🇦🇺Australia · Restaurant (Counter Service)
How much to tip at a counter-service restaurant in Australia (2026 Guide)
OptionalCash preferred
No tip; drop coins in the jar if you want
Tipping calculator
$
Cultural notes
Counter-service venues (pub bistros, food courts, RSL clubs, casual eateries where you order at a till) do not expect tips. A tip jar may exist but is rarely fed. The recent rise of "iPad turn-around" tip prompts asking 5–20% at fast-casual venues has drawn open consumer backlash and is widely regarded as un-Australian.
Common mistakes
Selecting a percentage on the iPad prompt out of social pressure — locals routinely tap "no tip" without embarrassment.
Frequently asked questions
The iPad asked for 10/15/20%. Am I expected to choose one?
No. Tap "no tip" or "custom" — that is what most Australians do at counter service.
Is the tip jar shared with kitchen staff?
Varies by venue; many pool tips across front and back of house weekly.
Tipping other services in Australia
- Sit-down restaurantRound up to nearest A$5–10, or 10% at upmarket venues
- CaféDrop coins in the tip jar, or nothing
- BarGenerally nothing; offer to "buy them a drink" for great service
- HousekeepingA$2–5 per night at upscale hotels; nothing at budget
- PorterA$2–5 per bag at upscale hotels; nothing elsewhere
- ConciergeNothing routinely; A$10–20 for a meaningful favour
- TaxiRound up to nearest A$5 or A$10
- RideshareOptional in-app tip A$1–5; most riders leave nothing
- Food deliveryOptional in-app tip A$2–5 for difficult orders
- Grocery deliveryGenerally nothing; A$2–5 only for very large orders
- HairdresserA$5–20 for an excellent cut/colour; many do not tip at all
- SpaNothing routinely; A$10–20 for exceptional treatment
- Tour guideA$10–20 per person full-day; A$2–5 short walking tours
- Tattoo artist10–20% in major-city studios; flat A$20–50 for smaller pieces
- ValetA$2–5 cash on car return
- Airport baggageA$2–5 per bag if a porter assists (rare)
- BuskerA$1–5 in the hat if you stop to listen
- MoversNo cash tip; offer cold drinks, snacks or lunch
- TradespersonNo tip; cup of tea / cold drink is the norm
Last verified: · Sources: lonelyplanet.com