Tipping in Australia
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 83
Tipping in Australia
I may have missed the thread if this topic has been discussed before. If so, sorry.
I've had mixed messages about whether and, if you should, when tipping is expected/acceptable in Australia.
One (never) source says never as its seen as demeaning and a little insulting. (On the other hand, the taxi driver I asked about this didn't seem to find my offer of a couple of dollors in top of the fare demeaning!!)
One says sometimes, depending on service being provided and its quality.
Before I arrive, I'd like to get a handle on this.
Thanks
Alistair
I've had mixed messages about whether and, if you should, when tipping is expected/acceptable in Australia.
One (never) source says never as its seen as demeaning and a little insulting. (On the other hand, the taxi driver I asked about this didn't seem to find my offer of a couple of dollors in top of the fare demeaning!!)
One says sometimes, depending on service being provided and its quality.
Before I arrive, I'd like to get a handle on this.
Thanks
Alistair
#2
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,810
Re: Tipping in Australia
I may have missed the thread if this topic has been discussed before. If so, sorry.
I've had mixed messages about whether and, if you should, when tipping is expected/acceptable in Australia.
One (never) source says never as its seen as demeaning and a little insulting. (On the other hand, the taxi driver I asked about this didn't seem to find my offer of a couple of dollors in top of the fare demeaning!!)
One says sometimes, depending on service being provided and its quality.
Before I arrive, I'd like to get a handle on this.
Thanks
Alistair
I've had mixed messages about whether and, if you should, when tipping is expected/acceptable in Australia.
One (never) source says never as its seen as demeaning and a little insulting. (On the other hand, the taxi driver I asked about this didn't seem to find my offer of a couple of dollors in top of the fare demeaning!!)
One says sometimes, depending on service being provided and its quality.
Before I arrive, I'd like to get a handle on this.
Thanks
Alistair
I only tip the cab drivers here if the service is worth it (so very rarely!!!).
#3
Re: Tipping in Australia
Tipping doesnt seem to be expected too much here.I havent head of any one being insulted.If you are happy with the service I would say feel free to tip.
#4
Re: Tipping in Australia
I always tip my cabbies (both here and back home in Australia) but I don't tip anyone else.
Australia doesn't really have a tradition of tipping, so it's not expected.
Australia doesn't really have a tradition of tipping, so it's not expected.
#5
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Oz -> UK -> San Diego
Posts: 9,912
Re: Tipping in Australia
Restaurant waiting staff usually expect (and get) a tip in the vicinity of 10% - never more than that.
#7
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 554
Re: Tipping in Australia
I am so interested in this one too. Every time we go out, we don't know if we need to or not.
We never do at places that have a weekend surcharge, whats that all about??
But would love know what is correct, should you or shouldnt you and how do you know?
We never do at places that have a weekend surcharge, whats that all about??
But would love know what is correct, should you or shouldnt you and how do you know?
#9
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,810
Re: Tipping in Australia
Weekend surcharges are like public holidays - they put the prices up, often by around 10%, but thats included in what they charge you, its not a tip.
#12
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Oz -> UK -> San Diego
Posts: 9,912
Re: Tipping in Australia
That's true. The weekend rates for waitressing used to be a lot higher than week day rates.....years ago I got $10 an hour M-F, $13 on a Sat and $16 on a Sun...
#13
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 371
Re: Tipping in Australia
Otherwise it is classified as tax evasion and you have just committed a crime by paying that employee.
#14
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Oz -> UK -> San Diego
Posts: 9,912
Re: Tipping in Australia
I have lived in Sydney my entire life and have NEVER tipped anyone. If anyone ever asks for a tip tell them to move to Yankieland. Tipping is actually illegal as it is payment directly to a person engaged in employment, which by law you may only receive payment via a Bank account.
Otherwise it is classified as tax evasion and you have just committed a crime by paying that employee.
Otherwise it is classified as tax evasion and you have just committed a crime by paying that employee.
2. I always declared it on my income tax returns.
Which part of Sydney do you live in or dine in?
#15
Auntie Fa
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 7,344
Re: Tipping in Australia
I'm surprised by some of these posts; I always thought tipping was expected in Oz much like it is in the UK. I always tipped for good service in Singapore even though it's not expected, so I'll carry on doing it here in Sydney but maybe not feel so tight when I don't tip bad service.
The one place that confuses me is the hair salon - in the UK I would tip the junior that washed my hair and give them and the stylist a little bonus at Christmas. Here I seem to have at least 3 people attend to me every time I go, and the junior doesn't hang around to hand me my coat, etc., so I'm not sure what to do.
The one place that confuses me is the hair salon - in the UK I would tip the junior that washed my hair and give them and the stylist a little bonus at Christmas. Here I seem to have at least 3 people attend to me every time I go, and the junior doesn't hang around to hand me my coat, etc., so I'm not sure what to do.