tipping tour guides australia

Tipping in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide

June 20, 2023

The Doers Firm

Discover the customs and etiquette of tipping in Australia in this comprehensive guide. From restaurant tipping practices to tipping hotel staff and tour guides, learn how to navigate the tipping culture Down Under. Find out when to tip, how much to tip , and whether cash or card is preferred. Uncover answers to common tipping FAQs and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during your visit to Australia.

Introduction

When it comes to traveling or dining out in a foreign country, understanding the local customs and etiquette is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Tipping practices vary greatly around the world, and Australia is no exception. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of tipping in Australia, exploring its cultural nuances, and customary practices, and offering valuable tips for travelers. Whether you’re planning a visit to the Land Down Under or simply curious about tipping practices worldwide, this article will provide you with the knowledge and insights you need.

Tipping in Australia: What You Need to Know

Australia has a unique approach to tipping compared to many other countries. While tipping is appreciated, it is not as prevalent or expected as in some other parts of the world. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Tipping: To Tip or Not to Tip?

In Australia, tipping is generally considered a gesture of appreciation for exceptional service rather than an obligation. It is not mandatory, and most service industry professionals earn a fair wage that does not rely heavily on tips. However, if you receive outstanding service or wish to show your gratitude, leaving a tip is welcomed and appreciated.

Service Charge and Hospitality Included

Unlike some countries where a service charge is automatically added to the bill, Australian establishments typically do not include a service charge. The price you see on the menu or bill is usually the final amount you pay. However, this does not mean you can’t leave a tip if you feel it’s warranted.

Table Service vs. Counter Service

In restaurants where table service is provided, leaving a tip is more common compared to counter service establishments. If you’re dining in a café or ordering food at a fast-food counter, tipping is generally not expected. However, it’s always a nice gesture to acknowledge exceptional service with a tip, regardless of the type of establishment.

How Much to Tip ?

When it comes to the amount to tip in Australia, there are no hard and fast rules. Tipping is discretionary, and the amount you choose to leave is entirely up to you. A common practice is to round up the bill or leave a 10% tip for exceptional service. However, it’s important to remember that tipping is subjective, and you should tip according to your satisfaction with the service received.

Cash or Card?

While tipping in cash is still the norm in Australia, many establishments now offer the option to leave a tip on the card payment machine. If you choose to tip with a card, make sure to check if the establishment redistributes tips to their staff or deducts processing fees.

Tipping in Other Situations

Tipping in restaurants is the most common scenario where gratuities are given in Australia. However, there are a few other situations where leaving a tip may be appropriate. Let’s explore these further:

Tipping Hotel Staff

When staying at a hotel, it is customary to tip hotel staff who provide additional services beyond their regular duties. This may include baggage handlers, concierge services, or housekeeping staff. While tipping is not mandatory, it is appreciated, and it is common to leave a small tip of a few dollars per service rendered.

Tipping Taxi Drivers

Tipping taxi drivers in Australia is not a common practice. The fare displayed on the meter is the final amount you pay, and there is no need to add a tip on top of that. However, if the driver goes above and beyond in terms of service or assistance, you can round up the fare as a token of appreciation.

Tipping Tour Guides

If you participate in a guided tour during your visit to Australia, tipping the tour guide is not mandatory. However, if you feel that your guide provided exceptional service, sharing a tip as a token of your appreciation is always a kind gesture.

Tipping Bartenders

In bars and pubs, it is not customary to tip bartenders for a regular drink order. However, if a bartender goes out of their way to create a customized cocktail or provides exceptional service, you may consider leaving a small tip to show your appreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is tipping necessary in australia.

Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, but it is appreciated for exceptional service.

How much should I tip in restaurants?

The amount you tip in restaurants is discretionary. Rounding up the bill or leaving a 10% tip for outstanding service is common.

Can I tip with a credit card?

Yes, many establishments now offer the option to leave a tip on the card payment machine. However, check if the establishment redistributes tips or deducts processing fees.

Should I tip taxi drivers in Australia?

Tipping taxi drivers is not expected in Australia. The fare displayed on the meter is the final amount you pay.

When should I tip hotel staff?

It is customary to tip hotel staff for additional services beyond their regular duties, such as baggage handling or concierge services.

Are bartenders in Australia tipped?

A: While it’s not customary to tip bartenders for regular drink orders, leaving a small tip for exceptional service is a kind gesture.

Tipping in Australia is a discretionary practice that shows appreciation for exceptional service. While not mandatory, leaving a tip is always a kind gesture if you’re satisfied with the service received. Whether you choose to tip or not, remember to be respectful of the local customs and enjoy your time exploring the beautiful Land Down Under.

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About The Doers Firm

The Doers Firm is a studio that focuses on web development and digital marketing. They specialize in creating websites and implementing digital marketing strategies. The team at The Doers Firm is highly regarded and consists of passionate individuals. They have also developed a useful tool called the Tattoo Tip Calculator, which helps solve a specific problem.

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Tip etiquette from around the world

The ultimate guide to tipping in australia (2022): hotels, restaurants, bars and more.

• Post category: Australia

Travelling to Australia in 2022 and wondering whether you will need to tip or not?

You have come to the right place .

This is the complete guide to tipping in Australia in 2022. We’ll run you through tip etiquette for Australian hotels, restaurants, bars and more.

Let’s get started!

TIPPING IN AUSTRALIA

PICTURE this. You have just finished eating at one of Australia’s many fine cafes and restaurants , the waiter has arrived with the bill, and now a feeling of complete awkwardness ensues. Your eyes dart from the bill to the waiter and back to the bill again. Your mind races and repeats the same questions on loop…

“Hang on, I’m in Australia, do I need to tip the waiter?”.

“But how much should I tip a waiter in Australia?”.

“If I leave a tip, will the amount be considered a cheap insult, or am I actually tipping way too much of my hard-earned travel money?”

The simple fact is that tipping culture varies from country to country. And when you are travelling to far-flung destinations around the globe, keeping up to date with the ins and outs of a particular country’s tip etiquette will definitely be the last thing on your mind!

But worry no more! This complete 2022 guide to tipping in Australia will answer all of your burning questions.

Around 9 million travellers from around the world head “down under” to Australia every year.

With so much to see and do, whether that be exploring the vast scenic stretches of outback Australia or simply choosing to laze around on the sun-drenched beaches, tourists to “the great southern land” are spoiled for choice.

If you are travelling from a country where everyday tipping or the custom of leaving a gratuity is common practice, then you may be wondering whether you will need to do the same in Australia.

This is your 100% accurate and extensive guide to tipping in Australia. Updated for 2022!

We will cover tipping in restaurants in Australia, tipping in pubs and bars in Australia, tipping in hotels in Australia, tipping taxi and Uber drivers in Australia, tipping tour guides in Australia and tipping massage therapists in Australia.

Tipping at Restaurants in Australia

Australians are known for their laid back, relaxed attitude toward life. This extends to the food service which travellers will experience in Australian restaurants.

Even in upscale fine dining establishments, tourists in Australia can expect a much less rigid experience than they would get in other western countries.

Travellers need to recognise this difference, as this more casual service style should never be mistaken for rudeness or poor service.

Traditionally Australian food has been heavily influenced by English cuisine. However, in recent decades contemporary Australian cuisine has reflected its rising multicultural population, with Asian (Thailand, Vietnam) and Middle Eastern dishes becoming extremely popular.

For the more adventurous, crocodile, emu and kangaroo meat is available to try.

Do you tip at Restaurants in Australia?

❌ Travellers do not need to tip at Australian restaurants ❌

Tipping in Australian restaurants is not standard practice, so don’t worry about leaving a gratuity.

Restaurant staff in Australia are paid good wages, so they do not need to rely upon tips to supplement their income.

If you receive exemplary service, especially at an expensive or exclusive restaurant, then leaving a small tip won’t be frowned upon. Still, this isn’t something that is expected of restaurant patrons in Australia.

One “tip” for travellers in Australia to be aware of is the service charge. On public holidays restaurants sometimes charge this extra amount which is added to the final bill.

Something to keep in mind is not to be offended if you try to leave a tip and it is politely declined. 

Unlike countries like the USA, where leaving a gratuity is a daily custom. Tipping has never been a part of Australian culture and therefore isn’t something that travellers need to worry about.

Do you tip at Pubs and Bars in Australia?

❌ Travellers do not need to tip at Australian Pubs and Bars ❌

Tipping in Australian bars is not standard etiquette, so don’t feel obligated to leave a gratuity.

Just like restaurant staff in Australia, bar staff are paid a good wage and don’t need to rely on tips.

Any loose change is often put into a tip jar on the bar itself. However, contributing to the tip jar is not a requirement.

Do you tip at Hotels in Australia?

❌ Travellers do not need to tip at Australian Hotels ❌

Service staff in Australia enjoy attractive salaries, and as such, tipping is not a part of daily life.

Your hotel porter/bellhop in Australia will not expect a gratuity. This goes for all types of hotels, from budget to expensive.

Your hotel maid will not expect a tip, and neither will the hotel concierge.

Tipping Taxi Drivers in Australia

Taxi and ride-share services are a great way for travellers to move around in Australia.

For many, using public transport in a completely foreign country can be a daunting experience.

And if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage, then it can be an extra hassle on trains and buses.

If you are considering using taxis in Australia, it is a good idea to get up to speed on whether you will need to tip your taxi driver or not.

Do you tip Taxi Drivers in Australia?

❌ Travellers do not need to tip Taxi Drivers in Australia ❌

In Australia, taxi drivers do not expect a tip.

However, it is common practice to let your driver “keep the change”.

An example of this would be handing your taxi driver a $20 note for a $19.80 ride and letting your driver keep the extra 20c instead of asking for your change back.

Is there Uber in Australia?

Yes, Uber is available in Australia and is extremely common and available.

Uber is one of the most convenient transport options available to travellers in Australia. It is a stress-free way to explore and navigate Australia and its major cities, such as  Sydney and Melbourne.

Uber is available in all of Australia’s main cities and throughout the whole country. It operates 24/7 and holds a high standard of safety. You’ll find comfortable cars and bikes with an extra emphasis on cleanliness and sanitation.

Uber in Australia is used by both locals and travellers.

As a frequent world traveller, I like to use ride-share services such as Uber as much as possible.

If you have never used Uber before, you can download the Uber app to use on your phone from the Apple App Store or the Android Play Store. 

Do you tip Uber Drivers in Australia?

❌ Travellers do not need to tip Uber Drivers in Australia ❌

No, tipping your Uber driver is not necessary in Australia.

In the exact same way that tipping a taxi driver is not required in Australia, travellers also do not need to tip Uber drivers either.

Unlike when taking a taxi in Australia, rounding up your change and giving it to your Uber driver is not something that is regularly done in Australia.

Tipping Tour Guides in Australia

Australia is known for its natural beauty. From the vast desert outback, including Uluru, to world-famous beaches and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.

It’s no wonder Australia welcomes over 9 million tourists every year.

Because of this, travellers to Australia are likely to join quite a few guided tours. 

It is important to get up to date on whether you need to tip your tour guide or not.

Do you tip Tour Guides in Australia?

❌ Travellers do not need to tip Tour Guides in Australia ❌

When you are travelling in Australia, you do not have to worry about tipping tour guides.

However, if you feel that your tour guide did an excellent job, feel free to tip him or her a small amount as a way of saying thank you. This, of course, is not a necessity.

Tipping at Spas in Australia

Treating yourself to a relaxing spa treatment in Australia is like anywhere else in the world.

For a smooth spa experience in Australia, be sure to book an appointment beforehand. And arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before your treatment/massage begins.

Do you tip Massage Therapists in Australia?

❌ Travellers do not need to tip Massage Therapists in Australia ❌

Tipping after a relaxing massage is not expected in Australia.

Australian massage therapists make a decent amount of money and do not depend on gratuity.

If you feel that your massage was particularly exceptional, then feel free to leave your therapist a small tip.

However, remember that this is definitely not something that your massage therapist will expect of you.

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Guide to tipping in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific

Aug 21, 2024 • 4 min read

Unless you're offered table service, tipping for food or drinks is not the norm in hospitality venues. Isabella Moore for Lonely Planet

It's a convoluted question wherever you're traveling: how much should you tip, and how? Sometimes, it may be a matter of rounding up a fare; in other cases, a substantial tip to show your appreciation for excellent service might be appropriate. The context is key. 

In Australia , New Zealand and the South Pacific , it's especially confusing because tipping for many services hasn't been practiced at all until recently. Even then, it's still not necessarily the norm in many situations. Here's  how to navigate the varying tipping cultures across Oceania.

Do I need to tip at restaurants, pubs and bars?

Historically, leaving gratuities in Australia and New Zealand   hasn't been standard practice, as staff in the hospitality industry are generally assumed to earn a decent wage. But during the Covid-19 pandemic, tipping culture began to change, in part due to cost of living increases.

Since roughly 2021, tipping has become more commonplace, particularly in urban centers like Melbourne . However, the act hasn't been widely accepted across the country, and it can be a bit political. Many Kiwis and Australians believe it's the responsibility of the government to set minimum wages that keep pace with inflation and for employers to pay workers a fair wage. Tipping can be perceived as a threat to workers' rights and is considered by some to be "un-Australia" or "un-Kiwi." It's for these reasons that you might encounter or hear stories of servers steadfastly refusing tips.

For travelers, this makes tipping culture (or the lack thereof) in Australia and NZ tricky to navigate. A good rule of thumb: if you're in a regional area or eating in a pub or cafe where you order from the counter, it's not necessary to tip. But if you're dining in a restaurant in a major city that offers full table service, a tip of 10% to 15% is appreciated if you feel the service is deserving.

Wherever you dine, remember that the menu prices factor in both tax and tip, with service surcharges of up to 15% automatically added to your bill on weekends and holidays. This surcharge directly correlates with a higher wage that's paid to staff during hours worked outside the standard working week (sometimes called penalty rates).

In countries of the South Pacific , tipping in restaurants and bars is even less of a concern, as the practice is not part of the Indigenous cultures. That said, if you visit a particularly swanky restaurant and have your mind blown with incredible food and service, do feel free to add on 10% to the overall bill (even though it won't be expected).

Am I expected to tip hotel staff?

It is not standard practice to tip hotel cleaning staff or porters in Australia or New Zealand. Again, if you feel that the service was truly exemplary, you can leave around $5 (in either Australian or NZ dollars) and $5 a day for housekeeping staff.

The South Pacific Islands take a more hospitable stance – when you initially check into your hotel, you are considered an honored guest, and if you stay a second time, family.

Suffice it to say, neither of these are expected to tip. If you do feel you want to reward particular staff members financially, however, do it face-to-face. Otherwise, it won't be accepted. This is particularly true of housekeeping staff.

Is tipping our tour guide expected?

It is optional to tip local tour guides. It's more common to tip tour guides who work for international inbound tour operators, mainly because they're working with international travelers who typically tip.

Tour guides and private drivers in Australia and New Zealand should be tipped between $20 and $50 (in the local currency) per day, while bus tour operators can be given around a $5 to $10 tip for a day's work. It' s important to note that in Australia and New Zealand, it's typical to have a "driver-guide" model, where the bus driver is doing both the driving and the guiding, therefore warranting a larger tip. 

If you've been given a particularly good tour guide or private driver in one of the South Pacific islands, showing your appreciation with a tip is acceptable but not expected. The amount is up to you, but always tip in local currency, as US dollars are hard to trade and impact the local economy.

How much should I tip my taxi driver?

Similarly, taxi drivers in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific islands won't expect you to tip at the end of a taxi ride, but rounding up the fare to the nearest $1 to $5 is common practice.

If you are traveling by a rideshare app (or ordering food from an app-based food delivery service), giving a decent tip is more common, in recognition that workers in the gig economy are less likely to be earning minimum wage.

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Tipping in Australia: A Complete Guide

12 September 2017

All around the world there are countries where tipping is not just encouraged, it’s expected. This is because tipping is often taken into consideration by employers when setting wages. Australia is different. Because staff are paid well, tipping isn’t even thought about. If you’re heading to Australia and you’re not sure what to do, here’s one handy rule:  

You Don’t Have to Tip.

  That’s it. Blog over.

Just kidding. If you’re still wondering about certain situations where you might need to tip, we’ve got you covered below (and my boss says I’ve got to write more than 60 words).  

Most hotels in other countries expect you to tip, with so many people serving you during your stay it can be difficult to work out who to tip and how much to tip. Luckily in Australia we like to keep it easy, so here’s a good rule for tipping:  

You Don’t Have to Tip.  

Restaurants.

Let’s set the situation. You’re having a nice dinner with friends, it’s coming to an end and everyone starts the classic ritual of trying to work out how to split the bill. Once everyone has worked out who’s paying for what you realise that you’ve forgotten to add the tip. Luckily you’re in Australia where:

You’re probably already getting sick of this so we’re going to keep it short and sweet. Like a smooth old fashioned or a shot of peach schnapps. If you’re at an Aussie pub, bar or cafe:  

If you’re in a major city we recommend you just grab an uber. However if you do find yourself in the seat of a banana yellow ford falcon awkwardly avoiding small talk here’s what to do when it comes to tipping at the end of your ride:  

Hairdressers/ Masseuses

Maybe you’re in dire need of a haircut, or maybe you’ve had a hard day cruising the Whitsundays and need a well deserved massage. We get it. But if you’re lying there stressing about how much to tip relative to how good the massage was here’s a good rule:

On a more serious note

When it comes to tipping in Australia, it’s not expected and almost nobody does it, which is great because now you don’t have to whip out the phone calculator and work out what was 10% of that chicken sandwich.

The only exception is if you’re at a bar, restaurant, cafe or really any service industry and you really enjoyed the service, then go ahead and chuck them anywhere from a couple bucks to a $20 note. They’ll appreciate you for it.

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