Tipping in Australia

In general, tipping is not considered a must in Australia. There is no particular expectation of tipping. Service workers in Australia are paid a living minimum wage (AUD 21.38 per hour in early 2023). There has never been an American-style tipping culture in Australia.

It is much more important to people working in the service industry that they are treated with respect and good humour. However, if someone would still like to show their appreciation, this is gratefully accepted.

A service charge is usually added to your bill. It is paid directly to the establishment rather than to an individual member of staff and is generally shown on the menu.

Not all industries charge a service fee as standard, but you can tell from your bill if one has been charged.

In a restaurant

If the service exceeds expectations, you can tip around 10% in Australian restaurants. However, the exact amount to tip when visiting a restaurant in Australia depends on the location, the occasion and the size of the order. It is common to tip the waiter or waitress slightly more than the bartender, as they are likely to share their tip with the kitchen staff.

If you pay by card, ask the waiter if he or she gets the tip or if the restaurant keeps it. If the latter is the case, give the tip in cash.

Some restaurants and cafés add a 10 % surcharge to prices on weekends and holidays. This dubious practice is supposedly to cover a slightly higher minimum wage for working on these days. Another questionable practice is to charge a surcharge of 2 to 3 per cent for card payments. However, such additional charges must be clearly indicated (usually on the menu).

In any case, what you should always do is behave in a friendly manner. Leaving a tip is not the only way to show appreciation to restaurant staff. Simply smiling occasionally and thanking them for their service and food when leaving can be just as meaningful.

In cafés or bars

When dining in Australian bars and cafés, customers have a few options for tipping. They can either round up the bill to the nearest $5 or $10, or leave a small tip with each drink order. However, if you find yourself in a fancy cocktail bar where making cocktails is considered a craft – or have a particularly skilled barista make your cappuccino – it may be worth spending a little more and leaving a bigger tip to show your appreciation. In this case, a generous tip can make all the difference to the staff’s morale and quality of service.

At a hotel

As a rule of thumb, there is no service in hotels for which tipping is customary or expected. There are a few instances where you can give a few dollars. For example, $2 for the porter who gets you a taxi when it rains, or $2 to $5 for the bellboy who carries your luggage to your room.

For the maid who cleans your room, a few dollars with a note is a nice gesture on departure if you have stayed a week or more.

Who you tip and how much is ultimately at your discretion and should be based on the service you receive.

In the taxi

A tip is not expected even in a taxi, but it is always welcome. As a rule of thumb, you can tip 10 per cent of the final bill for a smooth and courteous ride.

Tips for tour guides

The price of the tour must include the service, even when there are tour guides. However, if the tour guide was excellent, you can give them a small amount – perhaps $10 per couple. However, this is more of a “thank you” than something to rely on.

Everywhere else

The same rules apply e.g. at the hairdresser’s etc. If you want to tip, feel free to do so. But do not feel obliged to do so.