Cover charges, tips and unexpected fees at restaurants abroad

Rules on cover charges and tips change from country to country, and it is easy to end up overpaying without noticing.

What can appear on the bill

Besides food and drink, some places add a cover charge, service charge or taxes. Sometimes it is already stated on the menu.

The risk of paying twice

If service is already included and you also leave a tip, you end up paying twice. Check the receipt before adding anything.

How to avoid surprises

How to check

Look at the menu before ordering, ask for an itemised bill and verify that dishes and quantities match what you had.

When paying by card

Check the amount before entering your PIN and avoid accepting conversion to your own currency on the terminal, which is usually less favourable.

A simpler way to check your trip

To check that the amounts of your bookings and charges match, upload your confirmations to AuditorTravel: it flags what doesn't add up with a traffic light (🟢 🟡 🔴).

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AuditorTravel is an automated information tool; use it as a guide. The final decision is always yours.