Getting the bill at the end of your meal in a restaurant is a process we often take for granted. We understand how we do it where we live so that is how we do it everywhere else we go.
1. In North America (yes that includes you, Canada), the waiter or waitress will typically clear your dinner plates and then ask if you are thinking about dessert or coffee. If the request is declined and no further requests are made, the server is then allowed to assume that the meal is finished and will typically ask if the diners are ready for the bill. In some establishments, they don’t ask if you want they bill. They will just assume you want the bill because you didn’t want dessert or coffee.
2. Europe is not this way. When dining in Europe, it is rude if a waiter brings your bill before it is asked for. It is the equivalent of saying “hurry up and leave already.” And in most cases, European diners want to be free to stay and enjoy a chat around the table or order another drink in fifteen minutes if they want. So when you are ready to pay, you say “check please.”
3. Japan (and some of Asia)- It is customary to pay your restaurant or bar bill at the register instead of paying the waiter. How does your waiter get the tip then? He doesn’t. There is no tipping in Japan. Also, it’s rude to count your change after the cashier hands it to you, but giving it a quick glance is okay.
What’s your experience on paying the bill at a restaurant? What’s the most surprising circumstance you’ve run into and where?
