HOT TIP FOR GOOD SERVICE

BEWARE the 10 per cent “service charge” being secretly hidden on an increasing number of restaurant bills as a result of the fine print being added to menus.

We’ve been caught a few times adding a tip to a bill, only to realise later that one had already been included in the total.

There’s no general rule about tipping, but most Aussies stick to the standard 10 per cent tip, particularly when at a restaurant where you have had a decent meal and the waiters have been terrific.

It’s a bit over the top to have to tip for every takeaway coffee or beer at your local, but every little bit of spare change left over counts for the staff.

Particularly if you’re a regular at a cafe, or plan to spend the whole night at one bar, you’ll notice the difference in service when staff know you’re a tipper.

Now, all four of our kids have worked in restaurants and bars, so our expertise comes from their experience at being tipped, or more often, not tipped.

From what our kids tell us, it’s common practice for tips to be pooled between all waiting staff, and sometimes kitchen staff as well. But only if the tips are paid in cash.

After being berated by all four children repeatedly, we now don’t leave tips on our credit card, but in cash, as they say it often gets absorbed by the restaurant owner rather than those who deserve it.

When travelling, check local travel guides because tipping etiquette can change markedly.