Originally Posted by
Viajero Perpetuo
Realistically at that stage, having already left the premises before returning, his chance of getting an Argentine manager to see things his way would be slim to none. Not saying that maybe a surprising customer service result could have been obtained (North America customer service standards are not common in Ibero-America) by talking to the manger first as I personally would have went that route but it is pleasing to hear a scammer getting it back in some way for a change.
Viajero Perpetuo... I must say that Im very surprised to read you, of all people post the above.
I fail to understand why you take a stance between Ibero-America and North America for this situation. What this waiter did is wrong, here in Argentina, in China and in the USA... however, the OPs reaction is also wrong, no matter where it may have taken place.
Also, Im puzzled as to why you so strongly assume that had this happened in North America, the OP would have been "more lucky". First of all, this crook waiter has reasonable doubt in his favour, and second of all... in North America, for the OPs actions he would have run a high chance of getting arrested as getting even "slightly" physical will usually get you into trouble. If I take the ambulance chaser line, then the OP could have been charged with assault (even if the charges would later not stick).