Nepal Tipping Guide: Who and How Much

Tipping norms in Nepal sit between the no-tip culture of Japan and the mandatory-tip culture of the US. Getting it right shows respect for the service sector without creating awkward inflation.

Overview

Trekking guides expect NPR 1,000 to NPR 2,000 per day as a tip at the end of a trek, given separately from the agency fee. Porters receive NPR 500 to NPR 1,000 per day tip. In restaurants, 10% is appreciated but not mandatory -- check if a service charge is already included (many mid-range Kathmandu restaurants add 10% service + 13% VAT). Taxi drivers do not expect tips; rounding up to the nearest NPR 50 is a courteous gesture. Hotel staff who provide extra assistance (arranging transport, carrying bags) appreciate NPR 100 to NPR 500. At teahouses on trekking routes, tipping NPR 100 to NPR 200 per meal is kind -- these communities depend heavily on trekking income.

FAQ

Should I tip in USD or NPR? Local NPR is always preferred and more useful to the recipient than foreign currency which requires a trip to exchange.

What if the service was poor? You are never obligated to tip for genuinely poor service. In Nepal there is no cultural expectation that tips are automatic -- they recognise genuine appreciation.