Tipping in Australia

JohnnyB

Newbie

Posts: 6

« on: August 01, 2008, 04:47:30 AM »

Hey Australians out there!

What's the go with tipping in Australia? Here in the US we are expected to tip 20% for just about everything, but I've heard that in Australia it's not like that, is that right? Is it different in the major cities to the suburbs or other areas?

Thanks

Johnny


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beachgirl

Newbie

Posts: 7

Re: Tipping in Australia

« Reply #1 on: August 01, 2008, 04:58:14 AM »

Yeah, I found the differences around tipping so amazing when I was in the US and Canada! Australian culture is so close to American culture in a lot of ways, but this is not one of those ways.

In Australia waitresses and bartenders get paid at least minimum wage (A$10-15 / hour), but in the US (correct me if I'm wrong) they get paid nothing or very close to nothing and expect to earn a living off their tips.

In Australia, I only tip when the service is really good or if I'm feeling in a generous mood. It is definitely not expected. But consequently, meals and drinks in Australia are more expensive, because part of the marked price is set to go towards paying the service person.

Beachgirl


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I call the world home

black_kettle

Newbie

Posts: 6

Re: Tipping in Australia

« Reply #2 on: August 01, 2008, 05:09:04 AM »

I find that so much more relaxing in Australia. In the US, because the staff are living off their tips, they try to churn you through the restaurant, getting their tip and then pushing you out for the next customer. They also do favoritism on who they think is going to give the biggest tip. I like just relaxing in a restaurant after a meal and chatting for a while.

Although at least they don't charge you to use their toilets!! I was shocked in Europe when they stopped me on the way out of a public toilet to charge me for the pleasure!

Australian culture suits me well. It doesn't feel like everyone is trying to take my money


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RXD

Full Member

Posts: 112

Re: Tipping in Australia

« Reply #3 on: November 25, 2009, 01:15:16 AM »

The problem is there's no hard and fast rule to go by. Generally Australians and New Zealanders say tipping is not only unnecessary but also a practice to be abhorred since, or so the argument goes, Australian workers in the tourism and other service industries already get paid sufficiently.


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