cassidain
Senior Insider
let’s ask rolltide.
did they ask you if you prefer to pay in dollars ? did « they openly tell you the rate [of exchange] ?
Post tip solicitations here!
- Thread starter cassidain
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did they ask you if you prefer to pay in dollars ? did « they openly tell you the rate [of exchange] ?
Amery
SBH Insider
In my early years of visiting with friends, back when it wasn't as easy to use island ATMs and tap/charge everything, we used dollars since we were usually only there for 5 nights and it was easier with a group. We always asked for bills to be converted to dollars and knew we were paying a higher exchange rate but, as Ellen said, restaurants provide a service in doing so and thus usually charge a higher rate. For us it was a convenience and the difference, when divided by 6 or 8 people, usually didn't add up too much. I think we even used dollars at the old Marche U (!) the cashiers would calculate, bless their hearts. That was 20+ years ago but the fact remains, as crazy as it sounds to those of us who visit regularly, many Americans still come with dollars and use dollars. I think more and more restaurants provide the conversion on bills as it likely saves an extra step for the server when the customer wants to pay in dollars. I'm not sure first time visitors (or others) necessarily know they are often paying a higher rate in dollars but as far as I know, it's always been this way.
My earlier mention of a charge from Guanahani last year felt sneaky because my card was automatically charged in dollars (at a higher rate) without my knowledge when I expected to be charged in Euros...that might be considered a scam as the hotel was charging a much higher rate, thus making extra money.
My earlier mention of a charge from Guanahani last year felt sneaky because my card was automatically charged in dollars (at a higher rate) without my knowledge when I expected to be charged in Euros...that might be considered a scam as the hotel was charging a much higher rate, thus making extra money.
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Leon
Senior Insider
They used the 1.14 USD/EUR rate, which was not that over the rate that the retail banks will use. I remember seeing much higher markup on receipts from reputable places, including MarcheU, in the past.
It’s also interesting that the conversion rate used was $1.15 . . . which looks like it was the rate of the day. Quite fair, it seems.
When your card was automatically charged in $$$, was it an Amex card? Not sure why, but I’ve noted at several merchants accepting Amex (in reality, not many accept Amex) that they will only charge in $$$.
cassidain
Senior Insider
We noticed on last trip that LCL's ATM is now "doing you the favor" of asking you to accept a 5% currency conversion premium. On top of their 6€ flat transaction fee.
When I declined their generous 5% offer and took my debit card and left, LCL still took the 600€ out of my US bank account !!!!!
When I declined their generous 5% offer and took my debit card and left, LCL still took the 600€ out of my US bank account !!!!!
Amery
SBH Insider
No, never use AmEx on island. It was a Visa.
Tropicalone
New Member
Fish corner ask for a tip for lunch never had that happen before - so I answered back in French politely No it’s ok
Tipping definitely has been a “hot button” topic in the recent season . . . I don’t recall seeing so much on the issue in past years. It certainly has become a matter of growing angst among visitors to SBH — and I’m not diminishing its importance. Related to the subject, however, I thought that it would be interesting to note that In recent travel in Europe (including Paris & other areas in France), I’ve observed a fairly common occurrence — restaurants printing on their menus that a gratuity will be added to the bill (it commonly being described as an optional item that can, upon request, be removed). In London this morning, for example, the following message was on the menu: “A discretionary service charge of 12.5% will be added to your bill.”
We have been asked for tips at almost every restaurant we have been to on our current trip to SBH. This includes Beef Bar, La Casina, Tamarin and even Eddy's - which was especially surprising to me. Nyama and L'esprit were exceptions. I'm not at all opposed to tipping especially for exceptional experiences. But here in SBH it makes for an anxious moment when they bring the card reader to the table and ask for a tip, not knowing what is customary anymore. Is a certain percentage expected these days? Is it rude to decline? We have been opting to leave cash as a tip when warranted, but are never confident that whatever amount we're leaving is sufficient and appreciated.
Tropicalone
New Member
The island follows French rules. A tip is a gesture not a “necessity “ as in the USA. The servers in St Barth’s get full wages as opposed to a USA server. French citizens visiting St Barth’s are not happy being asked to tip. They feel that the island restaurant culture has become “Americanize tipping”. Leaving with a thank you is appreciated. It is different rules, salaries as in France. So don’t feel your tip or not isn’t appreciated. The purpose of your trip is to feel away. BTW - I was not asked for a tip at Tamarin, le select, l’espirit, bar de l’oubli. In fairness I do speak conversational French.
Our experience at Eddy's was overall good. Loved the food and ambience. But I made the mistake of attempting to at least order and make small talk in French as a very-far-from fluent French speaker. This has served us well in every French speaking part of the world where we have travelled, including St Barth. Not so this time. The waiter misinterpreted my entree order and when we refused the wrong item they brought to the table he blamed me for the mistake and shamed me for my mispronunciation. Even so, still asked for a tip at the end of service.
cassidain
Senior Insider
outrageous !
pascaleschmidt
Senior Insider
A qui vous le dites! Et en plus certains Americains qui ne comprennent rien à la culture Française et à l’insulte que conjure ce manque de respect, continuent à essayer de nous faire croire qu’ils savent tout… bref
JEK
Senior Insider
The great Paris tourist rip-off exposed by a fake American — The Telegraph
Foreigners pay more in the city’s restaurants, undercover reporters from French newspaper find
apple.news
bkeats
Senior Insider
So a new thing I have noticed at a few restaurants. When they bring you the terminal there is a screen for adding a tip. I don’t know if everyone sees that or if it’s only for us Americans. Unlike the terminals back in NYC, the tip amounts started very low and there was even a no tip option. Change keeps a coming to the island.
Leon
Senior Insider
Yes, it is happening there for a couple years. The starting number as we noticed and as reported by others is not always low and the escape button (no tip) is not always easy to see. The Machine setup is highly customizable, so "what you see" is dependent on the intentions of the establishment or the waiter's eagerness to get some extra dough.
