Always Check Your Cuenta (your bill)

[Ginger]

Just thought I'd throw that out there, because a few times in our almost-month here we've had moments where a) things were on the bill we didn't order (in Chiapas) b) it was added up incorrectly (Il Borreto) or c) tip was added automatically but not indicated as a tip (Playa Maya).


In particular, the last one at the Playa Maya troubled us. On the bill it read in spanish "Propina 12%" and added the 12% to the bill. Then at the bottom of the bill it said in ENGLISH "Tip Not Included". All of this is not handwritten, it is typed into the receipt by the computer.

Now my husband does not know any spanish, so he added another 15% to the bill for a tip and laid it down. I picked it up and took a look at it, and noted to him that "Propina" means "tip". So in other words, they added the 12% tip already, then say that it is not included. This seemed sneaky to me, being they were both written in different languages, so a non-spanish speaking person would definately be led to believe that the tip was not included.

Just thought I'd throw the warning out there!


(btw...Babe's also includes the tip in the bill! )

[Tony&Cheri]

Good advice Ginger.

Some places add a tip in automatically. I can't say I blame them. You would not believe the number of people who don't tip down here unless it's included in the bill. At the same time it's nice to be told if they are doing that.

Some places do as you saw: they say in English "Tip not Included" and then add 12%. When questioned the response is usually "It's a service charge" or "It's the 12% sales tax". The truth is a "service" fee is the tip and since there is no retail tax on food at restaurants, the "tax" is also a tip!

Our rule, even as locals, is to always ask for an itemized bill and then do the math. We always tip an appropriate amount, but we don't want to tip twice.

Papa T

BTW (off topic) just gotta say you should be very proud of your kids. They are respectful, well behaved, have great manners and are still obviously strong and independent. You and John have done a wonderful job. In a world of petty crap it's nice to see someone focus on the important things in life like their family.

[John]

Originally Posted by Ginger

(btw...Babe's also includes the tip in the bill! )

For what it's worth... Babe's tries to make it obvious that the tip is included in the final price. They generally put the 13% tip on the top of the page and circle it (sometimes highlight it) so you know where it is coming from at the bottom of the page. I don't believe they state that "tip is not included" on the bill.

[PlayadelSoul]

Originally Posted by Tony&Cheri

Good advice Ginger.

Some places add a tip in automatically. I can't say I blame them. You would not believe the number of people who don't tip down here unless it's included in the bill. At the same time it's nice to be told if they are doing that.

Some places do as you saw: they say in English "Tip not Included" and then add 12%. When questioned the response is usually "It's a service charge" or "It's the 12% sales tax". The truth is a "service" fee is the tip and since there is no retail tax on food at restaurants, the "tax" is also a tip!

Our rule, even as locals, is to always ask for an itemized bill and then do the math. We always tip an appropriate amount, but we don't want to tip twice.

Papa T

BTW (off topic) just gotta say you should be very proud of your kids. They are respectful, well behaved, have great manners and are still obviously strong and independent. You and John have done a wonderful job. In a world of petty crap it's nice to see someone focus on the important things in life like their family.

Ditto that. Your whole family is a pleasure to spend time with.

[angelhouston819]

Originally Posted by Tony&Cheri

The truth is a "service" fee is the tip and since there is no retail tax on food at restaurants, the "tax" is also a tip!

off topic a bit, but do you know when a spa includes a 10% tax on the bill, is that really tax or is that a tip?

thanks!!! see you guys on Tuesday, the 29th!!!


A'

[Ginger]

Originally Posted by John

For what it's worth... Babe's tries to make it obvious that the tip is included in the final price. They generally put the 13% tip on the top of the page and circle it (sometimes highlight it) so you know where it is coming from at the bottom of the page. I don't believe they state that "tip is not included" on the bill.

yes, I completely agree! Babe's makes it very obvious about the tip amount, right at the top of the pill they show it worked out before the tip and how much the tip is, and it says something about it being optional as well, so they do make it very clear there. (as long as you read the bill. )

[redhairgirl1]

Ate at Casa Mediterrana last night, and it was fantastic! I highly recommend it! And the tip is included as well We always tip a little extra though, and always ask for a receipt.

[Token Limey]

Originally Posted by angelhouston819

off topic a bit, but do you know when a spa includes a 10% tax on the bill, is that really tax or is that a tip?

thanks!!! see you guys on Tuesday, the 29th!!!


A'

thats *probably* the IVA tax which is 10%. Like a sales tax for certain items. Check see if it says "IVA" against that item.

[DiJo]

they included a 12% tip on groups of six or more. It stated this on the menu, but I'm not sure about the check. Hopefully someone from there will see this and straighten it out.

[Libby]

Originally Posted by Token Limey

thats *probably* the IVA tax which is 10%. Like a sales tax for certain items. Check see if it says "IVA" against that item.

I've been told that in Mexico, restaurants cannot add tax/IVA to the end of a bill. The tax must be included in the cost of the items on the menu. Check out this post.

[Libby]

For anyone, Mexican or foreigner, who feels like they've been taken by a Mexican company, you do have rights! Here is some information in English from PROFECO, a Mexican governmental agency devoted to promoting and protecting the rights of the consumer.
Procuradur?a Federal del Consumidor

[DavidB]

We had trouble with this at the Tequila Barrel one night. Four of us were having drinks. While we were sitting there some friends stopped for a beer. They ordered three beers. After drinking them they asked for the bill. Instead the waiter brought them three more beers. They told the waiter no, they just wanted to pay for the three and sent the other three back. They paid for the three beers and left. We had another round then asked for the bill. When the bill came there was 6 beers added to the bill. None of us were drinking beer. When we told the waiter about the "mistake" he took the bill back then brought us a new one. This time only 3 beers were added to it. Again we pointed out the mistake. He just said thats the bill except the 120 pesos for the beers.