Kyle Sandilands reveals tipping habit as Aussies push back on EFTPOS pressure
Kyle Sandilands has weighed in on Australia’s tipping culture, revealing his surprisingly generous approach amid growing public discomfort over EFTPOS prompts in restaurants and electronic payments replacing cash.
Instead of manually entering a custom amount, such as $10, diners are typically prompted by the EFTPOS terminal to select a tip between 5% and 25%. While options for ‘no tip’ and ‘custom tip’ are generally available, they are often displayed less prominently.
Speaking with KIIS radio co-host Jackie O, the pair addressed concerns that diners are being watched by waitstaff while deciding whether to leave a tip. Jackie O noted that “waiters now watch you” during the transaction. Sandilands agreed, saying staff certainly “don’t look away”, but admitted the scrutiny does not bother him.
Instead, Sandilands revealed he regularly tips far beyond the standard range. “Whatever the bill is I’ll pay that again,” he said, explaining that he prefers to “double the cost” rather than choose a percentage. Under the current system, Sandilands said he might actually end up saving money. “I’ll save big time,” he declared. His tipping method stunned newsreader Brooklyn Ross, who replied, “You’re doubling the cost.”
While Sandilands took a relaxed view, many Australians are frustrated by the increasing presence of digital tip prompts, particularly those that present fixed percentage options ranging from 5% to 25% and are often accompanied by the presence of staff holding the machine. Some argue the practice feels intrusive and unnecessary, especially in a country where hospitality workers are paid award wages.
“Do not tip unless exceptional service. This is not America,” one person commented, while another warned against normalising “this ludicrous American custom.”
Others echoed the sentiment, rejecting the notion of tipping entirely and calling for privacy during financial transactions.
Jonathan Jackson, 24th March 2025
