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Is tipping normal in Sydney?

Tipping is not mandatory but the staff always appreciates it. Stick to the 10-15% rule, which is considered very generous. They do provide tip jars in some restaurants, cafes and pubs; if you desire, leave some small change in the jar. Note: The service in Australia is a lot more laid back than in many other countries.



Tipping in Sydney and throughout Australia is not mandatory and is generally not expected in the way it is in North America, but it has become increasingly common and appreciated for exceptional service. Australian hospitality workers earn a "living wage" that is significantly higher than the US minimum, so they do not rely on tips to survive. However, in full-service restaurants in Sydney's CBD, it is standard to leave a tip of 10% to 15% if the service was particularly good. In cafes, pubs, or "order-at-the-counter" spots, tipping is rare, though many people "round up" the bill or drop small change into a tip jar. For taxis and rideshares, rounding up to the nearest dollar is common. You should also be aware of "surcharges": many Sydney venues automatically add a 10% to 15% surcharge on weekends and public holidays to cover higher staff wages, so always check your bill before adding an extra tip. Essentially, you should never feel pressured to tip in Sydney, but a small gesture for a great meal or a helpful hotel porter is always received with genuine gratitude.

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Tipping in Australia can be confusing for tourists because unlike the US where tips are expected everywhere, tipping here is entirely voluntary so do not feel obligated to leave a gratuity.

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Tipping is not mandatory but the staff always appreciates it. Stick to the 10-15% rule, which is considered very generous. They do provide tip jars in some restaurants, cafes and pubs; if you desire, leave some small change in the jar. Note: The service in Australia is a lot more laid back than in many other countries.

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Uber has a tipping section on their app which I usually ignore. Some restaurants have a surcharge on public holidays or weekends of 10% or so but it is clearly stated on their menus and used to help pay staff “penalty rates”. Otherwise tipping is not necessary. Bottom line, do what you like but it is not necessary.

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Old rules are out. Even experts come down on different sides of the cultural flashpoint, while largely agreeing on one point: The old tipping norms are dead, and there are no longer any hard-and-fast rules around when it's OK for a business to ask for a tip or for a consumer not to give.

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Just as in Japan, it is not customary to tip in China. Tipping in China is generally uncommon and can even be considered rude or embarrassing in some circumstances so when taking a taxi, enjoying a refreshing drink or tucking into a delicious meal there's no requirement to leave any gratuities.

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