Introduction

In Singapore, a diner is raising eyebrows after discovering an unexpected charge on her restaurant bill that sparked a social media firestorm. Gillian Chia took to the popular Facebook group COMPLAINT SINGAPORE to air her grievances about a policy she finds utterly nonsensical: rounding up her bill even though she paid with a credit card.

The Incident at Chopstix & Rice

Ms. Chia dined at Chopstix & Rice, a popular eatery in Suntec City Mall, where her meal cost totaled S$79.97. This included S$39.90 for a set meal for two, S$10.90 for ayam lemak, and S$15.90 for beef rendang, plus additional service and GST charges. However, to her surprise, the receipt included an extra charge labeled “Round Amount” adding S$0.03, pushing her total to S$80.

Customer Reactions

"This is outrageous! I paid extra for rounding when I didn't even pay in cash," Ms. Chia expressed, pointing out that with credit cards, charges can easily be precise to the cent. Many commenters echoed her frustration, claiming that if someone pays via card, they should not be subjected to rounding practices.

Official Explanation

The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) explains that rounding bills to the nearest five cents has become common as one-cent coins have been phased out, primarily for cash transactions. However, the question remains: should this policy apply to those using credit cards, where exact amounts can be easily processed?

Broader Implications

Commenters on Facebook were quick to highlight the implications of this practice. "If they round up, how much profit are they making on every transaction?" one user mused, pointing to the cumulative effect this could have on a bustling restaurant.

Global Context

Interestingly, this isn't a unique phenomenon to Singapore. In various countries, rounding up is often practiced, usually with the extra cents going to charity or servers as tips, but diners generally have a say in the matter, unlike the situation described by Chia.

Final Thoughts

This incident raises broader questions about transparency and fairness in billing across the service industry. Observers wonder if consumers should raise their voices against policies that seem seemingly small but could have significant financial impacts over time.

Conclusion

The Independent Singapore has reached out to Ms. Chia and Chopstix & Rice for further comments on this controversial billing practice. Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story! Are you one of those who have experienced this rounding policy in restaurants? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!