Tipping in Australia

[Sar]

I know this is a bit of an odd question to put in surfing forum but dont know who else to ask.......

Im off to Oz soon but was just wondering what the rules are on tipping waiters and stuff over there. Is it the same as the Uk or more like the US. I dont want to be a tightwad but dont want to go chucking my money around either, I tend to just tip if I recieve good service but know that wouldnt go down well at all if the 'tipping culture' is like the US. So whats the deal?

[dougirwin13]

Unless you pay more than, say, AU$50 per meal you dont tip.

-doug

[surf patrol]

Tipping is not expected (but there is no reason why you should not tip if you've had good service)

[isaluteyou]

i always tip especially in small cafes and such as the waiteresses get paid peanuts so they need those tips to make ends meet. You dont have to tip a lot i never do maybe $2 or so is cool.

[Sar]

Cheers for the info guys! Sounds just like the UK, I always tip generously for a good meal/service but its not compulsory.

isaluteyou - this is what I have heard about the US, the wages are so bad that people rely on the tips - its not a bonus like elsewhere.

[SDCali]

isaluteyou - this is what I have heard about the US, the wages are so bad that people rely on the tips - its not a bonus like elsewhere.

Yes that is true about the US. Servers are generally paid at or around minimum wage, so tips can end up making or breaking their wages. They have to report and pay tax on them as well.