A plain guide
Tipping, and the small etiquette of a car.
Most visitors to India are unsure whether to tip a driver, how much, and who pays for his lunch. Here are the common answers — and the house’s own, which is simpler.
The custom in India
With a hired car and driver, many travellers give the driver something at the end of a long day or a trip, and guides disagree on how much. Meals and a night’s stay for the driver on an outstation trip are often charged separately by rental companies — ask before you agree.
The house’s rule
TipsNever expected, never asked for, and never taken by hand — your sarathi cannot accept money of any kind
If you wish to thank himTell the house; it reaches him in full, and he is told who it came from
His meals and night haltInside the written figure on every journey; never yours to arrange
Tolls and parkingInside the figure; he never asks for them
Small etiquette, both ways
Where you sitThe cabin behind is yours; the front belongs to your sarathi
TalkingYour choice — choose “Quiet” and he speaks only when the road needs it
The doorHe opens it; you need not wait for it if you would rather not
Your phone and bagsLeave them in the car while he waits; it is locked, and he stays with it
If something is wrongTell him or the house at once; it is put right on the day, not argued afterwards
Reserve a journeyNothing to work out at the end of it.
Questions guests ask
How much should I tip a driver in India?
Customs vary and guides disagree. At Unlyra a tip is never expected and never taken by hand; if you wish to thank your sarathi, the house passes it on to him in full.
Do I pay for the driver’s food on an outstation trip?
With many rental companies, yes. With Unlyra, the sarathi’s meals and night halt are inside the written figure.
Should I sit in the front seat?
With the house, the cabin behind is yours and the front belongs to your sarathi, so that he is at your door before you reach for it.
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