Paying the Bill (Hesap Ödeme)
In Turkish culture, there's often friendly competition to pay the bill. The person who invites typically pays. Splitting bills (AA - pronounced 'ah-ah') is becoming more common among young people but still seen as less hospitable.
Usage contextdining
Do
- If you invited, insist on paying
- Engage in polite 'bill fighting' (hesap kavgası) if both insist
- Offer to pay even if you were invited (but expect refusal)
- Say 'Ben ısmarlıyorum' (I'm treating) clearly if you're paying
- Accept graciously if someone strongly insists on paying
- Reciprocate by inviting them next time
Don't
- Don't immediately accept someone else paying without offering
- Don't suggest splitting on first invitation
- Don't calculate exact portions if splitting
- Don't let an elder pay if you're younger
- Don't make a scene about the bill
- Don't forget to reciprocate hospitality