Tipping in Nepal, including for hotel staff, is not mandatory but is appreciated and considered a gesture of gratitude for good service. Here are some general guidelines for tipping hotel staff in Nepal:
- Porters: If a porter helps you with your luggage, it is customary to tip them around 100-200 Nepalese Rupees per bag, depending on the weight and difficulty of the task.
- Hotel Staff: Tipping hotel staff such as housekeeping, waiters, or bellboys is not mandatory but is appreciated. You can leave a small amount, such as 50-100 Nepalese Rupees, for good service.
- Guides and Drivers: If you have hired a guide or a driver during your stay, it is customary to tip them at the end of your tour or trip. For guides, a tip of around 10-15% of the total cost of the tour is a good gesture. For drivers, a tip of around 5-10% is appropriate.
- Restaurant Staff: In restaurants, a service charge may be included in the bill. If it’s not included, leaving a tip of around 5-10% of the total bill is a common practice.
- Spa and Massage Services: If you use spa or massage services at your hotel, a tip of 10-15% is appreciated for the therapists.
- Other Services: For other services like room service or any other assistance, you can leave a small tip if you feel the service was exceptional.
Remember that tipping practices may vary from person to person and situation to situation. Tipping is an individual choice, and you should only tip if you feel the service was deserving. It’s also a good idea to check if the establishment has a strict no-tipping policy before leaving a tip.