Daily English Day 15: Asking for the Bill and Thanking the Waiter

When dining out in an English-speaking country, one of the final steps of your meal is paying for it. Many learners know how to order food or ask for water, but they sometimes feel shy when it’s time to ask for the bill. In addition, knowing how to thank the waiter politely can leave a good impression. This lesson will help you feel confident with the common English expressions used in restaurants when it’s time to pay and when you want to express gratitude.

1. Key Vocabulary

Before learning the phrases, let’s review some important vocabulary:

• Bill – the list of items you ordered, showing the total cost (British English).

• Check – the same as “bill,” commonly used in American English.

• Receipt – the piece of paper you receive after paying, showing proof of payment.

• Cash – coins and paper money.

• Card – a credit card or debit card used for electronic payment.

• Tip – extra money given to the waiter for good service.

2. How to Politely Ask for the Bill

There are different levels of politeness you can use depending on the situation:

1. Simple and direct

   • “Can I get the bill, please?”

   • “Could we have the check, please?”
     These are the most common and polite ways to ask.

2. Casual

   • “Check, please.”

   • “The bill, please.”
     Short and simple, often used when the waiter is already near your table.

3. Polite with softening language

   • “Excuse me, could we get the bill when you have a moment?”

   • “May I have the check whenever you’re ready?”
     These show patience and politeness, especially in a busy restaurant.

3. Asking About Payment Methods

Sometimes you need to confirm how to pay. Here are some useful phrases:

• “Do you take credit cards?”

• “Can I pay with cash?”

• “Is it possible to split the bill?”

• “Can we pay separately?”

• “Do you accept mobile payments?”

These questions are very practical when traveling.

4. Thanking the Waiter

Showing gratitude is a universal way to end your meal politely. You can use:

• Simple thanks

  • “Thank you.”

  • “Thanks a lot.”

• More polite

  • “Thank you very much for your service.”

  • “I appreciate your help.”

• After payment

  • “Thanks, everything was wonderful.”

  • “We really enjoyed the meal. Thank you.”

Politeness helps you create a positive atmosphere and may even make your dining experience more enjoyable.

5. Talking About the Tip

In many English-speaking countries, tipping is expected. You may need to say:

• “Is the service charge included?”

• “Can I add a tip to the card?”

• “Here’s something extra for you.”

• “Keep the change.” (when paying in cash and leaving extra as a tip)

6. Short Dialogues

Dialogue 1: Simple Request

Customer: Excuse me, can I get the bill, please?
Waiter: Of course. I’ll bring it right over.
Customer: Thank you very much.
Waiter: You’re welcome.

Dialogue 2: American Style

Customer: Check, please.
Waiter: Sure. Will you be paying with cash or card?
Customer: Card, please.
Waiter: No problem. Here you go.
Customer: Thanks for your service.
Waiter: My pleasure.

Dialogue 3: Splitting the Bill

Customer 1: Excuse me, could we have the bill?
Waiter: Certainly. Would you like to pay together or separately?
Customer 2: Separately, please.
Waiter: No problem, I’ll prepare two checks.
Customer 1: Thank you very much.
Waiter: You’re welcome.

Dialogue 4: Leaving a Tip

Customer: Here’s the bill and my card. Could you add 10% as a tip?
Waiter: Of course. Thank you.
Customer: Thanks again. Everything was great.
Waiter: I’m glad you enjoyed it.

7. Cultural Notes

• In the United States, tipping is almost always expected (15–20% of the bill).

• In the United Kingdom, a service charge may already be included. If not, 10–15% is standard.

• In some Asian countries (like Japan), tipping is not common and can even be considered rude. Always check the local custom before deciding.

• In casual cafes or fast food restaurants, you usually don’t ask for the bill; you pay at the counter.

Understanding cultural differences will help you avoid awkward situations.

8. Practice Activity

Try creating your own dialogue. Imagine you are in a restaurant with a friend. Practice these steps:

1. Call the waiter.

2. Ask for the bill politely.

3. Ask if you can pay separately.

4. Say thank you after paying.

By repeating this activity, you will feel natural when using English in real situations.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Saying “Give me the bill.”
  → This sounds rude. Always use “Can I have…” or “Could we get…”

• ❌ Forgetting to say thank you.
  → Waiters appreciate polite customers. A simple “thanks” makes a big difference.

• ❌ Confusing “bill” and “receipt.”
  → The “bill/check” is what you pay, and the “receipt” is what you get after paying.

10. Review and Summary

Today’s lesson taught you how to:

• Ask for the bill politely (“Can I get the bill, please?”)

• Ask about payment methods (“Do you take credit cards?”)

• Thank the waiter for their service (“Thanks, everything was wonderful.”)

• Talk about tipping and cultural customs

• Use dialogues to practice real conversations

By mastering these phrases, you will feel confident when finishing a meal in any English-speaking restaurant. Remember, politeness and gratitude always leave a good impression.

FAQ:Asking for the Bill and Thanking the Waiter

What is the difference between “bill,” “check,” and “receipt”?

In restaurants, bill (British English) and check (American English) mean the list of items you need to pay for at the end of the meal. A receipt is the proof of payment you receive after you pay. You ask for the bill/check to see the total, and you ask for a receipt to keep a record for your personal files, company expense reports, or tax purposes.

How do I politely ask for the bill?

Use clear, soft language and add “please.” Good examples include: “Could we have the bill, please?” “May I get the check when you have a moment?” or “Excuse me, could we settle the bill?” These options sound respectful and patient, especially in busy places. Avoid commands like “Give me the bill,” which can sound rude or abrupt.

Is there a quick and casual way to ask for the bill?

Yes. If the server is nearby, you can simply say, “Check, please,” or “The bill, please.” Keep your tone friendly and make brief eye contact or raise your hand slightly to signal you are ready. In a casual diner or café, this short phrase is common and perfectly acceptable.

What should I say to get the waiter’s attention first?

Start with a polite opener: “Excuse me,” “Hi there,” or “When you have a minute.” Then make your request: “Could we have the bill, please?” This two-step approach—attention and request—keeps the interaction smooth, especially if the server is busy or helping another table.

How do I ask if service charge is already included?

Use a neutral question to avoid awkwardness: “Is the service charge included?” or “Does this include the service fee?” In some places, a mandatory service charge is added to the bill. If it is included, tipping may be optional or adjusted. If it is not included, you can add a tip based on local customs.

What phrases can I use to talk about tipping?

Common phrases include: “Can I add a tip to the card?” “We’d like to leave 15%.” “Keep the change, please.” or “Here’s something extra for your service.” If you are unsure, ask: “What’s customary for tipping here?” Always follow local norms, as tipping culture varies widely by country and venue type.

How do I split the bill fairly with friends?

Ask the server early and clearly: “Could we pay separately?” or “Can you split the bill three ways?” If items vary in price, you can say: “We’ll each pay for our own items.” For card payments, confirm whether the system allows multiple cards. If not, one person can pay and the others reimburse via cash or mobile payment apps.

What if the bill looks wrong?

Stay calm and specific. Say, “Excuse me, I think there’s a mistake on the bill. We didn’t order this item.” or “Could you please check this charge?” Provide details like the item name or price difference. Most staff will correct genuine errors quickly and appreciate your polite tone.

How do I ask about payment methods (cash, card, mobile)?

Use simple, direct questions: “Do you take credit cards?” “Is contactless payment okay?” “Do you accept mobile wallets?” or “Can I pay in cash?” If you plan to use a specific card type, ask: “Do you accept AmEx/Visa/Mastercard?” This prevents surprises at the register and speeds up checkout.

What should I say when handing over my card or cash?

Keep it brief and courteous: “Here’s my card.” “I’ll pay by card, please.” “Here’s the cash. No change needed.” If adding a tip, clarify: “Please add 10%.” or “I’ll write the tip on the receipt.” If you need a receipt, mention it now: “Could I have a receipt, please?”

How do I thank the waiter naturally?

Express specific appreciation: “Thanks so much—everything was wonderful.” “We really appreciated your recommendations.” “Thank you for your attentive service.” Adding a detail (“The pasta was excellent”) sounds sincere and memorable. Smile and make eye contact to reinforce your words.

What can I say if service was slow but I still want to be polite?

Be honest yet respectful: “Thank you. We understand it was busy tonight.” or “Thanks for your help—appreciate you getting everything sorted.” If you need to mention the delay, frame it softly: “We waited a bit longer than expected, but we appreciate your efforts.” This maintains goodwill while acknowledging your experience.

How do I compliment the food or make a positive comment?

Pair gratitude with a specific detail: “Thank you—the steak was perfectly cooked.” “The dessert was fantastic; please thank the kitchen.” “We loved the atmosphere and your recommendations.” These comments help staff know what worked well and end the meal on a warm note.

What phrases help in different English varieties (US vs UK)?

In the US, say “check” more often; in the UK, “bill.” Both are understood globally, but using the local term sounds natural. Payment and tipping phrasing is similar, though customs differ. For example: “Could we have the check, please?” (US) vs. “Could we have the bill, please?” (UK). Either way, adding “please” and “thank you” remains essential.

What if I’m not sure how much to tip?

Ask politely: “What’s the usual tip here?” or check the menu for notes about service charge. If you prefer not to ask, a safe range in many places is 10–15% for satisfactory service, and more for excellent service. In countries where tipping is uncommon, simply saying “Thank you” is appropriate and appreciated.

How do I request a receipt and what details should I check?

Say, “Could I have an itemized receipt, please?” An itemized receipt shows each dish, tax, service charge, and tip. Verify the date, restaurant name, total amount, and payment method. If you need a company name or tax ID on the receipt, ask before payment: “Can you include our company details on the receipt?”

How can I refuse extra items or upsells politely at the end?

Use a friendly, firm tone: “Thanks, but we’re all set.” “No dessert for us today, thank you.” or “We’ll pass this time, but we appreciate the suggestion.” Pairing gratitude with a clear decision avoids confusion or pressure, while keeping the interaction positive.

What if I need to leave quickly and the bill is taking too long?

Communicate urgency respectfully: “Excuse me, could we get the bill as soon as possible? We have a train to catch.” Adding a brief reason helps staff prioritize without sounding demanding. If paying at the counter is faster, ask: “Is it okay if we pay at the register?”

How do I handle automatic gratuity for large groups?

Many restaurants add a set gratuity for big parties. Ask early: “Is there an automatic gratuity for groups?” If it’s already included, you usually don’t need to add more unless you choose to for exceptional service. Confirm the final total and how the gratuity is calculated to avoid double-tipping by accident.

Which polite closings work well when leaving?

Try, “Thank you—have a great evening.” “Thanks again; we’ll be back.” or “We really enjoyed everything. Take care!” These closings are short, warm, and signal the interaction is complete. If you want to compliment the entire team, add: “Please thank the kitchen staff for us.”

Can I practice a complete example from asking for the bill to thanking?

Yes. Here’s a natural flow: “Excuse me, could we have the bill when you have a moment?” [Bill arrives.] “Do you accept card?” “Please add 12% as a tip.” [Payment processed.] “Could I have the receipt, please?” “Thank you so much—everything was excellent.” This sequence covers attention, request, payment method, tipping, receipt, and gratitude smoothly.

What common mistakes should I avoid at checkout?

Avoid abrupt commands (“Give me the check”), forgetting to say “please” and “thank you,” mixing up the bill and receipt, or leaving without confirming charges and tip. Also avoid placing the card on a messy table—hand it to the server or use the pay terminal. Small courtesies create a better experience for everyone.

Daily English Guide for Beginners: Speak with Confidence Every Day