Holiday warning over hidden charges you could face while dining out abroad
HOLIDAYMAKERS have been issued an urgent warning over hidden charges they could face while dining out abroad.
Posting under the username ‘Sara’ on TikTok, one visitor to Florence, Italy, detailed how she and her friends were left shocked by added costs.
Sharing footage of her trip abroad, the video starts by showing Sarah and her pals sitting down in front of the famed Palazzo Vecchio.
She then revealed: “When you sit down at your first restaurant in Florence and they charge you €20 for the table charge.”
And the flummoxed tourist jokingly added: “No wonder they were so excited when we sat down.”
So what exactly was this extra charge?
Italian culture means things are often done differently there and so you may end up paying more that you expected your bill would come to.
The “coperto” or “coperta”- which literally means covered in Italy – is a fixed cover charge which is applied per person who is sat at your table.
It is the same whether you order one course or four.
And while not every Italian restaurant charges the cover fee, the majority do.
Brits may be surprised when you see an additional two to four euros added to the check per person – but, you’re not being scammed.
However, as Sara found out, sometimes these charges can be incredibly expensive depending on the location you dine at.
TikTokers were quick to take to the comments section and share their opinions on the matter.
One commented: “The mistake might have been sitting right in front of Palazzo Vecchio.”
While another said: “I would highly recommend never eating or drinking in palazzo vecchio LOL they always overcharge sm.
“I got charged 15€ for a spritz bad day.”
“If there’s a table charge, don’t tip on top of it. that often makes it ok,” wrote a third.
A fourth advised: “Just check the menu for “coperta” before seating.”
Tourists should definitely check the cost before sitting down, especially if you’re in a large party and walk away if it’s more than you feel is fair.
You can avoid “coperto” by eating at casual spots with tall tables and no seats.
Alternatively you can take your food to go and sitting on the beach or steps nearby.
It comes after a simple mistake could cost you £100 on your European holiday this summer.
Meanwhile, holidaymakers have been warned to avoid a mistake that could add hundreds to the cost of their break.