Paying Tax in Restaurants

[LindaD]

Just wondered what anyone thinks about paying tax in restaurants. I've noticed that lately it's every restaurant charging this tax on the bill in PDLA and Los Cris. Yet we had a walk from Los Gigantes towards PEurto Santiago, had a meal in a lovely restaurant with no tax added to the bill. Can anyone please explain this practice

[junglejim]

Some restaurants show price before tax (looks cheaper) others have it included - in USA it's quite common that tax is added at end (as well as tip !)

[warbey]

Is it Legal to have a Menu with prices on it

then adding tax as well?

Seems a grey area to me...........................

[delderek]

I think as long as it is clearly stated, that it is additional, then it's legal. same as the uk service charge, inclusive or additional, must be shown.

[tub]

we had a meal and got caught out we would not have minded paying the tax if we had been told but when they have a big sign saying get a meal for what ever then when you get the bill with it added on we think that is a con

[LindaD]

Yes that's what I don't like, the fact that they don't mention it then it gets whacked on when you get the bill. Think I'll start asking before I eat if that includes tax. What percentage do they normally take for the tax? X

[junglejim]

IGIC (VAT) in Tenerife is 7% I believe .

[warbey]

Treat that as the tip and say why.........may cure them.

That's what I was thinking too.

[Moderator_]

ALL restaurants charge IGIC (equivalent to VAT in the UK or rest of Europe) It is a legal requirement for restaurants to state on their menus if IGIC is included or not, but they do not have to show it on advertising "A boards" often used outside restaurants. All you have to do is ASK if prices include IGIC or not before you order , simple. All restaurants have to account for IGIC and pay what they have received to the Canarian government, it is not , therefore to be confused with a tip.

[robbyw]

Many of the 'A boards' state (usually small) that IVA isn't included.
Usually the writing is larger when IVA has been included.
I prefer to see the 'actual' included price, but yes, it does give an 'illusion' of lower prices when the IVA has to be added later.
Don't leave a tip, or a smaller tip if you feel you have been misled. But, the staff will suffer when they are probably blameless!
A bigger anomaly for myself is when restaurants add a 'service charge' for larger parties. They should be grateful of a large party rather than say a couple!
IVA and a service charge can add up and that's without the tip.