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Jakarta Post

Splitting the bill: the basics

Qraved (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Tue, June 14, 2016

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Splitting the bill: the basics Splitting the bill is indeed a tricky situation, especially when it comes to calculating amounts due and taxes. (Shutterstock/-)

I

t's been over a week since Ramadhan started and invitations for iftar events are lining up. From university friends to those who you hang out with every day, these invites have become a fun tradition. No matter where you hold it, whether dining in a restaurant that serves Middle Eastern dishes or Korean BBQ, togetherness is what you're really after.

But just like any other get-together, there's a certain downside involving one particular situation: splitting the bill. This situation may happen at iftar events due to the large number of participants. The tricky situation is when you have to calculate and split the bill and taxes. Calculating your dues is not exactly something you want to do after enjoying a big meal, is it?

There's always a way to fix every situation. Let's simplify this problem in several steps.

Try to order evenly

When you order, try to make it equal with your friends in terms of price. (Shutterstock/-)

This might not sound fair to most people, especially if some people enjoy extra food and some don't.  Be tactical and pay attention to what you order. Make whatever it is you choose roughly the equivalent to that of your friends, in terms of price. This way, you'll enjoy your meal and your life will be easier when the bill arrives.

(Read also: Interesting table manners from around the world)

Bring cash 

Using cash will make the payment easier, especially if you are splitting the bill(Shutterstock/-)

Cash is the most efficient tool of payment. It is old school but you will spare your waiter's time and not have to use multiple credit cards. Even if somebody uses a credit/debit card to pay, it's easier to give your share in cash to that person.

Use the change for something useful

Use the change as a tip for the waiter or waitress(Shutterstock/-)

When you're done with the bill, there will always be spare change. Unless it's a significant amount, which you should divide among the individual members of the party, you can use the spare change for something useful. Tip the waiters or pay the parking for you and your friends. (asw)

 

 



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