I read that most of the restaurants add on a 15% service charge on the bill. Is this true?

Yes. Check menu. It will usually state it if they do. If your check Has an amount for tax, treat it as a service charge. There is no meals tax in Aruba. Your server gets a portion of the service charge. We give them abother 5% if service has been good.

Yes. most restaurants do...this "charge" supposetly-goes to busboys,and other people,who work in the kitchen.Question only is---------why we should pay for it. You leave 15-20% of the bill for a good service from your waiter(waitres).

I have to agree with WlWmoose on his answer. Even as locals, we have to take care of where we eat (as far as the service charge issue is concerned. Most places have it and it normally is listed at the bottom of the menu or some other conspicuous area.

Our rule of thumb is:
So-So service and the service charge applies

Good service and we add +/- 5% rounded to the nearest $

Very good service and we add +/- 10% depending on the situation

Excellent service and we put 15% + depending on the situation.

This is not an easy call to make since we are all from TIS oriented environments. Not leaving something on the table can give a sense of guilt some times.

Charles
arubafastphones.com

If the 15% is on the bill it is split amongst all of the employees. If you leave anything extra your server gets it.

At your resort look for the free tourist book called "Menu". It contains one page ads on about 25 restaurants. Each ad has selected menu items with prices, phone #, hours, credit cards accepted, location on maps, and if a SC is added. There are a lot that do not add a SC.

Most of the restaurants do add it on...just be sure to "Check"- the service chg. is distributed among the help...we always leave an additional tip for good service and put the $$ right in the servers hand...so they get to keep it.....Bon Bini

If they add a service charge, DO NOT LEAVE A TIP AS YOU JUST DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Most restaurants I have been to do charge the extra 15% for the service charge. While we were in Aruba we always would leave money for the waitstaff above and beyond this service charge. I have never been a waitress; however, I have worked in places where you make money by customers tips (I used to be a dog groomer). So I know what it is like to want and deserve the extra recognition. Whenever I eat anywhere, I always tip generously... even at places like dunkin donuts, or if a tour guide provides excellent service. Often times, these people do not make a great living and they may not really enjoy their jobs... by leaving a couple of extra dollars it can make someone's day!

-Courtney