depend on tips to supplement hourly wages. Leaving a good tip is often viewed as a minimum standard of gratitude, with less focus on non-monetary expressions of appreciation like reviews.  Right now, tips are taxable, which generates governmental income to support public services and increase future payouts from Social Security and Medicare.  Incoming President Trump proposes eliminating taxation on tips which would simplify taxation on both the employer and employee side and possibly boost employment in the service industry.

In Vietnam, service workers generally earn fair wages (although much lower than the average U.S. wage as the cost of living is much lower) without relying on tips, and gratitude is often expressed through words, gestures, or online reviews. A Google recommendation, for example, is seen as a thoughtful and culturally sensitive way to show appreciation.  A review is a gesture of acknowledgment that respects local norms and supports the business in a meaningful way. It’s particularly valuable in areas where tourism is a vital source of income.  Leaving a Google review felt less transactional and more about sharing your unique experience, knowing that others would benefit and be drawn toward the business being reviewed.

This difference highlights how cultural expectations shape the way we think about recognizing good service.  Both cultures value expressions of gratitude, but the medium and impact of those expressions differ significantly.

In Vietnam, a Google review or Social Media recommendation has a lasting impact, helping businesses attract new customers over time. For a small family run restaurant or local guide, a well-written review can bring international travelers directly to their doorstep.

In the U.S., tipping is an immediate form of appreciation but offers no ongoing benefit to the business. While tips can boost a worker’s income, they don’t enhance the establishment’s reputation or long-term prospects unless combined with online reviews or word-of-mouth.

Leaving a Google review in Vietnam creates a lasting ripple effect, while tipping in the U.S. provides short-term financial support.

The act of tipping versus leaving a positive review also differs in how it benefits the broader community. 

A Social Media review in Vietnam supports the entire business, whether it’s a family-owned café, a tour company, or a tailor shop.  It seemed like many of the experiences we had (the tours, manicure, massage, cooking classes) were family run businesses.  This collective benefit aligns with Vietnam’s communal values, helping families, businesses and their communities thrive.

Here in the U.S., tips primarily benefit individual workers. While this is essential for those who depend on tips for their livelihood, the impact is personal rather than communal.  While it does have a ripple effect, especially given the taxation component, it is very different.

Both are important, but the review model fosters a shared benefit, particularly in a culture where businesses often support extended families or local economies.

The difference in expectations reflects broader systemic factors in each country. 

In the U.S., the tipping culture is a response to systemic wage practices. Tipping has moved away from rewarding exceptional service and has moved to meeting baseline societal expectations. A glowing online review might not carry the same weight as a generous tip in this context.

Vietnam’s approach invites travelers to think beyond monetary gestures, while the U.S. system often ties appreciation directly to financial exchange.

There isn’t a right or wrong way of showing gratitude and culturally, we can learn from each other.  The comparison between Vietnam and the U.S. highlights an evolving global perspective on expressing gratitude.

While tipping in many countries isn’t customary, thoughtful travelers can enrich their interactions by leaving a review that highlights the unique aspects of their experience. It took time to write out the review, add photos and share what we appreciated about the venue or experience. As you embrace the long-lasting impact and power behind this intentional gesture, you envision the prosperity being built.

Here at home in the U.S., tipping is essential, and adding a personal Google review can amplify the impact. For example, leaving a 20% tip at a U.S. restaurant is standard, but a review can elevate the establishment’s reputation and draw in new customers.  The growing emphasis on online reviews shows a shift toward integrating traditional tipping with modern digital expressions of appreciation. Combining the two could become the new norm, reflecting gratitude both personally and publicly.

As global travel increases, these cross-cultural insights can help travelers adopt thoughtful practices wherever they go.  By understanding the nuances of both cultures, travelers can adapt their gratitude practices to create meaningful, lasting connections. No matter where you are in the world, the combination of heartfelt gestures—whether monetary or digital—can make a world of difference.