How do I ask to split the bill for a group in English?

Ask before the food arrives, and say how many ways.

Could we have separate bills, please? means each person pays for their own dishes. Could you split it three ways? means equal shares. One bill is fine — we'll settle between us is the answer when the restaurant cannot split, so choose which of the three you want before anybody orders.

For a table larger than six, ask about splitting when you book, because some tills set the bill format before anyone sits down. If the card machine will only take one split, pay the larger share first and put the rest on a second card as a separate transaction — two transactions are usually allowed even when three cards are not. Keep the arithmetic visible as well: Three ways on a hundred and two is thirty-four each — does that include the service charge? ends the discussion before it starts.

Ordering Food in English for a Group: One Order, Six People →