India Culture, Etiquette & Language Essentials (Hindi & English (हिन्दी (Hindī) & English))

Check if a 5–10% 'Service Charge' is already on the restaurant bill (separate from 5% GST tax); if not, tip ₹100–₹300 ($1.20–$3.50) at sit-down restaurants, ₹50–₹100 per bag for hotel porters, and ₹500–₹800/day ($6–$10) for private multi-day car drivers. NEVER drink tap water, fountain water, or street ice in India; drink only sealed bottled water (Bisleri, Kinley, Aquafina — check tamper seal) or RO-purified hotel water.