19.9% extra: Man says GST and service charges in Singapore have pushed him and his wife to dine out less

[dambio]

https://theindependent.sg/19-9-extr...ave-pushed-him-and-his-wife-to-dine-out-less/

Not oni tis. There might be extra or hidden charges too.

No wonder you're seeing buffets everywhere blossom. As evident from all those vids you're seeing on social media promoting them.

 

[yokine3a]

service charge is meant for rich ppl to pay, not rich enough better dun eat in restaurants

 

[standarture]

No water, no free chilli sometimes, no service.... For SG, service charge no regulation is quite bad. You see pizzas so overpriced in SG. Just a pinch of ingredients only 30 bucks ans thin crust.

 

[mgx-alander]

Dabao no svc charge

 

[Newtype_com]

Happy happy collect CDC vouchers

Now then complain about 9% GST?

Did he made his point at the ballot box in May 2025? Another thank you 65.57% moment

 

[hardwarezoneguy]

Lucky i only eat at hawker....

 

[DriftKing]

No water, no free chilli sometimes, no service.... For SG, service charge no regulation is quite bad. You see pizzas so overpriced in SG. Just a pinch of ingredients only 30 bucks ans thin crust.

Paying no problem, but like you said service also not up there.

 

[Tyrian]

People use CDC voucher. Money saved go towards DTF.

 

[articland05]

that's huai now moi only steam sweet potato for subsistence
outside ish all mean and scary

 

[Dinoboyboy]

…in summary the wife not attractive enough.

 

[XcoVar]

The reality of modern slavery

. Tax on spending (Shopping, F&B etc)
. Tax on income
. Tax on paying bills
. Tax on properties
. Tax on cars ownership

Essentially, every individual acts as a lifeblood of the economy.

 

[LoUsyGamER]

In before ship from jb restaurant and bring to Sg to eat.

 

[vangug]

i took my kid somewhere which i have birthday month discount of 20% for lunch just now... when i got the bill i notice i only got a few dollars discounted... i asked the cashier why... she said your 20% discount minus the 10% service charge and 9% GST... so this final cost is correct.... sian sia... got discount like no discount....

 

[ZaiNan]

We are paying the price of being 1st world with no swiss standard lifestyle

Nowadays taking transport to your destination is more or less extra 10% charges slapped on you compared 5-6 years ago

Those who think you won't incur GST 9% by eating at hawker continue to deceive ownself lo

 

[radish]

to be honest i really cut down a lot on eating out. even tabao i also cut now.

i increased cooking at home nowadays. sad to say not i dont want to eat in restaurant its just too expensive for me even fast food i also need to think twice nowadays.

more good years.

 

[Nuclear Boy]

In b4 that Vivian quote...

 

[daveteo88]

that's huai now moi only steam sweet potato for subsistence
outside ish all mean and scary

I order cai fan. One deep fry chicken wing cut into two limbs. One scoop of steamed water egg. One scoop of long bean. And because I wanted to enjoy I order one scoop of tofu with a bit of mince pork on top. The jhb said 五块ler.

So I mentally counted 30 days one month lunch will be $150. If times two for dinner will be $300. Then I said LW thank you, my salary enuf for meals. Dun think he heard me.

 

[daveteo88]

to be honest i really cut down a lot on eating out. even tabao i also cut now.

i increased cooking at home nowadays. sad to say not i dont want to eat in restaurant its just too expensive for me even fast food i also need to think twice nowadays.

more good years.

McD still crowded

 

[JustForFun]

No water, no free chilli sometimes, no service.... For SG, service charge no regulation is quite bad. You see pizzas so overpriced in SG. Just a pinch of ingredients only 30 bucks ans thin crust.

You can DIY with ingredients many many using frozen Prata or Popiah skin as base with toppings of your choice in airfryer or oven ?

 

[pwongkk]

service charge is meant for rich ppl to pay, not rich enough better dun eat in restaurants

I go msia eat with family in jb restaurants. Bigger serving and cheaper.

Make a trip there, may spend a little more compared to a usual weekend in sg, but brings back bigger savings.