// Byron Bay, NSW, Australia
The holiday park I'm staying at offers free wifi, but only 200MB a day.
"4-star hotel" per Google.
You can add 2GB for 24 hours on one device for $9.95.
Fortunately, I bought a 25GB 4G SIM card for my mobile before arriving.
Unfortunately, switching SIM cards has complicated two factor authentication.
Dinner at (Barrio):
A 10% surcharge on public holidays? To compensate for being short-staffed?
"Would you like some bread?"
"Sure."
When the check arrives, I discover that what I assumed were two slices of complimentary bread cost $5.00.
She offered me a starter?!
"There is a 1.5% surcharge for paying with a credit card."
[pause]
Fortunately, USD is currently ~28% stronger than AUD.
"Would you like to add a tip?"
I thought I didn't have to tip in Australia?
I google "tipping in Australia."
"In Australia, a standard 10% is voluntarily given for good service."
Well, she made me feel like a lummox during my meal, but she's also looking right at me.
I tip 10%.
At least it's not a public holiday.
On my ride to (Barrio), I discover that my Uber rating dropped from 4.83 to 4.80.
Was it that driver in Las Vegas who I cancelled on because he was taking too long and who then accepted my replacement ride request? Is it because his cancellation fee was refunded?
0.3 is a notable drop. Can one man have all that power?
I hope my rating doesn't drop further while I'm in Australia because of only tipping drivers $1.00.
I browse menus for other local restaurants.
"A 10% surcharge applies on Sunday and 15% on public holidays."
Damn, Sundays too?
Brunch at (Barrio):
"Would you like piri piri sauce with your sausage roll?"
"Sure."
Wait, is she gonna…?
[adds $1.00 for sauce]
Yep.
UPDATE
Dinner at (Raes):
"Would you like still or sparkling water?"
I normally answer "still," but on a whim opt for sparkling.
When the check arrives, I discover that what I assumed were two glasses of complimentary sparkling water cost $10.00 – twice as much as my one glass of cola.
I should have known when I saw the S.Pellegrino bottle.