I’m confused. Whenever I eat out at a restaurant, there’s always a different percentage added on at the bottom of my bill. Sometimes it’s 16 per cent, sometimes it’s 10 and sometimes it’s nothing at all. Can you tell me what’s going on here? Where does all this extra money go and why isn’t it consistent? I’m worried that I’m getting ripped off and am considering staying at home where nobody can part me from my cash! Help!
Ah yes, we’ve all been there. You settle down for what looks like a nice cheap meal , then at the end of the evening the waiter goes and spoils it all by slapping a vastly inflated bill under your nose . Unfortunately, as long as you’re dining within hotel restaurants, that’s just the way it is.
First of all, let’s clear up those pesky percentages for you. As a general rule, all hotels will add a 10 per cent service charge to all room bookings, food, beverage , spa treatments, limo services and just about any other services they offer. Of this fee, a rather miserly two per cent goes to staff in the form of bonuses or training, while the rest is pocketed by the hotel. The other six per cent is what’s known as tourism tax – a fee levied by the government, which goes to the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, where it’s used to further develop future tourism-related projects in the city. While there’s no absolute rule, most menus will list prices without the 16 per cent and then add it on at the end. To make absolutely sure you avoid a nasty shock at the end of your meal, look for a footnote somewhere on the menu saying whether or not the extra percentage is included.
When dining outside the confines of a hotel, however, the six per cent tourism tax doesn’t apply. Depending on the restaurant’s policy, the 10 per cent service charge may still be added, but some prefer to leave it to the diner’s discretion as to how much gratuity their service deserves. Mondo Pizzeria at Abu Dhabi Country Club, for example, evades the six per cent tourism fee faced by hotels, but still charges a 10 per cent service charge, while Fanr – the sparkly new restaurant at Manarat Al Saadiyat gallery – charges neither. Still, even though Abu Dhabi’s waiting staff don’t rely on their tips the way they do in other parts of the world, it’s still advisable to leave a small token of your appreciation even if it’s not demanded by the bill. Unless, of course, you fancy earning yourself a really dirty look on your way out.
