Tipping in Australia
Apr 3rd, 2005, 09:20 PM
#3
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We don't tip unless there is service well above and beyond the call of duty. However, if you are staying in five star hotels, the bellboys etc usually expect a small tip.
Generally wages are sufficient that people don't need to work for the tips.
Generally wages are sufficient that people don't need to work for the tips.
Apr 3rd, 2005, 11:42 PM
#4
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Obviously serving staff won't refuse a tip, but in general they don't expect one. I think that the more expensive the restaurant, the more likely it is taht some patrons will tip, particularly if they're in a mellow mood and using the company credit card.
Taxi drivers definitely don't expect a tip, whether they help with your bags or not. An American accent may raise their hopes a little, though.
I did see a waiter on some TV show the other night vigorously arguing that patrons should tip. He put his income at $26,000 a year but that might have been after-tax.
Taxi drivers definitely don't expect a tip, whether they help with your bags or not. An American accent may raise their hopes a little, though.
I did see a waiter on some TV show the other night vigorously arguing that patrons should tip. He put his income at $26,000 a year but that might have been after-tax.
Apr 4th, 2005, 04:14 AM
#5
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I tip for good service. With a taxi etc I may suggest "keep the change" if say the fare is $18.70 and I give them a $20.
Usually with the paper boy etc I wait until Christmas then give him a fiver, if he has been good at his job.
Usually a tip here is a "thank you" for pleasant and prompt service.
If someone picks up your bag their choice. Don't tip them !!
Apr 4th, 2005, 02:01 PM
#6
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Richard - it may feel odd not to tip the server in the restaurant but you really shouldn't.
On one of our first nights in Oz, we went to dinner at Caxton Street Pub in Brisbane. I had read that tipping was not the custom but did so anyway. I waited tables through college and know how hard the work is so I tend to tip very well if the service is good. Anyway, the server was VERY offended that a tip was offered and proceeded to tell me that she made good money and didn't need my handout. She actually gave me back the credit card slip and asked me to remove the tip amount from it!
After a bit of rather excited conversation, the situation eventually ended very well. I apologized and explained that I didn't mean to offend her, she apologized for getting angry with us and we ended up having a beer together, swapping stories about our respective countries.
And yes, I kept my tip.
On one of our first nights in Oz, we went to dinner at Caxton Street Pub in Brisbane. I had read that tipping was not the custom but did so anyway. I waited tables through college and know how hard the work is so I tend to tip very well if the service is good. Anyway, the server was VERY offended that a tip was offered and proceeded to tell me that she made good money and didn't need my handout. She actually gave me back the credit card slip and asked me to remove the tip amount from it!
After a bit of rather excited conversation, the situation eventually ended very well. I apologized and explained that I didn't mean to offend her, she apologized for getting angry with us and we ended up having a beer together, swapping stories about our respective countries.
And yes, I kept my tip.
Apr 4th, 2005, 04:57 PM
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It's hard for Americans to shake the feeling that they're being lousy or tight (cheap) if they don't tip, but from reading the sometimes heated discussions on this subject on the Europe and Asia forums it's a perennial issue for them in most other countries.
It's just as hard for Australians to get used to the idea that American serving staff actually need those tips to pay the rent. Some don't know this at all and leave a trail of discontent behind them in the US.
In Australia, just remind yourself that there's no more reason to tip a waitress than to tip a shop assistant in a department store, or the person who sells you a ferry ticket. Minimum wages in other Western countries are considerably higher than in the US, and there are also non-Western cultures where tipping is only practiced by unwary foreigners.
If you do feel an irresistible urge to leave a little extra for service above and beyond the call of duty, on no account should it be on the American scale. And, as already said, it's most unlikely that the staff member in question will expect you to tip.
Personally, I don't like the idea of employers transferring the job of paying their staff to the customer, and I wouldn't like to see it emerge in Australia.
It's just as hard for Australians to get used to the idea that American serving staff actually need those tips to pay the rent. Some don't know this at all and leave a trail of discontent behind them in the US.
In Australia, just remind yourself that there's no more reason to tip a waitress than to tip a shop assistant in a department store, or the person who sells you a ferry ticket. Minimum wages in other Western countries are considerably higher than in the US, and there are also non-Western cultures where tipping is only practiced by unwary foreigners.
If you do feel an irresistible urge to leave a little extra for service above and beyond the call of duty, on no account should it be on the American scale. And, as already said, it's most unlikely that the staff member in question will expect you to tip.
Personally, I don't like the idea of employers transferring the job of paying their staff to the customer, and I wouldn't like to see it emerge in Australia.
Apr 4th, 2005, 05:49 PM
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Once upon a time I worked in Australia House, London - you could not get a taxi to pick up outside as the cabbies knew they'd be unlikely to be tipped by Aussies. So we had to sneak up the street to hail one.
But I'll still tip in a restaurant for an extra nice meal or service, not that I get to stay in a 5 star hotel these days, but you really can't ignore the hovering luggage porter. A couple of housemaids/cleaners I employ always appreciate the tips left for them. Wouldn't dream of tipping the hairdresser though, she earns more than I do.
But I'll still tip in a restaurant for an extra nice meal or service, not that I get to stay in a 5 star hotel these days, but you really can't ignore the hovering luggage porter. A couple of housemaids/cleaners I employ always appreciate the tips left for them. Wouldn't dream of tipping the hairdresser though, she earns more than I do.
Apr 4th, 2005, 08:47 PM
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Richard,
Yes, it's true...shocking..but you don't have to tip! I can totally identify with JohnInMiami, as once you've worked in the service industry, (as I did in my younger days), we tend to tip very well for good service and the reverse for poor service!
I've come up with a fun way to tip and ease my American Tipping Conscience as well....I take small gifts and give them out. This is even more fun than tipping, trust me!
I know, you're wondering what sort of things I take...well, anything small or that packs flat! I'm in California, and go to the local Long's or Walgreen's and pick up some keychains emblazoned with some tacky photo of the Golden Gate Bridge, or even a small manicure kit; you can go to www.coolballs.com and get some fun things, or a dish towel, those small boxes (like 6 pieces) of Whitman chocolate samplers, or even a local candy bar (trust me, they don't care if it's broken into 34 pieces)!
I've done this over and over in various countries, but more often in Australia and New Zealand where I travel the most. People love it, and it's waayyyy more fun than plunking down cash!
My first trip to NZ on business I sprained both ankles (long story, and no, I wasn't drinking). This absolutely lovely waitress (not even my table) noticed the bags of ice on my ankles under the table and offered her Panadol (pain killer stuff we don't get here). I whipped out a dish towel from San Francisco to thank her for her kindness and she was postively overwhelmed and told me it would "hold a place of honor" in her kitchen! Now, how sweet is THAT?!
Another time I was helped out by a guy at the ferry terminal in Tasmania -- I unzipped my luggage and offered him his choice of keychains -- he picked one, took out his own keychain, took all the keys off, put them on the one I gave him and later I saw him showing it to all of his mates.
Regards,
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
Yes, it's true...shocking..but you don't have to tip! I can totally identify with JohnInMiami, as once you've worked in the service industry, (as I did in my younger days), we tend to tip very well for good service and the reverse for poor service!
I've come up with a fun way to tip and ease my American Tipping Conscience as well....I take small gifts and give them out. This is even more fun than tipping, trust me!
I know, you're wondering what sort of things I take...well, anything small or that packs flat!
I'm in California, and go to the local Long's or Walgreen's and pick up some keychains emblazoned with some tacky photo of the Golden Gate Bridge, or even a small manicure kit; you can go to www.coolballs.com and get some fun things, or a dish towel, those small boxes (like 6 pieces) of Whitman chocolate samplers, or even a local candy bar (trust me, they don't care if it's broken into 34 pieces)! I've done this over and over in various countries, but more often in Australia and New Zealand where I travel the most. People love it, and it's waayyyy more fun than plunking down cash!
My first trip to NZ on business I sprained both ankles (long story, and no, I wasn't drinking). This absolutely lovely waitress (not even my table) noticed the bags of ice on my ankles under the table and offered her Panadol (pain killer stuff we don't get here). I whipped out a dish towel from San Francisco to thank her for her kindness and she was postively overwhelmed and told me it would "hold a place of honor" in her kitchen! Now, how sweet is THAT?!
Another time I was helped out by a guy at the ferry terminal in Tasmania -- I unzipped my luggage and offered him his choice of keychains -- he picked one, took out his own keychain, took all the keys off, put them on the one I gave him and later I saw him showing it to all of his mates.
Regards,
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
Apr 4th, 2005, 08:59 PM
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When I first went to Australia in 2001, it was hard not to tip, and I think I generally tipped 10%. After hanging out with my boyfriend, I realized even that was often times too much. He and his friends just seemed to leave the change and that was it.
Every time he comes to America, I hear him grumble about how terrible it is that we can't pay our service people enough and that they have to depend on customers for wages. It's just such a cultural difference. Understandibly, it's still a bit of a shock for him to get the bill at a nice restaurant, and then have to add 20%. I have the opposite reaction and feel sheepish when I am in a nice restaurant in Australia and don't leave 20%, but no one cares...it's just ingrained in me!
And he hates tipping an extra buck or two for a drink at a bar. Thank goodness I showed him he can make up the dollars spent on tipping at Costco, where the price of booze is so much cheaper than Australia. He nearly had a heart attack when when he saw 1.75 ml bottles for far cheaper than 1ml bottles in Oz. He just shook his head and said our land really was a land of plenty.
BTW, Costco is a huge hit with all the Australians who have visited me. At first they're stunned, but then they just go nuts with buying stuff. 24 cans of coke for $5 they ask? Incredible! I even have to take a large bottle of Tabasco with me to Sydney next week because my boyfriend wants to show his brother in law that these giant bottles exist for a mere $8.
(sorry to go off a tangent!)
Every time he comes to America, I hear him grumble about how terrible it is that we can't pay our service people enough and that they have to depend on customers for wages. It's just such a cultural difference. Understandibly, it's still a bit of a shock for him to get the bill at a nice restaurant, and then have to add 20%. I have the opposite reaction and feel sheepish when I am in a nice restaurant in Australia and don't leave 20%, but no one cares...it's just ingrained in me!
And he hates tipping an extra buck or two for a drink at a bar. Thank goodness I showed him he can make up the dollars spent on tipping at Costco, where the price of booze is so much cheaper than Australia. He nearly had a heart attack when when he saw 1.75 ml bottles for far cheaper than 1ml bottles in Oz. He just shook his head and said our land really was a land of plenty.
BTW, Costco is a huge hit with all the Australians who have visited me. At first they're stunned, but then they just go nuts with buying stuff. 24 cans of coke for $5 they ask? Incredible! I even have to take a large bottle of Tabasco with me to Sydney next week because my boyfriend wants to show his brother in law that these giant bottles exist for a mere $8.
(sorry to go off a tangent!)
Apr 4th, 2005, 11:00 PM
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The price of hard likker in the States is certainly an eye-opener and a great incentive to stock up on a few travel packs of medicinal bourbon and gin to cut down on costs. Costco I didn't know about and will make a point of investigating when next in the Land of Plenty, if only to get a giant bottle of Tabasco, that great American invention.
but crazymina, I'm trying to envisage a 1.75 ml bottle, given that a standard teaspoon is 5 ml. (OK, a low blow.)
but crazymina, I'm trying to envisage a 1.75 ml bottle, given that a standard teaspoon is 5 ml. (OK, a low blow.)
Apr 5th, 2005, 08:25 AM
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crazymina, I too was an avid Costco shopper when I live in LA. Since I moved to Jersey I dropped my costco membership because the supermarkets here are far less expensive then LA and more competitive. I can get Costco or Sams Club proces if I watch for sales at Shop-Rite or Stop and Shop.
What kind of "New Jersey" souvenir shall I bring to hand out to people in Australia?
What kind of "New Jersey" souvenir shall I bring to hand out to people in Australia?
Apr 5th, 2005, 08:59 AM
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Well, yes repete, ya caught me!
I actually had no idea of the visitor's day pass. Do they have to pay for it? Or is it a free pass to out of towners? Interesting.
richardb, I love Costco, but it's really hard to shop there since I'm single (well, I have a boyfriend, but he lives in Adelaide, so it doesn't do me much good...in more areas than one!).
I had a boyfriend who lived in South Jersey...and I honestly can't think of anything besides funnelcake when I think of that state (summers in Wildwood). Don't think that would travel too well though.
I actually had no idea of the visitor's day pass. Do they have to pay for it? Or is it a free pass to out of towners? Interesting.
richardb, I love Costco, but it's really hard to shop there since I'm single (well, I have a boyfriend, but he lives in Adelaide, so it doesn't do me much good...in more areas than one!).
I had a boyfriend who lived in South Jersey...and I honestly can't think of anything besides funnelcake when I think of that state (summers in Wildwood). Don't think that would travel too well though.
Apr 5th, 2005, 02:26 PM
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Have been in Australia twice-- total of 6 weeks -- we tipped once in a very high end restaurant -- gave the waitress $20 on a $300+ bill and she was thrilled. (Per our Australian daughter-in-law, a tip is expected in high-end places-- but not at the level that we tip in the US!) On the other hand, my sister-in-law felt compelled to tip all the time! She would ask "Is the tip included?" and of course, it never was, , so she would throw in 15-20%! I kept trying to explain that this was a different culture-- tipping not expected -- but old habits are hard to break. I have to admit- it feels weird, but it is SO much simpler!
Apr 5th, 2005, 03:32 PM
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Re the tipping, the Federal Government here is just about to remove regulated (award) conditions for all Australians, which will leave the more vulnerable areas of the workforce in a bad position.
I suspect it will not be very long in this circumstance that Australia's service industries will begin to replicate the American situation of inadequate wages for service staff, so if you're planning to come to Australia in a few years time, you may well have to tip the staff after all.
As for something from New Jersey - why not bring Harlan Coben - can't get enough of him!
I suspect it will not be very long in this circumstance that Australia's service industries will begin to replicate the American situation of inadequate wages for service staff, so if you're planning to come to Australia in a few years time, you may well have to tip the staff after all.
As for something from New Jersey - why not bring Harlan Coben - can't get enough of him!
