Quick answer
Счёт, пожа́луйста.
shchot pazhálusta — plus how to split it and what to tip
The options
Splitting it
Say it before the bill is printed: Мы бу́дем плати́ть отде́льно — we’ll pay separately — or Посчита́йте нас отде́льно, пожа́луйста. Russian waiters split bills without fuss, but it is much easier before than after.
Tipping
Around 10 percent is normal in a restaurant and not expected in a canteen or fast-food place. Many bills now include a suggested чаевы́е line, and plenty of card terminals ask. Cash left on the table is still the most common way.
Service words
официа́нт waiter, официа́нтка waitress, чаевы́е tip (plural), сда́ча change, включено́ included. Сда́чи не ну́жно means keep the change.
What you hear back
Typical mistakes
Би́лет, пожа́луйста.
Счёт, пожа́луйста.
Биле́т is a ticket; the bill is счёт.
Writing in the air to mime a bill
Мо́жно счёт?
The gesture is not used in Russia and reads as odd.
Check yourself
How do you ask for the bill?