Journal · Eating out
Splitting the bill in Australia: no tipping pressure, but watch the surcharges
GST is in the menu price, but weekend and card surcharges are not. How to split a bill in Australia.
Good news for anyone splitting a bill in Australia: the price on the menu already includes GST. Tipping is welcome for great service, but it is not expected the way it is in the US.
What can change the total
- Weekend and public holiday surcharges. Many cafés and restaurants add a surcharge on Sundays and public holidays, often around 10% to 15%. It should be shown on the menu or a sign.
- Card surcharges. Some places add a small fee for paying by card.
- Large group fees. Some restaurants add a service fee for big tables.
Each of these appears on the receipt, so check it before you split.
A worked example
Three friends have Sunday brunch. The menu prices add up to A$90. The café charges a 10% Sunday surcharge.
- Food and coffee: A$90.00
- Sunday surcharge 10%: A$9.00
- Total: A$99.00
Split equally, that is A$33 each.
Splitting by item
Apply the same surcharge to each person's order. Someone who had an A$18 meal and a A$5.50 flat white pays A$25.85.
Tipping
If the group wants to leave a tip, agree on an amount and split it the same way as the bill. A simple round-up is common.
Settling up
PayID and Osko transfers usually arrive in seconds. One person pays the café, the others transfer their share straight away.
With Perpax
Perpax, coming soon from Goldmend Money, will handle surcharges and optional tips, and keep a running tab for the brunch crew in A$.
General information, not financial or legal advice. Figures are examples. Check your receipt and official sources.