How much to tip in Shimla

Hello dear globetrotters! I can barely contain my excitement as we embark on our next adventure to the Queen of the Hills - Shimla, India.

How much to tip at restaurants

Tipping with cash
US cash and coins placed on a restaurant receipt, highlighting the practice of tipping for service.

As we delve into the aromatic wonders of Indian cuisine, served at quaint little local eateries to grand fine dining establishments in Shimla, the question of gratuity arises. Well, here's your quick guide - a standard tip amount would be around 10% of your bill. But don’t feel hemmed in by the numbers, if the biryani has tantalized your taste buds or the waiter has gone an extra mile, don’t hesitate to reward the wonderful service!

How much to tip at coffee shops

Table with tip and coffee
A customer leaves money as a tip next to a half-drunk cup of coffee, exhibiting the common practice of tipping for service.

Shimla's coffee culture has sprouted like a fresh espresso shot, offering mountain views alongside delicious brews. You've got to appreciate the baristas' skills here, from carefully poured latte art to the perfect amount of froth. In these cozy cafes, leaving spare change or rounding up to the nearest multiple of 10 will make your coffee taste just a notch better (Not scientifically proven, just heartily recommended!).

How much to tip at bars

Next up, let's saunter into Shimla's burgeoning bar scene. If the bartender has concocted a cocktail that helps you forget we’re in the middle of the Himalayas and not on a tropical island, then they've earned themselves a tip! For every drink, tipping around INR 50-100, depending on the complexity or level of 'exoticness' of your drink, is the status quo.

How much to tip in a taxi

As you hop from one picturesque spot to another in those cute but powerful taxis threading through Shimla's snaking roads, remember this tipping guide. Typically, taxi tips aren't obligatory in Shimla. However, rounding up to the nearest 10 or giving an extra INR 50 if the driver helps with your luggage is a pleasant way of saying "Dhanyawaad" or thank you.

Should you tip with card or cash

On to the next tip about tips - cash vs card. Although India is fast becoming a digital society, tipping in cash is still preferred. It’s instant and hassle-free, especially for the waitstaff or drivers. So stash some loose change and small bills in your wallet. But, if the situation calls for it (or if you've painstakingly run out of cash after shopping!), tipping on card is absolutely acceptable.

There you go, my exploring amigos! The magical sights of Shimla await, and now you're not just equipped with your wanderlust, but also the ability to navigate its tipping culture with the ease of a seasoned globetrotter. Happy Travelling and Happy Tipping!