Tipping in Australia and New Zealand

If you are traveling to Australia or New Zealand soon, you may be wondering how much of a tip to leave and how tipping in either country compares with other countries you have visited. Hence, the Conde Nash Traveller Tipping Guide (which is available on the Conde Nash website and is also downloadable in pdf format) offers a very handy and useful reference guide for tipping in more than 35 countries around the world.

According to the guide, travelers visiting both countries should leave 10-15% to waiters or waitresses in restaurants while at hotels, $1 in local currency per bag for the bellhop, $10 to $20 to the concierge for a favor and $1 to $2 to the housekeeper would be considered appropriate. For cab drivers, a 10% tip is appropriate while a tip of $50 per person per day for a private guide, $5–$10 for a bus-tour guide and $20 per day for a private driver are considered appropriate. In addition, a 10-15% tip would be appropriate for any beauty or spa treatments.

The guide also notes that tipping in both countries was unheard of twenty years ago and would have gotten someone fired had they accepted a tip but it is now more commonplace to give tips due to the American influence. However, you should also be discreet about giving tips and be prepared to have your tip refused as some locals, especially New Zealanders, are particularly reserved.