SINGAPORE: A recent dining experience has sparked outrage among customers after a diner reported an unexpected additional charge on her bill at Chopstix & Rice, a popular eatery in Suntec City Mall.

Gillian Chia took to social media to express her frustrations, questioning the legitimacy of rounding up charges when paying via credit card.

In her Facebook post on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE page, Ms. Chia shared a photo of her itemized bill, which totalled S$79.97 after including a S$39.90 set meal for two, S$10.90 for ayam lemak, and S$15.90 for beef rendang, along with a S$6.67 service charge and S$6.60 GST. To her shock, the final charge included an extra S$0.03 for "Round Amount," bringing her total to an even S$80.

Ms. Chia raised valid concerns, stating, “It's ridiculous for a restaurant to ROUND UP the bill. So I paid additional for no actual food or service, but for rounding.” Many users on her post echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the issue of rounding up when she used cards that allow payments to the cent.

The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) clarified that rounding practices were primarily adopted due to the discontinuation of one-cent coins, aiming to simplify cash transactions. However, patrons noted that this practice should not apply when the payment is made through credit cards, where exact amounts can be processed.

Commenters on the post argued that the rounding should lean towards fairness. “If a customer pays by card, it should be the exact amount,” one wrote, suggesting that many establishments are potentially pocketing extra money through routine rounding—for every transaction!

Furthermore, some pointed out that in other countries, rounded amounts often go to charity or as tips to servers, and diners generally have a say in these practices. “It’s amazing how these minor adjustments can accumulate over time, potentially benefiting the restaurant more than the customer,” observed another concerned diner.

While the extra charge might seem minor at first glance, many Singaporeans believe it could indicate a more significant problem regarding transparency and consistency in service charges. As more diners become aware of these practices, it raises fundamental questions about the ethics of rounding policies and whether they constitute a hidden fee.

The Independent Singapore has reached out to both Ms. Chia and Chopstix & Rice for further comments and potential clarifications on their billing practices. This story highlights a growing push among diners for fairness and transparency—not just in Singapore, but potentially worldwide. Is it time to reevaluate where our money is going in the dining experience? We’ll keep you updated on this ongoing story!