How much to tip on the Maharajas Express
The Maharajas’ Express is one of the best luxury trains in India. It offers the best facilities to its guests while enjoying the moving and ever-changing views of the picturesque landscape of this country. Passengers coming to this country for the first time have many understandable questions and queries. One of the most common questions that often confuses seasoned travelers as well is – should I tip the staff? Or how much should I tip? Confusion is caused among the passengers because they paid a good amount of money for the fare of the train journey, or there is compulsion or any mention that one has to help the helping staff or butler.
In the context of the Maharajas’ Express, one can be assured of the high-end status and generous guests as they travel on one of the most luxurious trains in the world. Therefore, the cabin staff and butler on board this luxury train expect a good return in exchange for their service and excellent commitment to fulfill every need of their guests. In this article, we will discuss a few points to consider regarding tips on the Maharajas’ Express.
Tipping Culture in India:
Tipping culture is neither expected everywhere nor a compulsion, but if you select to travel on the most luxurious train in India with 20 deluxe cabins, 18 junior suites, 4 suites, and an upscale presidential suite spanning over the whole carriage then the cabin crew and helpers expect a small amount of appreciation money from you. Another factor that determines the tipping culture on board the Maharajas’ Express is the amount of luggage you carry. The more the luggage, the higher the tip a cabin attendant expects. In case your luggage is handled by more than one person, you should pay the same tipping amount to all people.
Is tipping expected on the Maharajas’ Express?
Well, tipping is more of a customary thing to show appreciation to the people who are there for you day and night to give you the best experience of the journey and make it comfortable throughout the entirety of the tour. So yes, they expect a tip, but it is optional and depends on the individual as to how much they want to tip the helping staff and attendants. The duration of your stay is also a factor in determining the appreciation money you want to give. For journeys that span over shorter duration, like the Treasure of India, you can be a bit generous with your tipping amount. However, for a longer journey, you won’t be required to tip a lot.
How much to tip on the Maharajas Express?
Each suite on the Maharajas’ Express has a personal butler by 24*7. So, helpers expect a tip from their guests. The amount you tip on the Maharajas Express can vary depending on the level of service and cabin categories you’ve booked. There are different cabins that offer personalized facilities and services. Passengers of the presidential suite are expected to be more generous than the passengers from other suites.
In general, the on-board staff is trained not to expect, but tips are highly appreciated and welcomed. The passengers usually tip the staff, but are unsure of the tipping amount. Therefore, understanding the Maharajas Express cost in advance can give you better insight into budgeting for the trip, including tips and other personal expenses. Here are general guidelines for passengers that will help them on the journey.
Cabin Category | Recommended tip per person, per day |
Deluxe cabin | $10-$15 (approx Rs 800 – Rs 1200) |
Junior cabin | $15-$20 (approx Rs 1200 – Rs1600) |
Suite | $20-$25 (approx Rs 1600 – Rs 2000) |
Presidential suite | $25-$30 (approx Rs 2000 and up) |
The other question that might come to your mind is who to tip on the Maharajas Express. To put it in a nutshell, you can tip the staff with exceptional service or from your personal experience, such as cabin attendants, dining and bar staff, butlers, tour guides/ excursion staff, or train managers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Ques: Do I have to tip if I already paid a luxury fare?
Tips are not mandatory but an optional and customary way to show gratitude for the helping staff who work day & night relentlessly to give you the best experience on board.
Ques: Can I tip in foreign currency?
No, you should not pay the butlers or cabin attendants in foreign currency. They are normal people from a humble background. It will be inconvenient for them to exchange the currency. So, it is recommended that you pay them in Indian currency.
Ques: Will staff expect tips during off-train excursions?
The staff is trained not to expect any extra money, but tips are highly appreciated and welcomed. Tips are the generosity of the individual and depend on their experience and the services they receive from the staff.
