Do you tip in Australia?
No — tipping is not expected in Australia. Hospitality staff earn a proper minimum wage (over A$24/hour in 2026) plus weekend and public-holiday penalty rates, so they are not dependent on tips. You will not be chased down the street for forgetting to tip. Tipping is welcomed but never required.
If you do choose to tip for excellent service, 5–10% at a sit-down restaurant is generous. Rounding up to a convenient number is equally acceptable.
Australian tipping — at a glance
| Setting | Typical Australian tip |
|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 0–10% (10%+ for excellent service) |
| Café / brunch spot | Round up, or none |
| Pub / bar | None expected |
| Taxi / rideshare | Round up, or none |
| Hotel porter | A$2–5 per bag, optional |
| Hairdresser | None expected |
| Food delivery | Optional, A$2–5 |
Public holiday surcharge — is it a tip?
No. Many Australian venues apply a weekend or public-holiday surcharge of 10–15% to cover legally-required penalty rates. That surcharge goes to the business as part of the bill total, not to staff as a tip. You'll usually see a note on the menu or door. After paying the surcharged total, any additional tip is entirely optional.
Do people tip Uber and taxis in Australia?
Rideshare apps offer a tipping option but most Australians don't use it. The usual practice is to round up the fare — a A$18.40 trip becomes A$20. Longer airport runs sometimes get an extra A$5.
Tipping culture vs the US and UK
The US relies on tipping because tipped workers earn a sub-minimum base wage. The UK has moved to a more modest 10–12.5% norm as service charges. Australia sits at the far end of the scale: proper wages, no expectation of tipping, and tips treated as a genuine bonus for excellent service.
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude not to tip in Australia?
Do you tip in restaurants in Australia?
Do you tip taxis and Uber in Australia?
Why do restaurants charge more on weekends?
Should I tip in cash or on the card?
Tipping norms vary by venue and region; use your own judgement.