k&k tourist tips 7 -
ask and you shall receive... the bill
In show 7, we talk about how you have to ask for the bill at the end of the meal, the waiters won't just assume you're ready to go and bring it over for you. We also cover a couple of other interesting topics related to eating in restaurants in France : how to ask for the bill, "ownership" of the table, and the dining experience in general.
Ask for the bill by saying "l'addition, s'il vous plait" or simply catching the eye of your waiter and making the gesture of writing on your hand.
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The thing that most impressed me on my first visit to Paris was the way you "own" the table. In the US, it's like they want you to eat and get out as soon as possible so they can seat another party and make more money.
They bring the machine to the table, so that it ensures you that the waiter won't be jotting down your credit card numbers and go on an internet shopping spree with it.
They do that in most places here in Germany, too...although you tend to pay with cash rather than with card here, so you don't get to see it that often. :-)