Restaurant Scams in Cartagena

Plaza Santo Domingo Restaurant Bill Padding

Restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating around Plaza Santo Domingo — one of Cartagena's most photographed squares — routinely present menus without prices or with prices printed in small text, then deliver bills with added charges: a mandatory 'cubierto' (cover charge) of COP $15,000–25,000 per person, inflated service fees of 15–20%, and tourist-rate pricing not shown on the menu. Some venues charge separately for bread or condiments placed on the table without being ordered.