Short answer: Expected. Tipping is customary in India, where many service workers are poorly paid. Around 10% in restaurants is normal, and porters, drivers and guides expect a tip. A service charge on a restaurant bill is voluntary by law, so you can ask for it to be removed and tip your server directly instead.
Is service included?
Restaurants may not add a service charge by default or make it compulsory, under Central Consumer Protection Authority guidelines upheld by the Delhi High Court in 2025. If a 'service charge' line appears, it is optional. Tipping by choice is allowed.
How much to tip in India
| Who | Usual tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (sit-down) | 10 to 15% | 10 to 15% is a common guide, especially in smaller places; a service charge does not always reach the staff. |
| Cafes and bars | 10 to 15% | The same 10 to 15% guide applies at bars and cafes with table service. |
| Taxis and rideshare | Round up | Taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers do not strictly expect tips, but telling them to keep the change is a kind gesture. |
| Hotel housekeeping | ₹250 to 300 per night | About ₹250 to 300 per night, up to ₹500 in five-star hotels. |
| Hotel porters | ₹100 per bag | At least ₹100 per bag. |
| Tour guides | About ₹500 per day | About ₹500 per day for a guide and ₹500 to 600 per day for a driver, more for larger groups. Tip guides even on free tours. |
| Hairdressers and spas | Optional | Around 10% is a reasonable gesture for good service; no firm custom found in sources. |
| Food delivery | Optional | Small tip or round up if you like; no firm custom. |
Amounts are in the local currency (INR). They are common customs, not rules: tip more for great service and less where it was poor.
How to tip
Cash is the usual way to tip and is still essential outside the big cities, so keep small rupee notes. Hand the tip to the person directly. If a service charge is on the bill and you would rather tip the staff yourself, you can ask for it to be removed.
What to avoid
Do not feel obliged to pay a service charge that was added to your bill automatically; it is optional, so check the bill before adding a tip on top.
Work out a tip
The tip calculator is set to India and the local currency: enter the bill, pick a percentage and split it between the table.
Tipping with no cash
When you have no local cash, ask whether a tip can go on the card. More and more guides, drivers and performers show a QR code instead: point your phone camera at it and you can tip by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay without installing anything.
Sources
- Lonely Planet: The ultimate guide to tipping in Asia
- All India Radio News (Prasar Bharati): Delhi HC rules restaurants can't impose mandatory service charge
- Intrepid Travel: Tipping in India
Checked in October 2026 against the sources above. Customs change and vary between cities and venues.
Common questions
Is tipping expected in India?
Expected. Tipping is customary in India, where many service workers are poorly paid. Around 10% in restaurants is normal, and porters, drivers and guides expect a tip. A service charge on a restaurant bill is voluntary by law, so you can ask for it to be removed and tip your server directly instead.
How much should you tip at a restaurant in India?
10 to 15%. 10 to 15% is a common guide, especially in smaller places; a service charge does not always reach the staff.
Is a service charge added to the bill in India?
Restaurants may not add a service charge by default or make it compulsory, under Central Consumer Protection Authority guidelines upheld by the Delhi High Court in 2025. If a 'service charge' line appears, it is optional. Tipping by choice is allowed.
Do you tip taxi drivers in India?
Round up.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in India?
₹250 to 300 per night.
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