Speak like a local: How to ask for the bill around the world

We’ve all struggled with the local language while trying to pay for a drink, meal, or gift on holiday. And many of us have unfortunately resorted to a mix of mime and loud, broken English when our phrasebooks or Google Translate didn’t cut it.

Whereas knowing how to ask for the bill like a local, not an app or dusty book, might have given us the confidence to fly through those awkward moments with some elegance and our egos intact.

Paymentsense have the solution: common holiday phrases translated into 19 languages by native speakers, turned into handy infographics.

Use our graphics to speak like a local and save yourself frustration when it’s time to pay in Spain, Greece, India, and beyond.

Can I have the bill, please?Knowing how to pay is vital when you’re away. Whether you’re struggling for the cheque in a restaurant or shopping for groceries at the village market, never get tongue-tied again.

Our simple pocket guide can be used to help you pay the bill across some of the most commonly encountered languages, offering a helping hand when you just can’t find the words.

Travel tip #1

Familiarise yourself with local tipping culture, so as not to get blindsided with additional surcharges. If there is no service charge included within your bill, it is usually good etiquette across many European countries and around the world to tip your waiter or waitress 10-15%.

Do you take cards as well as cash?Often, carrying cash around with you on holiday can become an inconvenience, especially if your trip is a long one and you dread having to look after bundles of notes. So, it’s not uncommon for some of us to leave paper money at the hotel or avoid exchanging currency altogether. Even if you do stuff it into your safest pocket, you could soon run out.

Instead, it can be helpful to know if a place accepts debit or credit cards before you commit to buying anything, saving you both time and embarrassment after your meal or at the checkout.

Luckily, you can use our translations guide to avoid any confusion with the locals while on your travels.

Travel tip #2

Consider using a travel money card while abroad and control your spending from your mobile. Use a travel card – such as those from Revolut, or travel-ready debit cards from app-based Monzo or Starling – for competitive exchange rates on purchases and ATM cash withdrawals. You could even be able to freeze your card via your app if it’s suddenly gone missing.

Do you take contactless payment?

While contactless card readers are commonplace in the UK, and across much of Europe, they might only be in the early stages of adoption or even unused in some corners of the world. A bit of an issue if you rely on Apple Pay or Google Pay to complete your transactions.