Tipping / gratuity service charges at restaurants around the world

In Australia 'tipping by default' is becoming common at restaurants for group bookings of 10 people or more, in addition to surcharges for paying with a card.

Tipping culture has never been a thing here until very recently, and it seems to be 'bleeding' it's way into the dining-out scene.

Is it a 'thing' in your country and generally how does it work?

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Gusman · 61-69, M

I would enquire first about a tipping charge. If it was mandatory I would say you just lost a booking and I would post it on social media.
Workers are paid wages.
Who gets the mandatory tip?

justanothername · 51-55, M

@Gusman hospitality workers are paid marginal wages. Tipping shows gratitude for great service or delicious food.

zonavar68 · 51-55, M

@justanothername In Australia hospitality workers get paid real proper wages so tipping/gratuities should not be an expected part of the dining out experience and should be entirely optional for customers to choose to offer a tip or not. Similar to paying by cash to remove the credit/debit card surcharge most places try to charge now.

Gusman · 61-69, M

@justanothername Not here in Australia. They are paid hourly Award wages.
Age 20+
Mon - Fri, AU$22.61- US$15.19
Sat - AU$28.26 - US$18.98
Sun - AU$32.92 - US$22.91
Public Holiday - AU$50.87 - US$34.17