Tipping in India
Tip 50-100 INR at restaurants if no service charge is included. Taxi drivers don't expect tips, but rounding up is appreciated; hotel staff expect 50-100 INR per bag.
India price guide
Prices in India in 2026: fair price vs tourist trap
Short answer: very cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 62% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 3.3× the fair price.
29 prices checked Apr – Aug 2026 12 verified, 15 estimates, and 2 rough estimates How I check
Fair prices at a glance
- Street food meal ₹30 – ₹100 ≈ $0.31 – $1
- City taxi 1 km ₹10 – ₹25 ≈ $0.10 – $0.26
- Local beer ₹150 – ₹300 ≈ $1.60 – $3.10
- Massage (1 hour) ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 ≈ $10 – $26
All 29 prices are also in the free app for iPhone and Android, and they work offline. Get it
One day in India: ₹970 or ₹2,880
About $10 or $30 a day.
The first number is what locals pay, the second what tourist spots charge for exactly the same day.
Same day, same things: the tourist version costs 3.0× as much.
Restaurant meal alone: ₹1,100, or 38% of the tourist-trap day.
+₹1,910 (about $20) for the same day
| Item | Fair (₹) | Trap (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 65 | 225 |
| Restaurant meal | 425 | 1,100 |
| Coffee (espresso) | 140 | 450 |
| Water 1.5 L | 28 | 70 |
| Local beer | 225 | 525 |
| Public transit ticket 2 rides | 70 | 210 |
| Short taxi ride about 1 km | 18 | 300 |
| Total | 970 | 2,880 |
- Sightseeing comes on top: a ticket to a top museum or attraction is ₹20 – ₹650 (about $0.21 – $6.70).
- Accommodation is left out on purpose: it swings too much with the season and the night of the week for one honest number.
Where tourists overpay most in India
Tourist-trap price compared with the fair price, using the middle of each range.
Check a price you were quoted
Pick what you are buying, type the price, and see where it lands.
about $2.10
Tourist-trap price
Fair ₹10 – ₹25 Trap ₹100 – ₹500
₹200 is 11.4× the middle of the fair range (₹10 – ₹25).
Tourists often get charged ₹100 – ₹500. From ₹100 you are paying the tourist-trap price.
In the app, every expense you log on a trip gets the same check, offline.
Fair vs tourist prices in India, item by item
What 29 everyday things should cost, and what tourists often pay instead. Typical for Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Delhi, Varanasi, Goa, Kerala, and Kolkata.
Show prices in
- Fair price
- Tourist-trap price
- Verified
- Estimate
Bars run from zero to each item's top tourist-trap price.
Food & drinks
Restaurant meal: fair is ₹250 – ₹600. From ₹700 you are on the tourist menu.
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Water 0.5 L
Bottled, convenience store
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 3.8× the fair priceFair ₹15 – ₹25 ≈ $0.16 – $0.26Trap ₹50 – ₹100 ≈ $0.52 – $1 -
Coffee (espresso)
Cafe or street vendor
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.2× the fair priceFair ₹30 – ₹250 ≈ $0.31 – $2.60Trap ₹300 – ₹600 ≈ $3.10 – $6.20 -
Local beer
Draft, at bar or restaurant
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.3× the fair priceFair ₹150 – ₹300 ≈ $1.60 – $3.10Trap ₹350 – ₹700 ≈ $3.60 – $7.30 -
Restaurant meal
Tourist area, main course
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.6× the fair priceFair ₹250 – ₹600 ≈ $2.60 – $6.20Trap ₹700 – ₹1,500 ≈ $7 – $16 -
Street food meal
Local market or stand
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 3.5× the fair priceFair ₹30 – ₹100 ≈ $0.31 – $1Trap ₹150 – ₹300 ≈ $1.60 – $3.10 -
Cocktail at bar
Mixed drink, bar
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.5× the fair priceFair ₹250 – ₹500 ≈ $2.60 – $5.20Trap ₹800 – ₹1,800 ≈ $8 – $19 -
Bottle of wine (restaurant)
House wine, restaurant
Rough estimateTourist prices are about 2.9× the fair priceFair ₹800 – ₹1,800 ≈ $8 – $19Trap ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 ≈ $26 – $52 -
Fresh juice
Cafe or street stall
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 4.5× the fair priceFair ₹30 – ₹80 ≈ $0.31 – $0.83Trap ₹150 – ₹350 ≈ $1.60 – $3.60
Transport
Airport taxi to the center: fair is ₹500 – ₹1,200. At ₹1,500 or more, walk away.
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Airport taxi to center
Standard route
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.9× the fair priceFair ₹500 – ₹1,200 ≈ $5 – $12Trap ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 ≈ $16 – $36 -
City taxi 1 km
Metered or typical fare
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 17.1× the fair priceFair ₹10 – ₹25 ≈ $0.10 – $0.26Trap ₹100 – ₹500 ≈ $1 – $5.20 -
Public transit ticket
Single ride
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.0× the fair priceFair ₹10 – ₹60 ≈ $0.10 – $0.62Trap ₹60 – ₹150 ≈ $0.62 – $1.60 -
Private transfer (app)
Grab / Bolt / Uber
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.6× the fair priceFair ₹150 – ₹400 ≈ $1.60 – $4.20Trap ₹500 – ₹1,500 ≈ $5 – $16
Souvenirs
Fridge magnet: fair is ₹50 – ₹150. From ₹200 you are paying the souvenir-stall markup.
-
Fridge magnet
Tourist shop
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.5× the fair priceFair ₹50 – ₹150 ≈ $0.52 – $1.60Trap ₹200 – ₹500 ≈ $2.10 – $5.20 -
Printed T-shirt
Tourist shop
Rough estimateTourist prices are about 5.7× the fair priceFair ₹100 – ₹200 ≈ $1 – $2.10Trap ₹500 – ₹1,200 ≈ $5 – $12 -
Local handcraft
Ceramics, textiles, etc.
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.9× the fair priceFair ₹300 – ₹1,500 ≈ $3 – $16Trap ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 ≈ $21 – $52
Daily essentials
Tourist SIM: fair is ₹300 – ₹500. From ₹800 it is the tourist-kiosk price.
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Tourist SIM card
Data package
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.3× the fair priceFair ₹300 – ₹500 ≈ $3.10 – $5.20Trap ₹800 – ₹1,000 ≈ $8 – $10 -
Sunscreen SPF50
Pharmacy or shop
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.8× the fair priceFair ₹200 – ₹600 ≈ $2.10 – $6.20Trap ₹700 – ₹1,500 ≈ $7 – $16 -
Water 1.5 L
Supermarket
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.5× the fair priceFair ₹20 – ₹35 ≈ $0.21 – $0.36Trap ₹50 – ₹90 ≈ $0.52 – $0.93 -
Cigarettes
Pack of 20
Estimate, reviewedNo real tourist markupFair ₹350 – ₹500 ≈ $3.60 – $5.20Trap ₹500 – ₹700 ≈ $5.20 – $7.30 -
Painkillers (paracetamol)
Pack of 20 tablets
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 5.0× the fair priceFair ₹20 – ₹60 ≈ $0.21 – $0.62Trap ₹100 – ₹300 ≈ $1 – $3.10 -
Mosquito repellent
Spray or lotion
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 3.2× the fair priceFair ₹80 – ₹200 ≈ $0.83 – $2.10Trap ₹300 – ₹600 ≈ $3.10 – $6.20
Services
One-hour massage: fair is ₹1,000 – ₹2,500. From ₹3,000 you are paying for the address.
-
Men's haircut
Local barbershop
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.0× the fair priceFair ₹100 – ₹300 ≈ $1 – $3.10Trap ₹400 – ₹800 ≈ $4.20 – $8.30 -
Laundry (per kg)
Laundry service
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair priceFair ₹50 – ₹110 ≈ $0.52 – $1.10Trap ₹150 – ₹250 ≈ $1.60 – $2.60 -
Massage (1 hour)
Standard full-body massage
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 2.6× the fair priceFair ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 ≈ $10 – $26Trap ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 ≈ $31 – $62 -
Women's haircut
Basic cut, salon
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.2× the fair priceFair ₹400 – ₹900 ≈ $4.20 – $9.30Trap ₹1,200 – ₹3,000 ≈ $12 – $31
Attractions
Top museum or attraction: fair is ₹20 – ₹650. From ₹700, check that you are not buying through a reseller.
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Top museum / attraction
Entrance ticket
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 4.8× the fair priceFair ₹20 – ₹650 ≈ $0.21 – $6.70Trap ₹700 – ₹2,500 ≈ $7 – $26 -
Half-day group tour
Organized excursion
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 2.1× the fair priceFair ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 ≈ $16 – $31Trap ₹3,500 – ₹6,000 ≈ $36 – $62 -
Full-day group tour
Organized excursion 6-8h
Verified ·Tourist prices are about 3.4× the fair priceFair ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 ≈ $16 – $36Trap ₹5,000 – ₹12,000 ≈ $52 – $125 -
Cooking class
Local cuisine cooking class
Estimate, reviewedTourist prices are about 3.4× the fair priceFair ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 ≈ $10 – $26Trap ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 ≈ $42 – $83
Converted at 1 USD = 96.37 INR, the rate on October 3, 2026. Approximate.
Money and tipping in India
Currency
Indian rupee (INR)
- 1 USD = 96.37 INR
Quick converter, INR to USD
When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose INR. The rate it offers is almost always worse.
Bargaining in India
Bargaining is essential in local markets and with auto-rickshaws, expect to pay 50-60% of the first quoted price. Always agree on the price before getting into a rickshaw.
Fuel prices per liter
- Gasoline ₹108.69 / liter ≈ $1.10
- Diesel ₹98.17 / liter ≈ $1
- LPG (autogas) ₹65.31 / liter ≈ $0.68
Scams and safety in India
What tourists actually run into, from overcharging tricks to local laws. Open any item for the details.
Scam or crime Delhi 'Tourist office' and fake taxi redirect
Arriving at New Delhi station or IGI airport, pre-paid-taxi touts redirect tourists to 'tourist offices' near Paharganj that claim your booked hotel is closed, full or 'unsafe', they book an alternative at 5-10× the price. The official IndiaTourism office is at 88 Janpath only. Use Uber/Ola from the app, never step into a side office, and phone the original hotel to confirm before paying anything in rupees.
Scam or crime Agra Taj Mahal gem and carpet commissions
Between Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, drivers take tourists to 'government emporium' showrooms where sales staff pressure you into 50,000–300,000 rupees of 'hand-woven' carpets or 'tax-free' gems. Machine-made carpets cost 3,000 rupees in any market, and most 'sapphires' are synthetic glass. Refuse detours, use MakeMyTrip or a hotel concierge for shopping, and never send 'duty fees' after returning home.
Law Alcohol bans, cow laws and photography limits
Gujarat, Bihar and Nagaland are dry states, carrying even one beer leads to 10,000–100,000 rupees fines or jail. Cow slaughter is illegal in 24 of 28 states; beef possession can trigger mob violence. Photography of military installations, the Pakistan border and some religious interiors (Amritsar's Golden Temple sanctum) is criminal. Check state alcohol law before packing, never order 'beef biryani' off Uttar Pradesh menus, and ask before photographing temple interiors.
Health Delhi belly, dengue and tap water
80% of tourists get gastroenteritis ('Delhi belly') within 48 hours of arrival, especially from street food water, raw salads and ice cubes in Delhi, Jaipur and Varanasi. Dengue peaks August–November in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. Drink sealed bottled water (brands: Bisleri, Kinley), carry loperamide and ORS sachets at 20 rupees each, and install the NCDC dengue-zone app before arrival.
Emergency numbers in India
Not sure who you need? Call this one. 112 Emergency number
India uses 112 as the national emergency number for police, fire and ambulance. The older lines still work: 100 police, 101 fire, 102 ambulance. If you are not sure which service you need, call 112 first.
Medical costs
- Doctor visit Private clinic, general consultation without insurance $5 – $25 ≈ ₹480 – ₹2,410
- Hospital night One night in a general ward without insurance $50 – $350 ≈ ₹4,820 – ₹33,700
- Ambulance Emergency transport to hospital $10 – $200 ≈ ₹965 – ₹19,300
- Dentist Check-up or basic treatment at a private practice $15 – $80 ≈ ₹1,450 – ₹7,710
Good to know before you go
Gestures and etiquette
Left hand & feet taboos
Never use your left hand for eating, greeting, or giving, it's considered unclean. Don't point your feet at people or religious objects, and always remove shoes in temples. Public displays of affection are frowned upon and may attract unwanted attention.
Buying souvenirs
Tea, spices & silk textiles
Indian tea. Darjeeling, Assam, or Nilgiri, is best bought at estate shops or specialty stores for authentic quality. Spice blends (garam masala, curry powders, saffron from Kashmir) are affordable and aromatic. Silk textiles (Varanasi brocade, Kanchipuram sarees) showcase incredible craftsmanship. Handmade jewelry, sandalwood carvings, and Ayurvedic products are other excellent picks.
Did you know?
- India has 22 officially recognized languages and over 1,600 dialects. Hindi and English serve as the main link languages.
- India produces about 70% of the world's spices. Kerala, in southern India, has been known as the "Spice Garden of the World" for millennia.
- The Indian head wobble (a side-to-side tilt) can mean yes, okay, or "I understand." It confuses many tourists but is a friendly gesture.
Cities these prices cover
The prices on this page are typical for these cities and the tourist areas around them.
- Agra आगरा
- Jaipur जयपुर
- Mumbai मुंबई
- Delhi दिल्ली
- Varanasi वाराणसी
- Goa गोवा
- Kerala കേരളം
- Kolkata কলকাতা
How India compares
The TruePrice Index for India, next to the countries people weigh it against and its nearest neighbors, all on one scale. 100 is the median of the 60 countries I track.
-
Laos 36 Prices about 5% lower than in India - India 38 This page
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Nepal 42 Prices about 11% higher than in India -
Sri Lanka 55 Prices about 45% higher than in India -
Myanmar 55 Prices about 45% higher than in India -
Thailand 70 Prices about 84% higher than in India -
Maldives 140 Prices about 3.7× as high as in India
Common questions about prices in India
Is India expensive to visit?
Short answer: very cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 62% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 3.3× the fair price. On the TruePrice Index, India scores 38, the 3rd cheapest of the 60 countries I track.
How much does a day in India cost, without flights and hotel?
Roughly ₹970 (about $10) a day at fair prices, or ₹2,880 (about $30) at tourist prices. That covers two meals, a coffee, a bottle of water, a beer, two transit rides and a short taxi ride. Sightseeing comes on top (₹20 – ₹650 for a top museum or attraction), and accommodation is not included.
Do you tip in India, and how much?
Tip 50-100 INR at restaurants if no service charge is included. Taxi drivers don't expect tips, but rounding up is appreciated; hotel staff expect 50-100 INR per bag.
What currency does India use?
The Indian rupee (INR). On October 3, 2026, 1 USD was worth 96.37 INR. Card terminals and ATMs that offer to charge you in your home currency usually give a worse rate, so pay in INR.
How much is a meal and a beer in India?
A restaurant main course is ₹250 – ₹600 (about $2.60 – $6.20) at fair prices, while tourist menus charge ₹700 – ₹1,500. A street food meal runs ₹30 – ₹100. A local beer is ₹150 – ₹300 (about $1.60 – $3.10), or ₹350 – ₹700 in tourist bars.
How much money should I bring to India?
Budget roughly ₹970 (about $10) a day for food, drinks and getting around at local prices, or about ₹2,880 (about $30) at tourist prices. Add ₹20 – ₹650 for each major sight, plus your accommodation.
What is the emergency number in India?
Call 112, the general emergency number. Direct lines: police 100, ambulance 102, fire brigade 101.
Sources and method
Where these numbers come from, and how sure I am about each one.
- Prices
- 29 items: 12 verified, 15 estimates, and 2 rough estimates
- Checked
- to
- Exchange rate
- 1 USD = 96.37 INR,
- Fuel prices
- Cities
- Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Delhi, Varanasi, Goa, Kerala, and Kolkata
- Page updated
What the labels mean
- Verified
- Checked against recent local sources.
- Estimate
- Based on related prices and not yet confirmed.
- Rough estimate
- Thin data. Treat it as a ballpark.
- Fair price
- What locals typically pay.
- Tourist-trap price
- What tourists are commonly charged in tourist areas.
- Markup
- The middle of the tourist-trap range divided by the middle of the fair range. 3.0× means three times the fair price.
- TruePrice Index
- Fair prices for all 29 items compared with the median of the 60 countries I track. 100 is the median, 50 means half the median price and 200 twice it.
How to cite
TruePrice Index, October 2026, truepriceapp.com/en/trueprice-index/
Spotted a price that looks off? Email me at [email protected] and I will check it.
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