The short answer
Tipping ('baksheesh') is widely expected across services. Small cash tips smooth many interactions — keep small notes handy.
What to tip, service by service
- Restaurants
- 5–10% at restaurants; a bit more if no service charge.
- Bars & cafés
- Round up.
- Taxis & rideshare
- Round up; 10% for app rides is kind.
- Hotels
- 50–100 rupees per night housekeeping; 50 rupees per bag.
- Tour guides & drivers
- 300–500 rupees per day for a guide; more for drivers on multi-day trips.
Good to know
Small cash tips smooth many interactions — keep small notes handy. Customs shift over time and by venue, and tourist areas often expect more than locals give. When in doubt, a small tip in the local currency and cash is rarely wrong.