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.

Sydney’s Darling Harbour precinct: Live & play

Located on the western edge of Sydney’s CBD and once part of city’s bustling commercial port and rail yards, Darling Harbour and its immediate vicinity were redeveloped into a recreational and residential district and even served as a venue for the 2000 Summer Olympics. In fact, the area in around Darling Harbour includes a number of notable attractions including the Sydney Entertainment Centre (a major concert venue), the Star City Hotel and Casino (the second largest casino in Australia) and the LG IMAX theater (the home of the world’s largest screen). Moreover, Darling Harbour contains numerous shopping, restaurant and pub venues that will keep visitors and nearby office workers and residents alike both well fed and entertained. Furthermore, the area is easily accessible from the CBD by the Sydney Monorail and a ferry wharf provides access via the Inner Harbour ferry services to the Circular Quay and the city suburbs.

For short or long-term business travelers and expatriates, there are currently 50 sqm and 65 sqm one bedroom apartments available for rent. Furthermore, there are a number of serviced and virtual office options available just a short walk or monorail ride away in the CBD.

So for business travelers and expatriates looking for an area to live and/or play that is also convenient to where they work, look no further than what Darling Harbour.