At a glance
- Look at the bottom of the menu for a note about a service charge and its rate. Don’t assume every restaurant charges the same rate; check that restaurant’s terms. The Hong Kong Consumer Council requires prices on menus, QR ordering screens, and in-store notices to match, and separate charges to be disclosed before you order.
- For example, if the menu items total HK$200 and a 10% charge is added to that amount, the total is HK$220. If tea costs HK$20 and the 10% charge is applied after adding the tea, the total is HK$242. The same meal can cost different amounts depending on which subtotal the service charge applies to. Ask a staff member how it’s calculated before placing your first order.
- Ask specific questions that include the amount or unit, such as: “Is a service charge added to these menu prices?”, “How much is tea per person?”, or “What’s the total price for one crab, including the cooking fee?” If you decline tea, condiments, or standard snacks, also ask whether the charge will be removed. Don’t assume a charge is waived just because you say you don’t want the item.
- If the prices on the QR screen and paper menu differ, show the discrepancy to a staff member before submitting your order. After you submit it, keep a screenshot of your order and the charge terms so you can compare them with the bill. At checkout, check the quantities, cuts, drinks, and separate charges first, then pay once the total looks right.
- If there’s an error, point to the relevant line and ask for a correction—for example, “I ordered only one of these two.” If the issue isn’t resolved, keep the menu, order screen, and receipt so you can share the details through the Consumer Council’s contact channels. Travelers should calmly check with staff on the spot and avoid adding items when the price is unclear.
Day by day
Suggested itinerary
See each day's route, highlights, background and stay together in one place.
Check charges before entering → agree on what to order → review the receipt → pay
How to fit it in
Before you enter, check the accepted payment methods. Once seated, review separate charges and time-of-day terms at the bottom of the menu or on the QR screen. Even if you have a reservation, check whether charges are included before placing your first order.
Reality check
Choose a restaurant within the area you’re visiting that day, and finish paying before return transport stops running.
Meal length depends on the ordering style and number of courses. If you have another reservation or a return trip, leave enough time to review and pay the bill before then. Check the service charge before your first order, not at the end of the meal.
List the regular menu prices, plus any separate tea, condiments, or snacks, market-priced items, and the stated service charge, in that order. The HK$220 and HK$242 totals above are hypothetical examples to explain the calculations. If your order is over budget, cut back on seafood size, drinks, or extra dishes before ordering.
Check receipt items calmly and ask staff right away if there’s a dispute.
If plans change
Switch to fixed-price menu items and avoid orders where the weight or unit hasn’t been confirmed.
Start by cutting drinks, extra side dishes, or dessert.
Small tip
When you get the bill, don’t check only the total. Calmly look for items you didn’t order or quantities that appear twice.
Final check before departure
- Save a few phrases for asking about the service charge, tea price per person, and total price of market-priced items.
- Set a meal budget with your group, and ask about the weight unit for crab or fish too.
- Leave 5–10 minutes before your next trip to compare the QR order details with the receipt.
On October 3, 2026, we checked the Consumer Council’s guidance on restaurant price disputes. Service charge terms can vary by time of day, so don’t assume lunch prices also apply at dinner. This article does not guarantee the current charges or dispute outcomes at any particular restaurant.
Information checked: 2026-10-03