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14 years ago

misleading signs/menus with prices

14 years ago
In Mexico and elsewhere in Latin America, it pays to double check prices advertised on signs outside. For example, a sign in a window of a bank in Mexico had been advertising an exchange rate of something like 12.48 pesos per dollar (for people wishing to obtain pesos instead of dollars). One day, the sign was changed to advertise 12.72 pesos per dollar for people wishing to have pesos instead of dollars. When I went up to the teller and asked what the rate was, I was told 12.495 pesos per dollar of mine. Another money exchange service also had the wrong rate posted outside.

In an inexpensive Mexican restaurant, the menu said a hot cake cost 10 pesos. But when it came time to pay, I was told that a hot cake cost 15 pesos.

In Argentina, a menu was outside of a restaurant with prices. When I sat down at a table inside, I was brought a menu with some prices crossed out and replaced with higher prices. In Mexico I have received a menu with the wrong prices.

Because my Spanish comes out of my mouth more slowly than my English, I often do not protest these things. Are misleading signs just tolerated, or do you protest? I think in the USA they would be considered false advertising.

Another thing that I have experienced in Latin America (but very rarely) is that your order for food will come out wrong, so that you´ll be brought something more expensive, and if you eat it, you´re expected to pay for it. When I´m in a country that I consider poor, I usually end up just eating it, because I don´t want the food to be wasted, since I´m in a poor country. Should I protest more?

William Russell
William Russell

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William Russell
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