Splitting checks at a restaurant

[skipcromer]

Originally Posted by supernerdgirl

Absolutely! My problem comes when I try to ask them and they have a fit about it. That's when I either don't order anything or leave.

Does anybody know if its just an American thing to 'split checks?'

When I was in Australia and New Zealand neither would split it.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by skipcromer

Does anybody know if its just an American thing to 'split checks?'

When I was in Australia and New Zealand neither would split it.

How prevalent is the practice of paying for meals with credit cards? That's really when splitting checks becomes an issue. If everyone is paying with cash, no problem, you just all figure out how much is your share and you put the requisite amount of cash in the pile.

[Venom]

I never pay for girls

[skipcromer]

Originally Posted by Drover

How prevalent is the practice of paying for meals with credit cards? That's really when splitting checks becomes an issue. If everyone is paying with cash, no problem, you just all figure out how much is your share and you put the requisite amount of cash in the pile.

Id say they are much more into cash than we are. That said, they were definitely transitioning towards being more 'plastic.'

One thing I noticed there is that it was very rare for somebody to write a check for anything. I know its not entirely common here anymore, but id say a large majority of poeple in Australia dont have a check book.

[j33]

Checks are going the way of the dinosaur, however, I do have a checkbook because my landlord demands a check each month. The address that is listed on my checks is over six years old, because that is how rarely I write them.

[linicx]

Smart waitstaff will ask if the meal will be on one check. If not, make it very clear. that each couple or person wants his/her/their check. "We each want a check" If waitstaff is unwilling, be sure to tell management why you are going to the competition for a meal, and why you are unlikely to return. Mangement hates to loose money over dumb policy.

If management can convince you to not leave, do not accept the same waitstaff. - vecause this server will be unhappy. It is management's function to deal with employees.

[imalert]

Most restaurants that I've been to usually puts everything on one receipt but they break down everyone's meal, tax, & gratuity share on seperate lines.

I think this is very helpful.