Why are People So Late in Vietnam? - Cao Su (Rubber) Behaviour
Cao Su (rubber) used to describe someone who if flexible with their time
The Phenomenon of "Cao Su" Behavior in Vietnam
I’ve always prided myself on being early to meetings, whether informal or formal. Naturally, this means I often spend time waiting for others to arrive. However, when I moved to Vietnam, I quickly learned that arriving early to appointments here often feels like a futile exercise.
In Vietnam, both foreigners and locals alike acknowledge a common occurrence: people showing up hilariously late to appointments. This habit is often referred to as "Giờ Cao Su" (Rubber Time), a term that humorously illustrates how time for some individuals seems as stretchy and flexible as rubber.
After countless instances of waiting well beyond the agreed time, I began to reflect: Why is this phenomenon so prevalent in Vietnam? How can people consistently arrive late to appointments? Isn’t tardiness considered rude? And does this extend to professional settings too?
In this blog post, we’ll explore these questions and unpack the cultural factors that make "Cao Su" behavior so common in Vietnam.
The Slang: Giờ Cao Su (Rubber Time)
Giờ Cao Su refers to the tendency to arrive late, often casually and without apology, acting as though time commitments are flexible or unimportant. A typical example might be someone asking:
"Sao giờ cao su vậy?" (Why are you late?)
Common Characteristics of "Cao Su" Behavior:
Frequently arriving late to meetings, gatherings, or events.
Treating time commitments as negotiable or non-strict.
Expecting others to wait without concern for the inconvenience caused.
If this has been your experience with someone in Vietnam, congratulations, you’ve witnessed "Cao Su" behavior firsthand!
Social Perception
In informal settings, Cao Su is often tolerated, particularly among friends or at social gatherings where punctuality is not strictly enforced. Personally, this is where I’ve encountered it the most. There have been times when I’ve waited over an hour for a friend to show up, only to receive little to no explanation for their tardiness.
I believe that the lack of punctuality in social contexts may stem from a few factors:
Low Expectations for Punctuality: Because friends rarely enforce strict timing, people feel less pressure to arrive on time.
Learned Behavior: Many have likely been on the receiving end of Cao Su behavior themselves, so they don’t expect others to be punctual either.
Cultural Norms: In Vietnam, tardiness in social settings isn’t perceived as rude.
This is a stark contrast to Western cultural norms. For example, in the UK, consistently arriving late, even for informal meetups, can be seen as a personal insult. It suggests a lack of respect for the other person’s time.
I propose that these differences are deeply rooted in cultural values:
In Vietnam, there’s a relaxed, easygoing attitude towards life and society, likely influenced by community-oriented traditions. When a friend is late, Vietnamese people tend to trust that it’s not meant as an insult. They value the fact that their friend showed up at all and quickly move on.
In contrast, Western cultures often emphasize individuality and personal accountability. Being late could be seen as wasting someone else’s time or damaging one’s own reputation.
Professional Settings
As in any country, being late to work in Vietnam is generally frowned upon and considered unprofessional. It can disrupt plans, inconvenience others, and reflect poorly on one’s discipline.
That said, Cao Su behavior occasionally sneaks into professional settings too. I’ve experienced meetings where colleagues arrived 20 minutes late, which was met with notable disapproval from others. In professional environments, the tolerance for Cao Su is understandably lower than in social settings.
How to Handle Cao Su Behavior
If you’re traveling or living in Vietnam, you’ll likely encounter Cao Su behavior at some point. To avoid frustration, here are a few tips:
Arrive Slightly Late: Consider showing up 10–15 minutes after the agreed-upon time to minimize waiting.
Adjust the Scheduled Time: If you want someone to meet you at 9:00, ask them to meet at 8:45 instead.
Communicate Clearly: Let your friend or colleague know in advance if punctuality is important due to your limited time.
While Cao Su is a playful term often used among friends, it can harm your reputation in professional contexts. It’s best to adjust your expectations based on the setting.
Final Thoughts
So, the next time you’re in Vietnam and someone arrives late, don’t take it personally. It’s just part of the culture! By understanding the cultural nuances behind Giờ Cao Su, you can navigate social and professional situations more effectively while embracing Vietnam’s unique way of life.
If you found this article helpful, check out some of my other blog posts on Vietnamese slang and cultural insights!