Another question for past Aus/Nz pax

[rockgarden]

I know that tipping cab drivers, in restaurants, etc., is not expected in Australia and New Zealand.
So, when our luggage is taken at dockside, is tipping expected or not?
thankyou.

[bronnie]

Tipping is not usual in NZ & Aussie. If someone has given you exceptional service you may want to give a tip. For Taxi drivers what is more usual is you give the money as notes & say "keep the change". So try & have some small denomination notes on you so you can pay close to the metered fare. Or you can hand back the coins or a small note from the change the driver gives you.
If you have a large amount of luggage (American luggage allowance for flying is double what Australian & NZ flights get) you may want to give the porter $1-2 if they have given very good service and had to take your luggage some distance.
I am an Aussie & live in NZ. We found the tipping policy very hard to get used to when we were in USA in June. The wages structure in USA makes a tip essential.