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.