Paying & Splitting the Bill

How much is it?

Very common when standing at the cash register or in a casual bar.

The bill, please.

The most standard and direct way to ask at your table.

Can you bring us the bill, please?

Polite form to get the waiter's attention at a nicer restaurant.

Do you take cards?

Quick everyday way to ask before getting your wallet out.

Can I pay by card?

Standard phrase to use anywhere.

Do you accept credit cards?

More formal, often used in hotels or higher-end places.

Shall we go halves?

Used directly with your friend when splitting exactly in two.

Can we pay separately?

Ask this to the staff before they start processing the payment.

It's on me today.

Literally 'I offer today' — the standard way to treat a friend.

Excuse me, there is a mistake in the bill.

Point to the item on the receipt when you say this.

Keep the change.

Literally 'it's fine like this' — say it when handing over cash.

The change is for you.

More explicit, used when leaving cash on the table.