It is customary in Australia in certain contexts, such as urban upmarket restaurants.

I have to disagree with the rather broad opening response from ivenotbeeneverywhere that "in either NZ or Australia there is a tendency to regard Americans as cheapskates if they do not tip".

This may be something that is acceptable, or even expected in the USA, but please do not bring that obnoxious habit over here. It's mostly the other way around, in that we Australians/New Zealanders are considered cheap-skates because we are not used to the tipping concept, and it's an unnecessary affectation imposed upon us by the Americans...mostly.

I have tipped service personnel, based on outstanding service that they (as individuals) may have provided, and solely on the basis of their level of service. I think that this may have been the basis of tipping concept way back, but it's now gotten out of hand. Working out a percentage, and applying that to each individual etc. is just so much taurus excreta.

If we get good service, then slip a few bucks to the waiter/tress that provided that extra something. Let's not make it mandatory. If the service is crap, then just don't bother coming back. Word gets' out...but let's not actually start tipping people for absolute rubbish service. The USA does not lead the world in any aspect of hospitality/tourism etc. so there is no need to follow their example in this regard.

<taurus excreta>

I love it!