Tipping On Tour

 TIPPING ON TOUR
Included in the cost of your tour are tips for coach driver/guides, local guides, hotel porterage and wait staff at included group dinners.
 
While decisions regarding tipping rest entirely with you, additional tipping is always appreciated when you feel you have received exceptional service.  Tips for hotel housekeeping staff and tour director are not included. 
Tipping is less common in Australia because salaries for hospitality industry employees are higher than in the USA.   Tipping amounts are lower.   Gratuities however are always welcome to show appreciation for exceptional service.   Aussies rarely tip more than 10% and that is for very good service.  Be aware that restaurant prices are required by law to include tax and service charges, so there will be no unexpected additions to the cost of an item.  The main thing to keep in mind is you needn’t tip unless you want to show your gratitude. This Australia tipping guide will help you navigate when/where you can leave a little extra for great service.
Australia Tipping Guide:
Cafe Server: If there is a tip jar by the cash register, it’s a nice gesture to leave a couple of coins. For exceptional table service, round up to the nearest $5 but give no more than 10 percent.
Restaurant Server: There is no obligation to tip as waitstaff receive a livable minimum wage. For service that exceeds expectations, feel free to round the bill up to the nearest $5 or $10. Servers sometimes don’t receive tips included on a credit card, so always try to tip in cash whenever possible.
Bartender: It’s rare to tip a bartender, as most do not expect it and some may even refuse it. A large round of drinks, however, may deserve a few dollars tip.
Taxis: A tip isn’t expected, but is always appreciated. A good rule of thumb is to tip 10 percent of the final bill for a smooth and courteous ride. You can also let the driver “keep the change,” if that’s easier.
Airport Shuttle: It is not necessary to tip your driver, but feel free to give $1 per bag if they help with your luggage. 
Coach Driver/Guide on Optional Tours:   They are well paid so tip $5 or so if you got great service. 
Coach Driver on our tour:   A tip is paid to the Driver/Guides by ASI Tours.  If you feel the service received was exceptional you can tip a few dollar a day for a multi day tour with the same driver or a few dollars for a day tour driver.  Tipping from passengers is by no means expected and you should feel no obligation to do so. 
Park and Attraction Guides:  It is not necessary to tip guides who are providing services for our group.
Porter:  It is considerate to tip $1 to $2 per bag, depending on size, but by no means expected. 
Housecleaning staff: For multi day stays you can tip $1 to $2 dollars per day. 
Concierge: It is not common to tip the concierge.  If they provide an exceptional service you may offer a small gratuity.  
Stylist: Don’t hesitate to tip 10 percent of the final bill if you’re happy with your new look.
Spa Service Provider: Tipping is rare, so a tip of up to 10 percent for exceptional service is appreciated.
Tour Director: Current travel industry norms for tipping Tour Directors for international tours are in the range of five to six dollars a day per person and perhaps slightly less for longer tours. Since the Tour Director, (Randy) for this Australia tour is one of the principals of the tour company operating the tour, the situation is a bit different and tipping should not be considered necessary.