Chatter 11

The cost for Australians eating in America is often deceptive. With parties of six or more service charges are added to the bill before it reaches the table. This is usually about 20% after tax (about = to GST in Australia) For smaller parties it is left to the diners to add in a gratuity. This used to be about 15% however it is now more common to leave a little over 20%. The result is that a bill of say $150 ( a entree and a main for two at a fairly ordinary restaurant) will attract a tax of about $13 add 20% ($32.6) and round it up and you get to $196. Convert this to A$ and it's about $280 Pretty ordinary here but getting close to Vue de Monde prices in Australia!