Find the one thing about paying at your business that a first-time visitor would not expect: tax added at the till, a weekend surcharge, a service charge, tipping, or a tax refund they could claim. Explain that one thing in a single short Chinese sentence where people see the price.
What differs by market
| Market | What the rules say | What to explain to visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Displayed prices must be the total price, including GST and other compulsory charges. A restaurant charging a surcharge on certain days must say “a surcharge of [percentage] applies on [day or days]” on the menu. | Any surcharge day and percentage; that tipping is optional |
| European Union | The selling price shown to consumers is the final price including VAT and all other taxes (Directive 98/6/EC). | Service charges or cover charges if you add them; local tipping custom |
| Singapore | Tourists may claim a GST refund through the electronic Tourist Refund Scheme at participating retailers, subject to conditions including spending at least SGD 100 (incl. GST), showing the original passport at purchase and leaving with the goods within two months. | Whether you participate in eTRS and what the customer must bring |
| United States | Sales tax is usually added at checkout and varies by state and city. Tipping is customary at many sit-down restaurants and some services. | That tax is added at the till, and your tipping expectation in plain numbers |
Check the rules for your own state, country or city. The examples above summarise official sources listed at the end of this page.
Signs you can copy
Tax added at checkout (e.g. United States)标价不含销售税，结账时按当地税率另行计算。 Prices do not include sales tax, which is added at checkout.Surcharge (e.g. Australia, restaurant)
【周日及公共假期】加收【10%】附加费。 A surcharge of [10%] applies on [Sundays and public holidays].Tipping
小费自愿，常见为账单金额的【15–20%】。已含服务费的账单无需再付小费。 Tipping is optional; [15–20%] of the bill is customary. No tip is needed if a service charge is already included.Tourist tax refund (e.g. Singapore eTRS retailer)
本店参与新加坡电子游客退税计划（eTRS）。单张或同日同店最多3张发票满【SGD 100】（含消费税），购物时请出示护照原件。 We participate in Singapore’s electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS). Spend at least SGD 100 (incl. GST) and show your original passport when you pay.Service charge already included
账单已含【10%】服务费。 A [10%] service charge is included in your bill.
Where the explanation should appear
- On the menu or price list, next to the prices it affects.
- At the till, on a small card staff can point to.
- On your Chinese profile, so people know before they arrive. What else to include.
Common questions
Should I show prices in Chinese yuan as well?
Usually not. Exchange rates change and a converted price can be mistaken for a promise. Show your local currency clearly; customers convert in their payment app.
Is it rude to explain tipping?
No. A short, neutral sentence helps visitors who come from a place without tipping and saves both sides an uncomfortable moment.
Sources
- Display pricesbusiness.gov.au (Australian Government) · checked 2026-10-15
- Tourist Refund SchemeInland Revenue Authority of Singapore · checked 2026-10-15
- Directive 98/6/EC on consumer protection in the indication of the pricesEUR-Lex · checked 2026-10-15
Still check yourself: Your own local and state rules. This page summarises a few official sources; it is not legal or tax advice.