How much to tip a waiter in India?
Tipping (baksheesh) of 5-10% is customary in restaurants; check for an included service charge.
Tipping a waiter in India: the local custom
When dining out in India, the guidance for restaurant service is: 5-10%. Tip in cash in Indian rupee (INR) where you can, and always check whether a service charge has already been added before you decide.
Example: a ₹50.00 bill in India
If you decide to tip around the local level, use the calculator below in INR. Remember to check the bill first — a service charge may already be included, in which case an extra tip is optional.
Tip calculator (INR)
India vs the US
In the US, a waiter is typically tipped 18%. In India, the custom is 5-10% — so if you are visiting from the US, expect to tip less than you would at home. For the full picture across every venue, see the India tipping guide.
- Tipping in India — restaurants, taxis, hotels and bars
- How much to tip a waiter — the US standard and calculator
- Compare tipping in all 53 countries
Reviewed 2026-08-10. Customs vary by venue and region; check the bill before tipping.