Tipping In Australia - A Complete Guide
Quick Guide
🍽️ Restaurant - Not Expected - 0-10% If No Service Fee
🛵 Delivery Driver - Not Expected - Optional A$1-2
🍹 Bar - Not Expected - 0-5% (Tip Jar)
☕️ Café - Not Expected - 0-5% (Tip Jar)
🚕 Taxi - Not Expected - 0-10%
🛎️ Porter/Bellhop - Not Expected - Optional A$1-2/Bag
🛏️ Housekeeping - Not Expected - Optional A$1-2/Day
📸 Paid Tour Guide - Not Expected - 0-10%
In Australia, tips aren’t expected but they are appreciated. Given high wages, they’re made to reward great service, not subsidise a server’s income.
Calculate a culturally appropriate tip for Australia using the calculator below and read on for more detail on tipping in Restaurants, Cafés, Bars, Taxis, Hotels etc.
Australia Tip Calculator
Good Price For Australia
Tip
$0.00
Total With Tip
$0.00
Split Bill By
0 Each
Tipping in Restaurants
You can tip 0-10% for good service. Servers here are paid well so it’s perfectly acceptable to tip nothing and tips over 10% are rare. There’s usually no pressure to tip due to Australia’s high wages (if there is, I’d actually regard that as bad service) but tips are appreciated.
Tipping is definitely more common in fine-dining establishments, less-so in casual restaurants.
Service charges are common (there’s no need to tip extra) but you can ask for this to be removed if you’re unsatisfied with the service.
When you pay via self service (QR Code), you might see a pre-added tip. This should be removable. If not, feel free to raise this as an issue with the business.
Tip cash if you can as there’s no guarantee your tip will make it into your server’s pocket if you use your card.
Tipping Delivery Drivers
Australians rarely tip delivery drivers and this is despite the fact delivery apps tend to pre-select tips. Most people here remove them and if they do tip, it’s usually just a dollar or two.
This isn’t surprising given apps typically have inflated menu prices, delivery and service fees.
That being said, delivery drivers will appreciate tips, especially if it’s dark or rainy, and they do make a big difference to their income.
Tipping in Bars & Cafés
Tipping 0-5% for good service is common in Australian bars, cafés and nightclubs. It’s rare to tip servers directly. Instead, leave your change in the tip jar (if there isn’t one, feel free to skip the tip).
Usually tip jar money is split between staff, put towards staff outings or Christmas parties.
Tipping Taxi Drivers
Taxi drivers don’t expect tips but it’s common to round up your fare to the nearest Australian Dollar or tip anything up to 10% if they provided you with great service.
Rideshare apps often prompt customers to add an extra dollar amount to the fare but feel free to skip it. Tips aren’t expected here either.
Tipping The Porter/Bellhop
Australian porters don’t expect tips as they’re well compensated but feel free to tip A$1-2/bag if you want to express your gratitude.
Tipping Housekeeping
Housekeepers don’t expect tips either. It’s completely optional but it is appreciated. If you feel inclined to tip, leave A$1-2 with a note on the nightstand when you leave for the day.
Tipping Tour Guides
Australian tour guides don’t expect tips. Tip 0-10% or a flat A$5 for great service. Any tip will be appreciated.
Which Currency To Use
Only tip using the official currency of Australia, the Australian Dollar (AUD). International currencies aren’t accepted. Opt for cash tips if possible to ensure they go directly to the staff member.
Have a ripper trip! 🇦🇺 🦘🐨 🏖️
