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Old 07-31-2009, 04:51 PM   #23 (permalink)
Cynthetiq
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Location: Manhattan, NY
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlatan View Post
The taxes are in the price of items here. If you see $20 on the tag, you pay $20. It sort of freaked me out when I first arrived as I was used to the Canadian system of adding 15% to the price (it has since dropped to 13%). The GST here went up a year ago and the government paid close attention to those who raised their prices more than necessary. Using the tax increase as an excuse to price gouge was frowned upon and some were fined by the government for doing it.
Is it still the same for food and clubs?

the S$5 ++ which was + gratuity and + tax?

I like when it is all included in Europe, but I'm glad to come here and KNOW that my taxes are either a small or large portion of what I'm paying. Thus back in the 90s shopping for clothes in NJ was exactly what was on the tag, in NY it was still 8.25% sales tax. They would have 2 weeks a year where clothe were not taxed, and it was flat. Now it's no sales tax on clothes under $110 which I think is a reasonable limit. Above that is like a luxury tax for the items you are buying clothing wise. My suits never cost more than that, so no sales tax.

In Chinatown the price marked is the price you pay. No sales tax. Restaurants is different if you get served, but take out I've paid flat amounts. Hand them the $5 and no change necessary. Same goes for any guy on the street selling food.
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