By Team Mony 
Tipping in India is a customary practice that shows appreciation for good service. Whether you’re dining at a restaurant, using transportation services, or receiving assistance, understanding how and when to tip can enhance your travel experience and positively impact local service providers. Here’s an extensive guide to understanding tipping etiquette in India:
1. Restaurants and Cafés
Service Charge: Some restaurants include a service charge (typically around 5-10%) on the bill. Check your bill to see if this charge has been added.
Tipping Practice: If a service charge isn’t included, it’s customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the total bill amount. Give the tip directly to the waiter or leave it on the table.
2. Hotels and Accommodations
Housekeeping: Tip housekeeping staff around ₹50-100 per day, depending on the hotel’s standards and your satisfaction with the service.
Porters: Offer porters about ₹50-100 per bag for carrying your luggage to your room.
3. Transportation
Taxis and Auto-Rickshaws: Tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated. Round up the fare to the nearest ₹10 or ₹20, especially for good service or help with luggage.
Drivers: If you hire a driver for a day or longer, consider giving a tip at the end of the service, around ₹200-500 per day, depending on the level of service provided.
4. Tour Guides
Day Tours: Tip tour guides around ₹200-500 per day, depending on the length of the tour and the quality of the guide’s service.
Group Tours: When on a group tour, the tour leader or coordinator often arranges a collective tip.
5. Miscellaneous Services
Spas and Salons: Tipping around 10-15% of the total bill amount is appreciated for good service.
Street Vendors: Tipping isn’t expected but rounding up the amount can be a gesture of appreciation.
Tipping is a gesture of gratitude, so it’s important to approach it with respect, using polite language and gestures when expressing appreciation. It’s also advisable to observe local customs, as tipping practices can vary widely, especially in rural areas where it may not be as common. Understanding and adapting to the local context ensures your gestures are well-received and culturally appropriate during your travels in India.
Using Mony App for Cashless Tipping
For travelers who prefer cashless transactions, the Mony app provides a convenient way to tip service providers across India. Accepted by a wide network of merchants, including restaurants and hotels, Mony allows you to seamlessly transfer tips using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Simply scan the QR code or enter the UPI ID provided by the service provider, specify the tip amount, and confirm the payment. With Mony, you can show appreciation for excellent service without the hassle of carrying cash, enhancing your travel experience in India.
By understanding and respecting local tipping customs while utilizing digital payment solutions like Mony, you can ensure that your gestures of appreciation contribute positively to your interactions with service providers during your travels in India. Happy tipping!