Tipping in Australia/New Zealand

[Turk1]

Have read much and trying to filter it out. Being from the US we are used to tipping at restuarants, cabs, porters, etc. Have heard that tipping (unless it is for something really above and beyond) is not done much in Australia/New Zealand. We have seen this when we did Europe also. Just trying to clarify the custom as not to offend anyone during our cruise.

[kiwi sailor]

Tipping is not expected in New Zealand. We just give top service is a matter of fact. You may find in some restaurants that when they present you the bill, there is provision to write a tip amount there. But not required at all unless you felt you had exceptional service. Some cafe have a jar on their counter for tips to go in, normally it only has a few coins in it. No need to tip taxi's, the fares in NZ are not cheap to start with.

Same with professional services, hairdressers etc. Not expected, but up to you if you feel the service was exceptional.

A thank you and a smile is what makes Kiwi's drive to do better.

[GUT2407]

No tipping required means just that.

 

if you want to tip someone they’ll probably take it. If you don’t they won’t bat an eyelid.

 

if you want to round up to save you a pocket full of change that won’t be considered unusual. (Especially with taxis)

 

you wont see many porters to bother about.

 

if you can’t restrain yourself keep it to no more than 10%, or just a flat $5 or $10.

 

keep in mind the minimum adult wage in Australia is now around $18 an hour.

[cruiseyj]

It also depends where you are, and where you are eating. In a 5 * hotel with a lot of international clientele I would tip the porter personally.  In Sydney if eating in a nice restaurant most Sydney-siders do tip about 10%. In a cafe you don't have to tip, but if you had good service or go there a lot you can leave a couple dollars or round up the bill.  Minimum wage is very high here so most servers earn a living wage.  Cabs you can round up if paying cash if you want but they don't expect it (for instance If they get out and help with bags vs just driving). if you use a credit card they just tap it in a cab.

 

Aussies don't tip in hair salons, nail salons, massage places, porters who call a cab in a hotel, hotel maid etc.

 

Have seen some Americans tip tour guides who do take it with a smile, but the Aussies on the tour don't tip

 

[GUT2407]

I see more tour guides with boxes near the door when I cruise ship is in port than other times, so I’m guessing they’ve come to realise that a lot of overseas visitors NEED to tip. And of course not many will say no to a few extra bucks.

[SinbadThePorter]

12 hours ago, Turk1 said:

Have read much and trying to filter it out. Being from the US we are used to tipping at restuarants, cabs, porters, etc. Have heard that tipping (unless it is for something really above and beyond) is not done much in Australia/New Zealand. We have seen this when we did Europe also. Just trying to clarify the custom as not to offend anyone during our cruise.

 

In Australia we always tip for exceptional service.

 

Exceptional service being:

Applying CPR to you until the ambulance arrives.

Saving you from a crocodile attack by wrestling the crocodile into submission.

Trekking to the top of Uluru to take photos with your camera because it's too hot for you to do it.

Ensuring iced drinks are always available, even while you are in the water snorkeling.

Climbing gum trees to find suitable koalas for cuddling.

Finding the secret paths though national parks that are free from drop bears.

Always taking the first drink from your beer to ensure that it is not poisonous.

 

Each of these is $20, except the last which is $50.

Edited January 8, 2019 by SinbadThePorter

[GUT2407]

Nah wrestling crocs doesn’t earn a tip.

 

and last bloke who drank my beer, may still be bleeding

[Turk1]

Have to say all good information. Have met several Aussies and KiWi's on cruises and have to say they are exactly the type of people I like to sit and have a beer with. They would fit in perfectly in Texas!