Tips & Tipping
India
Tipping summary
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, 10% is generous if service charge is not included. Small tips for drivers, porters, and guides are customary.
Cards vs. Cash
Digital payments (UPI, Google Pay, Paytm) have transformed India's cities, and cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants. However, cash remains essential for auto-rickshaws, street food, markets, and rural areas. Carry small denominations.
Currency Converter
By situation
Restaurants
10%
Many restaurants add a service charge to the bill. If no service charge is included, 10% is generous. At street food stalls and dhabas (roadside eateries), tipping is not expected.
Hotel staff
INR 50-100 per service
Tip bellhops INR 50-100 per bag, housekeeping INR 50-100 per day, and room service INR 50. At luxury hotels, tip more generously.
Taxis & auto-rickshaws
Round up
Metered taxis and auto-rickshaws do not expect tips. Rounding up to the nearest 10 rupees is a kind gesture. For app-based rides (Ola, Uber), you can tip in-app.
Tour guides
INR 300-500 per day
Tip guides INR 300-500 per day for private tours. For group tours, INR 100-200 per person per day is appropriate. Tip drivers separately (INR 200-300 per day).
Spa & salon services
10%
A 10% tip for spa therapists, hairdressers, and salon staff is appreciated and increasingly expected at higher-end establishments.