💰Tip Calculator

Australia's Fair Wage and Tipping Culture

In Australia, hospitality workers are paid a livable wage under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award, which includes higher 'penalty rates' for weekends and holidays. Consequently, tipping is not expected. However, for a high-end dining experience or exceptional service, a 10% tip is becoming more common in major cities like Sydney. Use this calculator to find that 10% mark if you feel the service was truly above and beyond.

Fair Work Ombudsman

Rounding Up: The Aussie Way

The most common way to tip in Australia is to 'round up' the bill. For example, if your meal is $82, leaving $90 or simply telling the waiter to 'keep the change' is a common friendly gesture. Our tool helps you quickly find the next round number, allowing you to show appreciation in a way that feels natural and relaxed in the Australian social context.

ACCC – Pricing

Tipping at Cafes and for Delivery

Tipping for coffee or takeout is extremely rare in Australia. You might see a spare change jar, but there is no pressure to use it. For food delivery services like Menulog or UberEats, a small tip of $2 to $5 AUD is appreciated, especially during heavy rain. This calculator helps you split these small amounts among your group, ensuring everyone contributes fairly.

ABS – Spending Habits

Is it rude not to tip in Australia?

No, it is never considered rude not to tip in Australia. Whether you are at a pub, a salon, or a five-star restaurant, the price on the menu is what you are expected to pay. Tipping is purely a 'bonus' for the staff. If you choose not to tip, no one will think twice about it, which is a major difference between the Australian and North American experiences.

What are 'Public Holiday Surcharges' in Australia?

On Sundays and public holidays, many Australian cafes and restaurants apply a 10-15% surcharge to cover higher staff wages. The ACCC requires this to be clearly displayed. If you are already paying a surcharge, a tip is even less expected. Our calculator helps you factor in this surcharge to find the total per-person cost for your holiday brunch.

How do I tip on a credit card in Australia?

Most modern Australian EFTPOS terminals will prompt you with an 'Add a Tip?' option before you tap. You can enter a dollar amount or a percentage. If you prefer to tip in cash, that is also widely accepted and ensures the money goes directly to the staff. Use our tool to calculate the exact AUD amount before you reach for your card or wallet.