Tipping, and the small customs worth knowing

How much to give and when, plus the handful of everyday rules that will save you from unknowingly being rude.

By Sabina Adhikari · 5 min read · Updated 1 August 2026

Two questions arrive in almost every pre-trip email: how much should I tip, and what will I do wrong without realising.

Neither is complicated, and getting them roughly right will change how people respond to you for the whole trip. Nobody expects a visitor to know any of this. They notice when you do.

Tipping on a trek

The customary figure is around ten percent of the trip cost, split between guide and porter, given on the last evening. It is not obligatory and nobody will ask you for it.

Give it directly and separately to each person rather than as a lump sum to the guide, and put it in an envelope if you can. Doing it privately, with a word about the trip rather than in silence, matters more than the amount. If there were several staff, the usual split weights the guide more than the porter, but not by much — the porter did the physical work. If someone went out of their way, say so out loud as well as paying for it.

Tipping elsewhere

Restaurants: many add a service charge, in which case nothing more is expected. Where they do not, ten percent is generous and appreciated.

Taxis: no tipping, but agree the fare before you get in rather than after.

Hotels: small notes for staff who carry bags or bring room service. Not expected, always welcome.

Adventure activities: not customary, though pilots and river guides will not refuse.

The everyday customs

Right hand for eating, giving and receiving. The left is considered unclean. Giving with both hands is more respectful still.

Feet are the lowest part of the body — do not point them at people, shrines or food, and step over nobody. If you accidentally touch someone with your foot, a quick apologetic touch of your hand to them and then to your own chest is the local gesture.

Heads are the highest — do not touch anyone's, including children's, however affectionate the impulse.

Jutho: once food or drink has touched your lips it is considered polluted for everyone else. Do not offer someone a bite from your plate or a sip from a bottle you have drunk from — pour into their hand or a cup instead.

Namaste, palms together, works as hello, goodbye and thank you. It is never wrong.

At temples and on the trail

Walk clockwise around stupas, chortens and mani walls, keeping them on your right. Spin prayer wheels clockwise.

Remove shoes where others have, and leather items are unwelcome in some Hindu temples — belts and bags included.

Ask before photographing people, houses and rituals. Every time, and accept no.

Dress modestly at religious sites — shoulders and knees covered for everyone. In villages generally, Nepal is more conservative than Lakeside suggests, and shorts and vests read differently three hours up a hill than they do by the lake.

Things that are fine

Bargaining in markets, cheerfully and without grinding. Not in restaurants or with taxis where a fare was agreed.

Asking questions about religion, family and caste — people are generally open and will ask you the same, including your salary and marital status within about four minutes.

Declining food, though you may have to do it three times. Refusal is expected to be repeated before it is believed.

Not knowing any of this. People are forgiving and interested. Trying is what registers.

Walk it with us

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Questions we get asked

How much should I tip for a week-long trek?

Around ten percent of the trip cost split between guide and porter is the customary benchmark. Adjust for how the trip went and what you can afford.

Should I tip in dollars or rupees?

Rupees, in small notes. Dollars mean a trip to a money changer for them.

Is it rude not to tip?

It is customary rather than obligatory, and nobody will say anything. It also forms a meaningful part of seasonal income, so if you can, do.

Can I give my guide gear instead?

Boots and jackets in good condition are welcome, and best given privately and in addition to rather than instead of a tip.

What if I am unhappy with the service?

Tell us rather than resolving it silently through the tip. We would much rather know and fix it, and the guide deserves to hear it directly.