There are no two ways around it: tipping in Australia is bloody confusing.
In fact, new research from Open Table finds 80 per cent of us are feeling pretty clueless about what exactly we should be doing.
Your thought process at the end of a typical evening at a restaurant might go a little like this:
1. But but but it’s not an innate part of our culture.
2. And the food is expensive.
3. Heck, most people don’t like to tip.
4. I don’t like to tip.
5. … But, I feel rude not tipping.
6. I’m not an asshole.
7. OK, fine, I’ll cough up some dough.
8. Wait, how much? 5%? 10%? 20%?
9. Ah crap, I have no cash. OH WELL.

Alas, as you go to swipe your card, a dreaded question flashes up on the screen. It's imploring you to tip, because it's 2017 and there is no escape. "HOW MUCH?", the machine prods.
Top Comments
Wait staff in the USA are paid absolute minimum wage, so it is customary to tip. No way would I tip staff in Australia who receive a decent salary (plus penalties) and generally deliver second rate service.
Tipping is not compulsory, tipping is not confusing, I usually do not tip, I have no qualms about not tipping, you are NOT a bad person if you do not tip, when I do tip I put change in the tip jar, and lastly I have never, not ever had a machine prod me to tip. Where are those?
I don't feel it should be compulsory or that I should feel bad for not tipping when you, as a waitress, are making the same amount per hour (sometimes more) as my husband and I both make.