As a visitor to Manhattan, it’s essential to be aware of recent discussions among locals regarding food truck payments. Some users have taken to social media to alert others to the risks associated with using credit cards at these street vendors, particularly highlighting the potential for unexpected fees. One user shared a troubling experience of purchasing a meal for $10, only to find their bill amounted to $17. “It was such a frustrating surprise,” they lamented.
Another individual recounted a similar incident: “I was at a street vendor, bought a meat skewer, and later found a $60 charge on my card. When I mentioned going to the police, they finally refunded me $50.” This experience prompted a Chinese-American user to share their caution on platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), insisting, “Always pay in cash at Manhattan food trucks.” They recounted their first experience thinking they were getting a good deal on chicken rice, only to discover a $37 charge when they got home, leaving them shocked and questioning if they had accidentally ordered the most expensive item.
On their second visit, they confirmed the price was $10 before paying with a card, but once again, the charge showed up as $17. Finally, on their third try, they opted to pay in cash and didn’t face any extra charges. “It’s just something everyone should be careful about,” they advised, adding, “Sometimes, the food is genuinely tasty.”
Comments from others echoed similar sentiments, with users sharing their own stories of inflated charges and the hassle of rectifying them. One noted, “I ordered something for $14, and they added an 18% tip, making it $16.52. I had to call my bank to cancel it, which was such a hassle.” Another chimed in, “Food trucks typically prefer cash, but $37 for chicken rice is ridiculous! You should contact your credit card company to dispute that charge.”
Concerns about food safety were also raised, with one user commenting, “If vendors are deceptive to this extent, it makes you wonder about the actual ingredients in their food.” Another admitted, “Every time I pass a food truck, the food smells amazing, but I can’t shake my worries about food safety.” Many users urged everyone to ask about prices upfront, pay in cash, and choose vendors that display clear pricing, pointing out that scams are rampant everywhere.
