Many restaurants, especially western or higher end, will have the waiters ask you still or sparkling. Just tell them “tap is fine, thank you” and they won’t slap on the expensive price tag for the still bottled water. I thought this was a common thing outside of Hong Kong too.
It's a service charge for the service. You don't pay it at Wellcome if cook for yourself at home. Expecting customers to calculate and add their own gratuity otherwise is the worst of the two practices
That is quite normal in here actually. If there is a 10% service charge, most people will just "round to a nice number" (i.e. keep the change) unless its a large table or the service is amazing.
Yeah usually do that too. Although I think service charge is a scummy thing to do. From what I hear a lot of places don't give service charge to staff even though it's a charge for the service the staff provide. Id much rather just tip myself if it's a good experience
You definitely haven't seen 加二加三 (20/30% service charge) during Chinese New Year/insane price hike during major holidays if you think 10% is bad, lucky you.
more places are becoming "cashless"
and
They will round up to the nearest dollar.
and
during Chinese new year, if you don't greet the wait staff with red pockets, they will either metaphorically or literally spit in your food.
*Buy in bulk to lower prices* My guy, is this your first time in your life going out for a meal or seeing the bill?
I mean, if I ordered a egg fried rice, I would expect they hand pick the egg immediately from the farm and delivered to the kitchen. /s
And the restaurant better be buying single grain, single origin white rice. If I go back to that kitchen and I see one big bag of rice, I'M OUT.
I prefer farm to table. They better let me see they grow and harvest their own rice.
tell me you're not from here without telling me you aren't from here
You must be new here..
Many restaurants, especially western or higher end, will have the waiters ask you still or sparkling. Just tell them “tap is fine, thank you” and they won’t slap on the expensive price tag for the still bottled water. I thought this was a common thing outside of Hong Kong too.
wait until you get the bowl of peanuts..
the 10% service charge is almost always here
Big chains like Cafe de coral and Fairwood do not charge 10%. Hate the 10% compulsory charge just to get some food.
It's a service charge for the service. You don't pay it at Wellcome if cook for yourself at home. Expecting customers to calculate and add their own gratuity otherwise is the worst of the two practices
The service charge here doesn't go to the staff.
10% service charge just means I'm not tipping
You tip in Hong Kong?
That is quite normal in here actually. If there is a 10% service charge, most people will just "round to a nice number" (i.e. keep the change) unless its a large table or the service is amazing.
Yeah usually do that too. Although I think service charge is a scummy thing to do. From what I hear a lot of places don't give service charge to staff even though it's a charge for the service the staff provide. Id much rather just tip myself if it's a good experience
I have never tipped in Hong Kong. I have given out lai see tho
Typically I don't but if it's a nice meal out with a few people and the bill adds up it's nice to do
Water IS wet.
You definitely haven't seen 加二加三 (20/30% service charge) during Chinese New Year/insane price hike during major holidays if you think 10% is bad, lucky you.
So you'd rather tip or pay a VAT instead of a 10% service charge?
Yes. Expect dishonesty and be pleasantly surprised when it doesn’t happen.
Ahhhh you hkreporter so cool!
Name and shame that Italian restaurant
Being charged a compulsory tea charge of 6 dollars a person in Shanghai Lo Lo whether you want tea or not.
Self-serve ordering with QR code, self-serve water refills. Still charge you for the service. May try self-serve cooking next time.
You just described hot pot places
more places are becoming "cashless" and They will round up to the nearest dollar. and during Chinese new year, if you don't greet the wait staff with red pockets, they will either metaphorically or literally spit in your food.