Tipping varies by city, venue and service. The first rule is not a percentage: read the restaurant bill. India's consumer-affairs guidance says hotels and restaurants cannot automatically or by default add a service charge, and a customer can decide whether to pay it.
The context map
| Situation | Good default | What changes it |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant | Read the bill first | Service charge can be shown separately |
| Taxi or rickshaw | Pay the agreed or metered fare | Round-up is optional, not compulsory |
| Private guide or driver | Small direct thank-you if deserved | Long days, thoughtful help or exceptional care |
| Hotel | Not an automatic percentage | Use judgement for standout individual help |
| Small stall | Pay the agreed price | Do not turn a small cash sale into a tipping ritual |
Service charge is not a secret tip
A service charge may appear on a restaurant bill, but it is not a government tax and should not be treated as a non-negotiable surprise. The Government of India has told restaurants not to add it automatically or by default. Ask calmly for clarification before paying, rather than adding a new percentage on top.
Tourist settings need a little more context
Tourism departments and travel operators may suggest customary amounts for local guides and drivers, but these are regional guideposts, not a nationwide obligation. West Bengal Tourism, for example, suggests around Rs200 per day for guides and drivers or 10 percent where appropriate. Let the actual service and your own budget lead.
Do not use a tip to solve a price dispute
For taxis, tours and market purchases, agree the price before the service where possible. A tip is a thank-you after a clear payment, not a way to repair a fare that was never understood.