Learn the common tourist restaurant scams abroad—no-price menus, sneaky service fees, unsolicited dishes, double tipping—and tips to avoid hidden charges.
When we head off on vacation, we want to relax, eat well, and enjoy the moment. But sometimes it goes sideways: the dish that looked mouthwatering in the picture, a bill that swells with unexpected charges, and a server insisting you pay even for something you never ordered. In popular tourist spots, restaurants sometimes resort to subtle tricks to squeeze more money from guests. Here’s how it happens—and how to steer clear.
Picture taking a seat, receiving a handsome menu—and finding no prices. Or the menu is only in a language you can’t read. That’s how nasty surprises arrive with the check. This crops up especially often in Japan and Lisbon, where visitors may be handed a pricier menu while locals get the standard one.
Even when prices are visible, the ledger isn’t necessarily clean. Extras creep in. At a restaurant on Lake Como in Italy, there’s an added €2 fee for a scenic table. It’s a small amount, and many never realize they’ve paid it.
Bread, water, cutlery, or even music can also appear on the bill. These line items are often not listed in the menu, but you’ll still be expected to cover them.
Sometimes staff bring unsolicited dishes, presenting them as a treat from the house, and later add them to the bill. There are also bait-and-switch moments: you order one dish, a pricier alternative arrives. In Venice, tourists have had orders swapped and were then asked to pay for the expensive replacement.
In some countries, such as the United States or Europe, a service charge may already be included in the bill, yet staff might still expect extra on top. That’s how people end up tipping twice. And if you don’t notice the included tip, no one is likely to point it out.
If someone approaches you outside and invites you in with talk of a special or a discount, be cautious. It’s often just a lure. In Rome, tourists are promised lunch for 10 euros, but the final bill can land at 30 once water, bread, and an optional dessert are added.
Here are a few straightforward habits that help you avoid trouble:
— Always ask for a menu with prices.
— Choose restaurants a bit away from major attractions.
— Before paying, check the bill carefully. If anything is unclear, ask.
— Read reviews in advance.
— Don’t hesitate to refuse a dish if it’s being pushed on you.
A holiday should be about joy, not disappointment. Most cafes and restaurants play fair and genuinely want your evening to be pleasant. Still, there will always be a few eager to profit from unwary travelers. Knowing their tricks in advance makes it easy to sidestep the pitfalls—so dinner abroad remains a fond memory, not a mood spoiler.