How much to tip a taxi driver in Australia (2026 Guide)
Round up to nearest A$5 or A$10
Tipping calculator
Cultural notes
Lonely Planet states Australian taxi drivers "will not expect you to tip at the end of a taxi ride, but rounding up the fare to the nearest A$1 to A$5 is common practice." For a A$23 fare most Australians say "make it $25" — they do not calculate percentages. For airport runs, rounding to the nearest A$10 is reasonable. Fares already include a credit-card surcharge (typically 5%) when paid by card, and many taxis charge a "soiling fee" or late-night surcharge — these are not tips. Cabcharge and 13cabs apps offer in-app tip fields, but use is light.
Common mistakes
Tipping 15–20% American-style — drivers find it surprising, not normal.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tip more if the driver helps with my bags?
Round up an extra A$2–5; not a percentage.
What about regional/country taxis?
Round up to the nearest dollar; no tip is fine.
Tipping other services in Australia
- Sit-down restaurantRound up to nearest A$5–10, or 10% at upmarket venues
- Counter / takeawayNo tip; drop coins in the jar if you want
- 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
- 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