Move to Philippines

Last night I visited a restaurant and ordered a meal from the menu, costing 220 pesos, which came with mashed potato and vegetables.   When the meal arrived the mashed potatoes had been substituted with potato crisps.   I did not even bother to question this as past experience told me it was pointless.   They would just say that it was not available or something similar.

After I finished the meal I requested the bill.  I already had the amount of 220 plus a tip in my hand.  To my surprise the bill was 300.   I did ask why the price was different and the waitress explained that they put the prices up last night on that particular menu item.  She neglected to inform me of this when I ordered.

The thought might occur to some that maybe I was being given a special “kano” price.   I doubt it in this case and hope for her sake that is not the case because I am a good friend of the Filipino owner of the restaurant and will mention the incident to him, not to complain by way of feedback.

This type of price changing without warning is a fairly common practice in the Philippines and, while the Filipinos I have discussed it with say they don’t like it, they seem to accept it.

For most foreigners it is totally unacceptable and many will become indignant.   In most Western countries a business is compelled by law to honor its published pricing.

Assuming you are not being given special “kano” pricing my advice is just pay the bill and take your business elsewhere in future.   Getting upset or being principled about it will not enlighten the staff or management.  They will think that you are just another “high blood” foreigner or even just “kuripot” (stingy with money).

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A Personal View of Living In The Philippines