Money and Tipping in India: A Practical Guide

The Indian Rupee (INR) is the currency you'll use day to day. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops in cities, and contactless and mobile payments are common in urban India. Cash still matters for markets, smaller vendors, auto-rickshaws and rural areas, so carry some, and use ATMs at banks or reputable locations rather than stand-alone machines in isolated spots.

Prices are negotiable in markets, with unmetered rickshaws, and for informal services, and not remotely rude to discuss if done politely and with good humour. Fixed-price shops, malls, chain restaurants and licensed metered transport are exactly that — fixed — so there's no need to haggle there.

There's no single official rule for tipping in India, and we would rather say that plainly than invent a number. On a private guided trip, it's customary to tip your guide and driver for good service, and hotel and restaurant staff for the same reason, but the right amount depends on the length of the trip, the group size and the service. Ask your tour operator for their current, honest guidance before you travel — we give ours to every guest as part of planning the trip.

• Keep a stock of smaller notes — change for a large note isn't always easy to get from a street vendor.
• Tell your bank you're travelling to India, so a card payment abroad doesn't trigger a block.
• Keep some cash separate from your main wallet, in case of loss.