Eating out in Norway is a rare treat for many, given that restaurants are typically more expensive than in other countries.

Hopefully, when you do get the chance to eat out, you’ll be treated to a great meal, and even better company. However, all good things must come to an end, and eventually, you’ll need to settle your bill and leave.

Ordering the bill

In many casual restaurants and cafes, you’ll normally pay at the counter when ordering or be asked to pay afterward. This is pretty straightforward, and we’d be worried if you couldn’t understand this concept.

One thing that can trip people up is whether to tip in these situations, as you have done most of the service aspect yourself. Many locals in Norway don’t tip when ordering and paying at a counter, and you shouldn’t feel obliged to do so unless you really want to – as Norway doesn’t have the same tipping culture as other countries.

In more formal settings, you will typically be offered the bill, after desert, cheeses, coffee, teas, aperitifs and refills have also been offered up.

You can also take the initiative and ask for the bill yourself. Restaurants often take a hands-off approach and try not to rush their guests after their meal.

Some busy and popular eateries may have reservations waiting to take over your table and offer you the bill. In some cases, restaurants may bring the bill to your table unprompted, although plenty in Norway don’t like this and say it makes them feel rushed.

When getting the waiter’s attention, many in Norway try to initiate eye contact first, and then the waiter should come over to your table once they notice.

If you are struggling to get your waiter’s attention, you could try a polite and subtle wave or you could try to gesture signing a check.

These two actions aren’t considered impolite, however snapping your fingers, waving around your credit card, whistling or loudly summoning the waiter are all considered rude.

Asking for the bill is fairly straightforward, and you could say something like “unnskyld, kan vi få regningen (excuse me, could we have the bill?)” to your waiter. If you don’t feel confident in Norwegian, then in all likelihood, English will probably be fine.

Paying the bill

Once the bill is dropped off at your table, you’ll normally be left alone for a couple of minutes rather than be offered the chance to pay right away. If you are in a hurry, you can head up to a counter with your bill or ask the waiter to pay right away.

The couple of minutes they leave you alone is normally to decide whether you’ll split the bill or leave a tip.

Splitting the bill is common in Norway—even when on dates. Therefore, most people will normally assume the bill will be split unless you make it clear it’s your treat.

Even if you split, it might be common for one person to pay the whole bill while the other sends their share via the mobile pay service Vipps.

Tips

As for tips, The Local has written more in-depth about this topic. But, the short answer is that its not expected, and that its appreciated if you do choose to tip. When tipping 10 percent is considered generous, while 20 percent is considered extremely generous.

Some restaurants may automatically add a service charge, in these instances you won’t be expected to add an extra tip.

READ ALSO: Does Norway have a tipping culture?