boors

I am leaving for Australia in 2 weeks and am unsure about tipping. Do I tip taxi drivers, waiters, tour guides, bell hops, etc.

I have heard not to, but coming from NY that is counter to my instincts.

Thanks

Bokhara2

No. Not required.

longhorn55

Embrace the "no tipping" custom of Australia! It is neither required nor expected.

KayF

That's how Australians feel in America - it goes against our instincts. We've been told numerous times that Australians are 'mean' when it comes to tipping but I really don't think that's the case, I think it's just unnatural to us.

You can tip if you want, say 10%, to waiters and taxi drivers and they will certainly appreciate it but most Australians never tip at all.

Service staff get a decent wage in Australia so tips are not needed as much as in America where I have read the hourly rate can be almost nothing. Also Bell Hop is not a term we use, I'm not sure what we would say, we always carry our own bags so it's never come up

Have a great time.
Kay

nelsonian

Please do not tip!!

michelhuebeli

Do NOT tip, it goes against the local customs and culture - people are paid fair wages (unlike in the US) and if you and others start the tipping trend, it will get out of hand, as it has in the US where once 10% was OK and not it has been creeping up to just about 20%. So - please DO NOT TIP.

Bokhara2

Here's the thing: we tip in America because it's the custom there, even though it may go against our instincts.

So how about Americans ( and others) following our Australian customs and not tipping everyone who breathes when visiting here, even though it may go against their instincts?

When in Rome & all that ....

Many Americans complain about how expensive Australia is. So wouldn't it make sense to take advantage of NOT being required to add 15-25% to food & beverage accounts & paying sundry amounts in unrequired gratuities?

We would actually prefer not to be forced into adopting the American custom of tipping all & sundry, when our wage structure is completely different & actually pays people enough to live on without having to be supplicants for tips.

That said, if someone does an exceptional job as a taxi driver or you have a wonderful meal, there is nothing wrong with adding a little something to your payment in appreciation. Just don't go overboard tipping like a drunken sailor.

MissGreen

People are paid fair wages here. Many on $20 plus an hour in service or hospitality jobs. I round up the fair with the taxi driver... e.g. $17 let him keep the change from a $20.

As an Aussie, of course service people would love extra money (who doesn't want more money!) but it is not necessary or part of our culture.

Susan7

I would add a rider here, tip 10% in upmarket restaurants in major cities.

tt7

Let me add a rider, if I may - I disagree - vehemently. Prices in "upmarket" restaurants are eye-wateringly expensive to start with, at least in part because of the rents they pay and the cost of staff (in part, because they are paid a "living" wage and because of "penalty" rates paid on weekends etc). Eating out ain't cheap. There is absolutely no reason whatsoever to tip, and particularly so in upmarket restaurants. Why are staff in "upmarket" restaurants any more deserving (or in need of) tips compared with staff elsewhere? Have you seen what restaurants charge for a bottle of wine? I know what I can buy that bottle of wine for in Dan Murphy's (at retail, not wholesale) and the wine mark-ups in a lot of restaurants are obscene. Absolutely no reason to tip - anywhere.

boors

Thanks, it will be strange, but we will not tip.

Melnq8

You'll get the hang of it boors. It'll make more sense when you get here. In cafes and pubs you order and pay at the counter. In other casual restaurants, you'll be waited on, but very seldom brought a check, you just get up when you're ready to leave and pay at the counter/cashier stand.

If you pay by credit card, you'll notice that there usually isn't even a blank on the receipt for you to add a tip.

Do be aware that there's often a fee attached when paying by credit card - I think it's about 1.5 percent. You can save money by paying in cash (or with a debit card if you have one that works in OZ).

I've lived in OZ for over five years now (I'm American) and I haven't tipped once. It's quite liberating.

eliztravels2

Thanks, Boors, for your plan to follow local custom and not teach the Aussies bad habits! Be aware that the debit system (called EFFTOS, I think) is different than in North America. I can't use my Canadian card in stores but can use it at a bank ATM. You'll need a 4 digit PIN.

longhorn55

I agree with Melnq8--as an American who also lived in Australia for several years, I found it great not to have to tip.

Occasionally, you may come across a credit slip that does have a space for a tip--just ignore it. The server is not looking for a tip--it's just that the establishment is using a machine that prints that line.

peterSale

I generally agree with all of the above.

Tipping here is more a case of laziness rather than desire to give away money. In a taxi or when something is delivered eg a pizza, people will "round up" to make the transaction faster.

But if you want to wait for your change you are entitled and most will start to get the change ready anyway.

tripplanner001

Appreciate this discussion. I knew about the tipping etiquette in Australia from my last visit, but find this as a helpful reminder.