Splitting checks

I'm college aged and was over in Italy last summer with a group of 14 of us. When we all went out to dinner, often they would split it for us with no problem but there were a few times where it was one bill and we all pooled cash in. But if it is only you and another couple, it may be easier just to use one of the systems proposed above--trade off meals to pay for, or figure it out on your own. You can also memorize Italian phrases about splitting the bill, and try that.

Receipts are always provide. We have never tried spliting tickets but you can ask. Just don't know the standard business custom. When we travel with other couples we just pick up the receipt and divide later since we are going to be together for several meals.

We got the best advice ever on this subject from RS Europe Through the Back Door.- have a kitty! We traveled to Spain with another couple last year, and it worked brilliantly. Day one each couple put in 200 euros, to be held by one person. From then on any time we had a meal, or stopped for a snack or drink, or shared a cab, it all came out of the kitty. When the fund got low, we each put in an equal amount to fill it up. At the end of the trip just split what's left. This works great if you usually order close to the same amount - not so well if one person habitually orders super expensive meals or drinks. For us it was perfect and we'll be doing it again when we travel to Italy with the same couple next year.

We usually pay cash, so everyone chipping in is not an issue. If a credit card is needed, one pays, the others settle up later. I always consider that the more requests I make, the more difficult any language barrier, and the greater chance that either them or I may wind up not pleased. So in restaurants, we deal with the bill as it comes, try not to make special requests (hold the garlic), and generally just try to enjoy the meal as it rolls out.

Agreed that the more complicated the request the more likely you are to end up with who knows what as a result. That reminds me of the last time we were in Venice. Forgive me this digression: There was an American family sitting behind our table at a fairly nice restaurant (an RS rec). Mom, Dad, adult daughter and her husband. When the daughter left the table to use the restroom, Dad called the busgirl over and told her that it was the daughter's birthday and they wanted to surprise her with a dessert brought to the table with a lit candle in it. The busgirl had absolutely no idea what the man was saying. She left the table with a very confused look on her face. The daughter returned from the restroom and sat down at the table. Just then, the owner of the restaurant comes up to the table with the busgirl and says "So what were you asking for about dessert?", totally ruining the surprise.

Don't get me started on the scene caused by a Utah couple who DEMAND lemon pepper for their salad. The waiter barely understood and trying bring ground pepper, finally a chef actually came out with a lemon half on a plate and pepper grinder. At that point the couple jumped up, claimed that they were insulted, could not eat the salad without proper seasoning, shoved the salads into the middle of the table and left. And we wonder why American tourist some time get a bad reputation.

I, too, can picture lots of confusion trying to explain splitting the check to a waiter with limited English (perhaps less so in the very touristy restaurants, but why eat there?). I'd recommend paying cash and everyone chips in. I also found that paying cash was greatly appreciated at both hotels and restaurants in Italy (where tax evasion is a national sport!) Once in Siena, we paid a huge bill in cash (though credit cards were accepted) and by the time we reached the front of the restaurant on the way out, the manager had us by the elbow, directing us to the bar to sample some local liqueurs on the house!

Emily, When splitting the cost of dinner with another couple, I'd suggest keeping it as simple as possible, and just get one check for dinner. Don't try to complicate the situation by asking the Waiter to provide a separate bill for each couple. Serving staff are often very busy, and as someone else pointed out, they may have limited English language skills. It would be a good idea to work out the arrangement with the other couple before you go for your first meal. There are a couple of different methods you can use. Unless everyone is ordering exactly the same menu items, the cost per meal will be different for everyone. Therefore you can either: > Have everyone make a note of the cost of the meal they order, before the Waiter takes the Menu's away. Everyone pays for whatever they order, and the Wine and tip (if any) are split equally between couples. > Take the entire bill (including drinks and tip) and divide in half so each couple pays an equal amount. This would be the simplest method, but of course those having the most expensive menu items would be "subsidized" to a small extent by the others. Although I often travel solo, I have encountered this situation numerous times. Happy travels!

We usually do something similar to the kitty process. We hang on to the receipts, we each take turns paying the bills, and at the end of the trip we sit down and work out the "amount due." This avoids the debates at the table and the resulting tension. And the waiters may split the bill but the process can often take forever. This method has always worked for us... especially when 2-3 couples are traveling together.

Thank you all! I think just taking turns paying and keeping all the receipts to work it out at the end of the trip sounds like the best bet and the least complicated for the waitstaff.

One additional suggestion if someone happens to be carrying an iPod Touch or similar, I used an app called "SplitExpense" to track what we spent on a recent trip. It worked out great because you could note who paid for it, and who was involved (i.e., if one person wasn't there, they don't get hit for a share of the tab). There are a few downsides, namely that it only tracks US dollars, and there's no way to split percentages, it assumes everyone has an equal share. You might be able to find a better app, but it worked for us. And yes, you should always receive a receipt in Italy, as you may be required to show it to the tax police after leaving a store--moreso to prove the shop's honesty than your own.

We've often traveled with another couple and we've never had a problem anywhere in Europe with the waiter splitting the check. I'm sure that's because we always hand him 2 credit cards and tell him "50-50" or "half and half." We never get into nit-picking about who had 2 beers and who had 1, or who had dessert and who didn't.

We always use the kitty system, and from it pay not only restaurant, snacks, trams and taxi fares, but also the tips at hotels for which someone always doesn't have small change. Works for families also, and you find out pretty soon if the others always order a third glass or dessert or bottled water.
It's not fair if someone loses the receipts or if they are on faxpaper and get wet or fade. When the kitty is low, you put more in. One less thing to worry about.

Not sure what the problem is, we do it all the time here. When they do the bill, just tell them "Separato". You'' probably have to go down his list and tell him what you're paying for but it's pretty common practice, even in non-tourist areas.

On every trip ive taken with another couple we have agreed before we leave we would split every meal bill evenly. When you are spending thousands a fewdollars one way or the other is not a big deal.Obviously one couple cant spend a good deal more at every meal.What works for me is one person pays and we do this every meal and anytime we pay for anything that all four get. One person keeps track and settle up from time to time.