Knowing how much to tip will forever be a guessing game in India. Read through forums where a simple “How much do I tip for…” question is posed and likely following are multiple replies condemning others for not giving hefty amounts “because they can afford it”. Foreign tourists from different countries bring a myriad of opinions on acceptable tipping. Below is a quick cheat sheet guide to tipping for India tourists.  The amounts may appear low but keep in mind over-tipping can also be deemed rude. Alter appropriately to fit your budget, experience and satisfaction within individual services.

Try to carry as many small bills Rs 5, 10 & 20 as possible. Finding change for a Rs 100 when giving a tip can be considered rude and if nothing else, awkward. Carry as much coin as comfortable to avoid over-tipping at places that don’t require large tips (toilets, shoes).

Beggars: Rs 1-2 maximum if anything, preferably nothing

Car & Driver (Total, not per person):

Half Day Rs 100-150, Rs 200 maximum

Full Day Rs 300 Maximum

Multi-Day Rs 300 per day, or as you see fit

Guides (Pick-up or arranged):

Half Day or less Rs 100-200, Rs 300 maximum.

All Day Rs 400-500, Rs 1000 maximum if the entire day was spent, no tricks to go shopping at the end, and they provided an extremely high level of facts/knowledge.

Porters/Bellboys/Coolies:  Rs 10 per bag

Sadhus/Swamy: Rs 1-2, Rs 5-10 if asking for a photo

Services (Massage, Barber): 10% or as you wish

Shoe Handlers at Temples/Mosques: Rs 1-2 average, Rs 5 maximum per pair.

Street Vendors (Food): Rs 1-2 maximum if anything

Temple offering/Puja: Rs 2-5, Rs 10 maximum

Toilet Attendants/Pay to use toilets: Rs 1-2 maximum. Anything more is a scam.

Travel Agency Representative (Not owner): Rs 100 maximum

Tuk Tuk/Cycle Rickshaw: Rs 5-10 maximum

Waiter/Restaurant: 10% or less of check total