Tipping point: Where Aussie diners draw the line on being asked for tips
In the world of food trends, Aussies have an array of opinions – but it seems there’s one aspect of dining out that we’re not quite so divided on.
Like it or not, tipping has elbowed its way into the food scene Down Under. The classic till-side tip jar can still be found, but tipping has largely evolved to fit our digital, cashless society, with prompts now found on restaurant ordering screens and QR codes, as well as in food delivery apps.
Aussies have a lot to say about the rise of tipping in our food scene. Graphic: Polly Hanning
To get a snapshot of attitudes towards tipping in 2026, we asked 1146 Aussies for their two cents in an exclusive nine.com.au poll. And it seems we, as a nation, have very firm feelings when it comes to paying extra for hospitality.
Digital tipping prompts
Touching on the growing presence of digital payment prompts, participants were asked what they do when asked electronically for a tip.
A whopping 60 per cent said they always decline, as “tipping has no place in Australia’s wage model”. Meanwhile, 29 per cent only tip for exceptional table service, but never for counter service or takeaway.
Just 5 per cent will leave a small (5-10 per cent) tip to support service staff, while 6 per cent said they feel pressured to tip, even when they don’t want to.
For some, the digital format is part of the problem. One survey participant shared, “I will only tip for good service, and give it directly to the waiter in cash.”
Another said they don’t frequent food venues with automatic tipping: “Australia’s minimum wage is the highest in world. I tip in cash when service is good, such as at one of my [local] cafés.”
Others highlighted that in a cost of living crisis, tipping adds financial strain. One person declared it an “invisible tax” they’ll play “no part in”.
Sixty per cent of Aussies surveyed decline digital tipping prompts when dining out. iStock
“Ordinary diners shouldn’t be put in a position where they are embarrassed and feel prejudiced because additional expense can be something they haven’t budgeted for,” another reasoned.
For some, the issue is being asked to tip for service that’s coming via a QR code, not a person. One wrote: “I refuse to tip when you don’t get any personal service.”
Not everyone was so hardline in their stance on tipping. One respondent has “no issues” tipping staff, adding, “I worked in hospitality for 20 years, and I know how hard it is.”
At the other end of the spectrum, one declared: “Any restaurant asking for tips will be the last time I go there.”
Service fees
It’s not tipping in the traditional sense, but the addition of ‘service fees’ to restaurant bills is another shift getting Aussies riled up.
Some venues automatically add these charges to receipts, requiring customers to request their removal if they object. Our poll revealed a clear consensus: Aussies are mad about it.
Seventy-nine per cent of respondents said it was “American-style tipping introduced through the back door”.
Service fees: the tiny detail on a restaurant receipt that gets people fired up. iStock
One called it “insanity”, writing: “People are struggling to make ends meet, and on top of that you are copped with all these extra charges.”
The rest had mixed feelings: 10 per cent called it “acceptable” for large groups, but something that should never be added to standard tables, while 10 per cent felt it was “fine, provided the venue makes it clear on the menu before you order”. Just one per cent pay it without arguing to avoid awkwardness.
Food delivery apps
The inclusion of upfront tipping prompts on delivery apps like Uber Eats draw a similar response.
Food delivery apps also usually include an upfront tipping prompt when orders are placed. iStock
Of the survey respondents who use these services, 72 per cent said they never tip upfront, as the delivery fee “should cover” the driver’s pay. Sixteen per cent will only tip in cash, or via the app, after the food has arrived quickly and safely.
While 2 per cent will always add a $2-$5 tip upfront to ensure fast delivery, 10 per cent have stopped using delivery apps altogether due to extra fees and tipping prompts.
“We should not have to pay a tip in an app as we already pay more for our delivery,” one observed, while another said, “I’m an eager tipper, but only AFTER delivery.”
Across the board, a sentiment that emerged in the responses was that tipping is an American tradition that has no place here.
As of July, Australia’s National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour. In the US, it’s $US7.25 (approx. $10.30) per hour, so for hospitality staff, tips offer an important income supplement.
“Americans tip because their wages are low. Australians are paid at a much higher rate in comparison, and we are paying more for our goods and services to cover the higher wages,” one survey respondent said.
“We should not be tipping on top of this. We are becoming more Americanised and I don’t see a reason why we should.”
That argument was even echoed by an American, who wrote: “I think our tipping system is BS. Please don’t adopt it.”
The nine.com.au poll, which runs once a fortnight, canvases the views of the Nine audience on Idea Xchange, which is an online community of our readers and viewers. Learn more and sign up here.
