Confused about when and how much to tip? Setting the ledger straight on top tipping etiquette

It was a brilliant night out at one of Australia’s top restaurants. The service was thoughtful and every need was met. Then the bill came, and I somehow succeeded in leaving a tip that was 1 per cent of the total instead of 10 per cent. This tipping caper is hard. You need a knack for numbers, strong eyesight, a mind unclouded by alcohol, and a good understanding of the tipping rules. Here’s my 10 per cent.

Is tipping mandatory?

No, it isn’t. To leave a tip is always your choice. In cafes and bars, it is not expected, but in restaurants that offer a higher level of service, it is expected but not obligatory.

How much do I tip?

That’s entirely up to you. A tip of 10 per cent of the bill in appreciation of good service is considered the norm in Australia. We don’t tip as much as they do in America, where waitstaff rely on tips in lieu of salary.

I thought you should always tip in cash?

Pre-COVID, maybe. But who carries cash any more?

Why should I tip when I haven’t had any service?

If you have ordered your food by QR code, paid for it using a mobile app, picked up your own cutlery and poured your own water, fair enough. But if there is table service, a cheery welcome, and real effort made to please (attending to dietaries, keeping sauces to the side, cleaning up the mess your baby made), then you’re in tipping territory. If in doubt, check your booking confirmation email or text, as any service charge info should be displayed there.

Don’t restaurants put the tip on the bill already?

Yes, some restaurants add a discretionary service charge to your bill, or have pre-selected a tipping option on the point-of-sale machine – you need to double-check. Asking the bill-bringer, “Is service included?” is perfectly acceptable (and a good idea when travelling in different countries) so that you don’t add a tip to a tip.

Those darn point-of-sale systems make it hard to tip the way I want to.

Yes! Sometimes the machine is brought to the table with the bill already totalled, not allowing you to add a tip. More often, it comes with suggested options for tips – 10 per cent, 15 per cent, 20 per cent (some cheekily start at 15 per cent) – with a final option of “no tip”. Press 10 per cent and the bill will total automatically for you. It’s hard to press “no tip” in front of the person who has been serving you all evening, but don’t feel pressured if you prefer not to tip.

Why do big groups have to pay a mandatory 10 per cent tip?

Because a group of 10 is more effort to care for than five tables of two. Plus, when they start splitting the bill between Robert who only had one entree, Jo who had three courses and Sylvie who ordered a glass of Dom Perignon, they often forget to add anything at all for the service, which doesn’t seem fair.