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Tipping in Australia

Not expectedAUD ($)Tips: card or cash

Here's the tip.

Not expected. Staff are paid a proper wage.

Australia has one of the world's highest minimum wages and hospitality staff are paid accordingly, with penalty rates on evenings, weekends and public holidays. Tipping is genuinely optional, and leaving nothing is completely normal. A tip is a compliment, not a top-up.

At a glance

Card tipping. Card terminals increasingly show a tip prompt, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. It is entirely optional and skipping it is normal.

  • A surcharge of 10–15% on Sundays and public holidays reflects penalty rates paid to staff. It is not a service charge and does not replace a tip.
  • Card payment surcharges of 1–2% are common and are a processing fee, not a gratuity.

Tip calculator

10%
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AUSTRALIA

The tipping cheat sheet

  • RestaurantsNot expected. 10% for excellent service
  • CafésNot expected
  • BarsNot expected
  • TaxisRound up
  • Hotel porters$2–5 per bag
  • HousekeepingNot expected

WhatTheTipwhatthetip.com/australia

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Things to do in Australia

Where are you actually going? These are the best rated in each place.

SydneySydney Harbour Kayak Adventure - for FIT PEOPLE!5.0·135 reviews·from €79.51MelbournePrivate Great Ocean Road - The Ultimate Aussie Adventure5.0·84 reviews·from €712.43AdelaideFull Day Kayaking Tour in Coorong National Park5.0·122 reviews·from €101.78BrisbaneBrisbane Sightseeing Tour by Bus: Scenic Locations & Morning Tea5.0·70 reviews·from €79.51

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Travelling in Australia?

Stay connectedGet an eSIM before you land so you can check fares, maps and this guide without roaming charges.View eSIM plansAirport transfersBook a fixed-price transfer in advance and skip the taxi-rank negotiation.Book a transfer

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Common questions

Do you tip in Australia?
Not expected. Staff are paid a proper wage. Australia has one of the world's highest minimum wages and hospitality staff are paid accordingly, with penalty rates on evenings, weekends and public holidays. Tipping is genuinely optional, and leaving nothing is completely normal. A tip is a compliment, not a top-up.
How much do you tip at a restaurant in Australia?
Not expected. 10% for excellent service. Nothing required. Round up or leave 10% if it was great.
Can you tip by card in Australia?
Card terminals increasingly show a tip prompt, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. It is entirely optional and skipping it is normal.

Reviewed by Greg Kockott on 3 September 2026.

Figures checked against the sources below on 4 September 2026.

Sources