How to ask the bill in Spanish restaurants (and other useful cases)

La cuenta, por favor: A tourist’s guide to paying the bill in Spain

Spain is a culinary paradise with unforgettable dining experiences. Imagine warm wind all night long, lively atmosphere, full of laughter and joy.

But then, how to ask the bill in Spanish restaurants long after you’ve swallowed the last bite of tapas or paella?

This guide will equip you with the vocabulary and cultural know-how to confidently pay your bill in Spain. And not, it’s not as easy as you thought.

In Spain, waiters often come to your table to take an order and deliver food and drink. After that, they don’t come back to your table. You might have difficulty ordering another drink and – asking for the invoice. So, get ready how to ask to pay the bill.

How do you say check in Spanish?

The most common way to ask for the check in Spain is to say, “La cuenta, por favor” (The bill, please). This polite phrase will be understood in any establishment.

How do you say the bill in Spanish?

While “la cuenta” is the standard term for the check at a restaurant, you might also hear the word “factura” used, particularly in more formal settings. Factura also means invoice – the one you get when you buy a TV set or a car.

How do you ask for the check/bill?

Besides “la cuenta, por favor,” you can also use phrases like:

Whenever you can, the bill

• “¿Me trae la cuenta, por favor?” (Could you bring me the check, please?)
• “Quiero pagar, por favor” (I would like to pay, please)

Authentic Spanish day-to-day way of asking for the bill is relaxed and friendly. Say, ‘Cuando pueda, la cuenta.’

Could you bring me the bill, please’ and ‘Could you bring us the bill, please

A more formal phrase, perfect for upscale restaurants. Adding ‘me trae’ or ‘nos trae’ (bring me the bill or bring us the bill) adds an extra touch of courtesy. Translates to ‘Me trae la cuenta, por favor’ or ‘Nos trae la cuenta, por favor’?

How much is it in total?

You can directly ask for the total amount of the bill. Translates to ‘¿Cuánto es en total?”

We want to pay the check now

If you’re in a hurry (bored waiting for a waiter), you can say, “Queremos pagar la cuenta ahora, por favor” (We would like to pay the bill now, please).

How to ask for the check at a restaurant

Use any of the phrases mentioned earlier: “la cuenta, por favor,” “¿Me trae la cuenta, por favor?,” or “Quisiera pagar, por favor.

Can we get the check in Spanish – for a group

If you’re dining with a group and want to pay together, you can ask “¿Podemos tener la cuenta, por favor?” (Can we get the check, please?).

To express that you need to pay, say, “Necesito pagar la cuenta, por favor.”

Additional tips for paying in Spain:

• Paying at the bar rather than at your table is customary in smaller tapas bars.
• Tipping is usual in Spanish restaurants and bars. It is usually 5-10%. You can also pay the bill rounded up or leave a few extra coins.
• Don’t hesitate to ask your waiter or waitress if you’re unsure of anything. They’ll be happy to help!
• The check is usually presented on a small tray or saucer in a Spanish restaurant. You can pay with cash or a credit/debit card.

With these phrases and tips, you’ll be well-equipped to deal with the bill-paying process in Spain. ¡Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal!)