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Re: Did I get taken?
[Re: bomberchamp]
#72107
10/22/2015 11:06 PM
10/22/2015 11:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,143 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,143
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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The tip as you know it in the USA is Always included on the French Side! If you wish to leave a little extra for exceptional service for your waiter, only leave a "pour boire"which is a few dollars for the cost of a drink for your waiter. So yes, you were taken today.
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Re: Did I get taken?
[Re: bomberchamp]
#72110
10/23/2015 06:41 AM
10/23/2015 06:41 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,426 Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,426
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
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You were not taken as far as converting Euro to Dollar; 1:1 is not the norm, it's the exception. That said, the conversion rate was extremely high: 1 Euro to $1.36. I haven't checked lately, but it was under $1.20 recently. I always have our meals on the French side put on the credit card in Euros, so that I get the current conversion rate.
However, I'm very upset to hear that my favorite restaurant on Orient would stamp, "service not included" on their check, as that is NOT true. Service is always included on the French side, unless the MENU clearly states otherwise. That way you know what you're paying before you order. Now if they told you the TIP wasn't included, that's correct. Tip is a small amount, usually a couple of Euros.
I'll find out exactly what they're doing for myself next month. I do know that Kakao has changed ownership since I was last there. We have never experienced anything like that in the past ten plus years of going there multiple times each trip, and I'd hate to have to stop going there, but if they are playing that game, I will.
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Re: Did I get taken?
[Re: Beevly]
#72114
10/23/2015 08:43 AM
10/23/2015 08:43 AM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 186
JulieandKarl
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 186
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Beevly said: You didn't get taken, relax. That's what it costs to eat there. It was pretty good too, wasn't it? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> You had a lovely lunch in a Caribbean paradise. Why worry about getting 'taken'? Relax, you didn't...but even if you did, it's vacation!!
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Re: Did I get taken?
[Re: boucharda]
#72115
10/23/2015 08:46 AM
10/23/2015 08:46 AM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 246 Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
jaxon60
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 246
Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
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boucharda said:
Re: Euro....CC charge in Euro makes sense. Best rate...(presently $1.11). Cash rate is usually LESS as evidenced by the frequent 1:1 for cash in some establishments but it should not be MORE unless stated on arrival or on the menu. To clarify on the term "cash rate": In my post when I refer to cash rate, I am referring to the rate a consumer would normally pay to exchange the currency at a financial institution. In Canada if I take a Euro or a USD in to a bank and exchange it, many banks will charge a 4% fee -- like the CC card companies do here as well. IF the bank in the in St. Martin charge that 4% fee, and the restaurant has to pay it, then that cost would likely be passed on to the customer who chooses to pay in a foreign currency. In that case, the exchange rate the people were charged is pretty close to correct. The 1 to 1 thing is a promo, not the "cash rate" used when determining exchange rates.
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Re: Did I get taken?
[Re: bomberchamp]
#72120
10/23/2015 11:14 AM
10/23/2015 11:14 AM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 680 Burlington, Ontario, Canada
JohnandBev
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 680
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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Some comments 44 Euro to 52 US - last yr we had the same thread about many establishments not using the exact exchange rate, generally in the favour of the place of business For a few dollars not a biggie to me or if it is, then use a cc. If a resto wants to do dollars for euro's for cash, that is again a thread we've had - their choice and presumbably part of their business model. I remember in 2008, 1st trip, walking in Marigot, checking out the resto's for lunch, everyone seemed to have a pizza on the sign board. Realized some were priced in euro's, some offering 1:1, then when I thought about it realized some of the 1:1's were actually a higher price!
Two complaints Kakoa - if they are stamping the bill [and nothing on the menu - re service not included, that is a questionable business practice and if true I would not patronize
Greenhouse - guessing this in P'burg or Simpson Bay? if they are putting 1:1 on their bills that is taking the consumer! - Would like that confirmed - are you sure that was on the bill?
J&B
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Re: Did I get taken?
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#72121
10/23/2015 11:37 AM
10/23/2015 11:37 AM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 250
KATEONTARIO77
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 250
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1 Canadian $ = 1.32 USA $ 1 Canadian $ = 1.45 Euro....
By golly are we being taken.....wonder if we go to the USA will they give Canadians 1:1..
kate <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" />
Last edited by KATEONTARIO77; 10/23/2015 11:39 AM.
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Re: Did I get taken?
[Re: oceanview17]
#72124
10/23/2015 04:05 PM
10/23/2015 04:05 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,313 Vancouver, WA
Todd
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,313
Vancouver, WA
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I would guess all this will go on until they are getting exposed for such practices. At some point with social media and websites like this people will start posting pictures of these "bills" that are deceptive and then there is more than just words on the story and that will have an impact.
The deceptive practices are on both sides of the island and I am sure many other places off island as well.
Just a thought, maybe this would replace some of those pictures of food.
Cheers, T
I prefer the Isle seat
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Re: Did I get taken?
[Re: january]
#72127
10/23/2015 04:56 PM
10/23/2015 04:56 PM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,087 Massachusetts
boucharda
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,087
Massachusetts
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The Euro has not been below 1.08 since April...
Over the last month the range has been pretty stable in the 1.10-1.14 range and its' low over the last 5 years is 1.05
Edited to add: just saw your correction...ignore the above <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />
Last edited by boucharda; 10/23/2015 04:57 PM.
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Re: Did I get taken?
[Re: KATEONTARIO77]
#72128
10/23/2015 06:22 PM
10/23/2015 06:22 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 24 Toronto, Canada
neeko
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 24
Toronto, Canada
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Sorry Kate. I think you are confused.
I think what you mean to say is: 1 CAD = 0.75 USD 1 CAD = 0.68 EUR
1 USD = 1.32 CAD 1 EUR = 1.45 CAD
Therefore, if you went to the States and wanted to buy something priced at $1.00 USD, you would have to pay $1.32 CAD.
If you went to France and wanted to buy something priced at 1 Euro, you would have to pay $1.45 CAD.
Yes, our Canadian dollar is in very bad shape right now compared to the U.S. dollar.
A trip to St. Martin will be a lot more expensive for us, but it is still worth every penny.
Last edited by neeko; 10/23/2015 06:26 PM.
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Re: Did I get taken?
[Re: neeko]
#72130
10/23/2015 06:39 PM
10/23/2015 06:39 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 250
KATEONTARIO77
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 250
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not confused...just posted it [censored] backward.....I'm going to send my business degree & designation back....lol.....kate <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" />
Last edited by KATEONTARIO77; 10/23/2015 07:13 PM.
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Re: Did I get taken?
[Re: KATEONTARIO77]
#72133
10/24/2015 11:00 PM
10/24/2015 11:00 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,652 United States of America
bdeeley
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,652
United States of America
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KATEONTARIO77 said: 1 Canadian $ = 1.32 USA $ 1 Canadian $ = 1.45 Euro....
By golly are we being taken.....wonder if we go to the USA will they give Canadians 1:1..
kate <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" /> NO
Be Happy! Simply because you deserve to be. 😁
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Re: Did I get taken?
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#72136
10/26/2015 08:29 AM
10/26/2015 08:29 AM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 186
JulieandKarl
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 186
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SXMScubaman said: "You had a lovely lunch in a Caribbean paradise. Why worry about getting 'taken'? Relax, you didn't...but even if you did, it's vacation!! " So that makes it OK? If the OP was unhappy, he/she is free to eat elsewhere. I just don't understand the seemingly distrustful mindset that makes people suspicious of frequently 'getting taken' by someone. Their vacations must be very stressful
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Re: Did I get taken?
[Re: JulieandKarl]
#72137
10/26/2015 11:27 AM
10/26/2015 11:27 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 993 Pittsburgh PA
plequerre
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 993
Pittsburgh PA
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JulieandKarl said:SXMScubaman said: "You had a lovely lunch in a Caribbean paradise. Why worry about getting 'taken'? Relax, you didn't...but even if you did, it's vacation!! " So that makes it OK? If the OP was unhappy, he/she is free to eat elsewhere. I just don't understand the seemingly distrustful mindset that makes people suspicious of frequently 'getting taken' by someone. Their vacations must be very stressful This is not going to ruin my vacation but I wouldn't like being lied to and deceived, would you? I will add that being born in France, this "service not included" trick in a restaurant on the French side has never been pulled on me and I think I know why.
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Re: Did I get taken?
[Re: bomberchamp]
#72139
10/26/2015 01:58 PM
10/26/2015 01:58 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,823 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,823
Central Florida!
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Glad to hear you had a good week overall. Would love to hear more of a trip report! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />
Carol Hill
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