How do I convey that I'm ready to pay my tab in Greece?
I'm 15 days into a 30-day trip all across Greece (Athens, northern mainland, islands). Everything has been great except the long wait each time we are ready to pay our bill when we're out to eat or for drinks. In America, cleared plates or a credit card/cash sitting on the table is an indication that we are ready to leave. Here it seems they are in no rush at all. We've even waited 20 minutes (they weren't busy). They print the tickets and bring them out immediately but take much longer to take payment. Multiple times we've had to walk to them - which feels a bit rude.
My question How do I more clearly indicate that I am ready to pay and leave? or Am I just being an impatient American not attuned to the Mediterranean pace of life?
Best Answer
In Greece you should just signal to the waiter. Either raise your hand or do what DJClayworth said. It is not uncommon for people to ask for extra plates (fries, tzatziki, feta etc.), so they will wait for you to tell them when you are ready to pay the bill. (Also in many restaurants when you signal for the bill they bring a dessert too!)
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How do you ask for the bill at a Greek restaurant?
\u03a4\u03bf \u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b1\u03c1\u03b9\u03b1\u03c3\u03bc\u03cc \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03ba\u03b1\u03bb\u03ce (To logariasm\xf3 parakal\xf3!) Meaning: The bill, please!How do you pay a bill in Greece?
A lot of bills can be paid online, either through your Greek bank or through the website of the company. For example I pay electricity (DEH), Property Tax, Vehicle Tax, through my bank, the National Bank of Greece. I pay Nova TV through the company's website.Do you pay at the table in Greece?
Yes indeed, in Greece as in most of Europe that I know of, you politely ask for the bill when you are ready to pay. When visiting the USA we always find the American way rather impolite and we have often had the bill put on the table before we've had a chance to order coffee or a dessert!How To Never Run Out Of Things To Say In Conversation
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Answer 2
That would apply if you were at an a' la carte restaurant. In general we raise our hand & say the bill please (cos as Giorgio said sometimes we raise our hand & order extra dishes etc). The best I've discussed with American friends is the body language, meaning from place to place things can be different from such things to greetings so feel free to ask.
Enjoy your holidays :)
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