Splitting bills with fellow pilgrims

[BiggBlue]

Over the years on various Caminos, I've often found myself in situations where people go out for supper. When the bill arrives, some individuals only contribute the exact amount they consumed (often incorrectly). Invariably, the total collected is short. Historically, as the oldest member of the group, I get given the bill and end up covering the difference.

This recurring issue has been frustrating, especially when I see people enjoying the wine and a full meal but not paying their fair share. I've wondered if there's a perfect solution to this problem.

A few years ago, while walking on the Norte, I was with a group where I was the oldest by about 20 years. For two consecutive nights, I covered the shortfall when the others did not cover the bill, even though I explained we were short. Others simply said "I only had salad and soup", but omitted beer and wine!!! . On the third night, I quietly requested a separate bill, which became my standard practice. Settling the bill that evening took longer since I wasn't there to cover any gaps, though I was asked for a €20 loan from one of the diners.

Although asking for separate bills can make the server's job more tedious, I believe it's sometimes the best approach, and avoid embarrassing confrontations.

One memorable incident occurred seven years ago on the French route. A fellow pilgrim joined me for supper at a local cafe offering a pilgrim's menu. The meal, which included three courses plus wine, water, and bread, cost €10. After we finished, the person placed €9 on the table, refusing to pay for the wine since they hadn't drunk any. Despite my explanation that the €10 covered everything, they insisted on not paying the total amount. I paid the difference, but it highlighted how some people have peculiar ideas about honouring their obligation to the final bill.

This issue has been a persistent annoyance over the years. When travelling with a friend for a few days, we create a joint kitty, or use a finance app. With strangers, I prefer to pay separately to avoid problems, and due to my not wanting any problems to make up for the shortfall,

Though, to be fair, on the last Camino I did this year, every evening when we had a shared supper, the bill was equally split, and allowance was made for people who didn't drink.

I wondered if any other pilgrims have had this experience where the total put in did not cover the bill, and how they managed it.

 

[CWBuff]

A few years ago, while walking on the Norte, I was with a group where I was the oldest by about 20 years. For two consecutive nights, I covered the shortfall when the others did not cover the bill, even though I explained we were short. Others simply said "I only had salad and soup", but omitted beer and wine!!!

And THATS when I would absolutely state "Yes but you also had beer and\or wine".

One memorable incident occurred seven years ago on the French route. A fellow pilgrim joined me for supper at a local cafe offering a pilgrim's menu. The meal, which included three courses plus wine, water, and bread, cost €10. After we finished, the person placed €9 on the table, refusing to pay for the wine since they hadn't drunk any. Despite my explanation that the €10 covered everything, they insisted on not paying the total amount. I paid the difference, but it highlighted how some people have peculiar ideas about honouring their obligation to the final bill.

IMHO in situation like this one calls the server back, apologizes profusely and asks for separate checks. let the "fellow pilgrim" then argue with the server.

I know what you are saying. I am sure that we all have been in these situation simply because they are not Camino-exclusive. I've had my share of people in a group doing the same..... one time it was a very large group which unfortunately "allowed" (situation-wise) for some folks to quietly leave the premises and leaving the rest of us with splitting the unpaid balance among us.... Those folks will "be there' ....always

I am very much in favor of asking for separate bills if I am dining in the company of people that I do not know.... and sometimes even in the company of those I do. I'm not an expert on these things (I dont think there is one per se) but one way to handle it is before the meal is ordered respectfully set the ground rules along these lines - 2 choices 1. either we all split the final bill evenly (and at that point never we all mind who ate\drank what) or 2. request separate bills

 

[CWBuff]

Though, to be fair, on the last Camino I did this year, every evening when we had a shared supper, the bill was equally split, and allowance was made for people who didn't drink.

But then like you said earlier - the meal is €10 and includes everything!
Lets do it very simple - there is no *group* of people - the Pilgrim walked into a bar and ordered menu-del-dia or whatever. The cost is €10 includes bebida (a "beverage"). The server asked if the pilgrim wahnts anything to drink and the answer was "no". Will the server make any allowances for the beverage not consumed? I don't think so.

If you go to "All you can eat buffet" and do NOT eat everything.... will you be able to pay any less? Heck NO!

 

[TravellingMan22]

Remember the folks you meet on a Camino are strangers you will meet briefly. There are not your friends and family and will have forgotten you by tomorrow. Don’t stand for nonsense! Pay your way but no one elses, and definately don’t pick up any differences! The restaurant will have to wear it if someone walks out without paying their full whack, not you! The Camino seems to be a magnet for freeloaders.

 

[Caomhin O Fearghaill]

At the eating and drinking table there will always be the person who gets the bill, or asks for the bill, or suggests how the bill should be divided, or in some way gets tangled up with the bill. That was me until I resigned. So, now I ask for my own bill and pay for myself. Problem solved without indigestion.

 

[MikeJS]

I just agree what we are going to do before we start.

 

[Anhalter]

Theres people i bicker with about money and theres people with whom i have more than one dinner. They are mutually exclusive. On the last camino it was more often than not the discussion on who was allowed to pay. Good thing we can chose the company we keep.

 

[Telelama]

Honestly, I just pay it and move on.

I am older and make good money, and I know so many are on limited budgets. We almost always pay for meals and drinks for our fellow pilgrims that are in their twenties, sometimes 30s, because I know they, generally, don't have a lot of discretionary cash. If I pay, it gives them a little extra cash for something else they need/want.

If I can help them experience a better Camino by these little actions, I'm more than happy to oblige.

 

[CWBuff]

Honestly, I just pay it and move on.

I am older and make good money, and I know so many are on limited budgets. We almost always pay for meals and drinks for our fellow pilgrims that are in their twenties, sometimes 30s, because I know they, generally, don't have a lot of discretionary cash. If I pay, it gives them a little extra cash for something else they need/want.

If I can help them experience a better Camino by these little actions, I'm more than happy to oblige.

I cannot agree more as I have paid for meals, rides and accommodations of many folks who were "less fortunate" than I was at that moment. IMHO its not truly about who paid but the audacity if you will of those who knowingly freeload and have no problem taking advantage of others any chance they get.

But.... if you insist.... your next camino is when?

 

[Telelama]

But.... if you insist.... your next camino is when

I'll let you know, and you can join us at our table anytime!!

 

[GaTeach]

I consider it an honor to shade the paths of others any chance I get! Never ever ever want to sit at a table where people are splitting checks. Ewwwww.

 

[Robo]

Over the years on various Caminos, I've often found myself in situations where people go out for supper. When the bill arrives, some individuals only contribute the exact amount they consumed (often incorrectly). Invariably, the total collected is short. Historically, as the oldest member of the group, I get given the bill and end up covering the difference.

This recurring issue has been frustrating, especially when I see people enjoying the wine and a full meal but not paying their fair share. I've wondered if there's a perfect solution to this problem.

A few years ago, while walking on the Norte, I was with a group where I was the oldest by about 20 years. For two consecutive nights, I covered the shortfall when the others did not cover the bill, even though I explained we were short. Others simply said "I only had salad and soup", but omitted beer and wine!!! . On the third night, I quietly requested a separate bill, which became my standard practice. Settling the bill that evening took longer since I wasn't there to cover any gaps, though I was asked for a €20 loan from one of the diners.

Never been in that situation on Camino....(people 'short' contributing)
You can't pick your family, but you can pick your friends

That is not to say I have not covered costs for other Pilgrims (in genuine need), without them needing to ask. I'm sure we all have......meals, accommodation etc. There is a big difference.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola I can't say I have had this situation. Usually I pay separately. There was one occasion where a young woman had neglected to go the the ATM in the last town, she honestly thought that there would be one in the small village. I could see her problem immediately, she had her E10 for accommodation but not the extra E10 for the evening meal. I quietly slipped her a E10 note and later proffered an additional E10 so that she could at least get a morning coffee etc. Now 10 years later we still exchange text and emails. I still refer to her as my Camino Granddaughter, which she happily acknowledges - even now married with a young baby. As the saying goes - the camino will provide!!

 

[peregrino_tom]

I couldn't afford to take fancy holidays or any international travel outside Europe, even if I wanted to. My indulgence is the camino. And one of the amazing things about it that I value - and never forget - is that it allows me to travel for weeks at a time within my budget. I like to stay in Donativo and Municipals hostels and those at the budget end of the private range. Each time I stay at those (not the Donativos..) I'm saving €20+ per night.
One of my greatest happinesses on the camino is being able to make up the difference when others in the group/team/family have forgotten, chosen to or felt unable to accurately put in their share. TBH it rarely happens in a restaurant, as the folks I usually end up walking with tend to prefer making a communal meal - and often I'm battling with one or two other persons my age who are more naturally generous than I am, and seem to have their wallets out faster than Billy the Kid, and a restraining arm as well.
Reading the above postings just reminds me that while we encounter each other, apparently equally, as fellow pilgrims, along the camino, we are often making very small personal choices that lead us into different situations and into very different camino experiences - particularly concerning people and humanity.

 

[WalkingPlaylist]

Separate bills. I saw this coming the first time I sat with others and truly am honest and just say I'm on a budget and this helps me track.

 

[Barbara]

Honestly, I just pay it and move on.

I am older and make good money, and I know so many are on limited budgets. We almost always pay for meals and drinks for our fellow pilgrims that are in their twenties, sometimes 30s, because I know they, generally, don't have a lot of discretionary cash. If I pay, it gives them a little extra cash for something else they need/want.

If I can help them experience a better Camino by these little actions, I'm more than happy to oblige.

It's very kind of you to do that and I am sure they appreciate it. I wonder though, if they have made a long journey to their Camino, whether they are spending more on motorised travel than the actual walking, and whether they should temper their spending to their budget. Not that we will ever know, and I suppose not really my business anyway. I've accepted hospitality with a smile and try to pay it forward, but I tend to try to help the pilgrims who are eating plain pasta in the albergue. Maybe I'm wrong and shouldn't be judging people by their place of origin and choice of restaurant.
Going away for some serious thinking before I dig this hole any deeper....

 

[Guneyd]

I think this is definitely something worth paying attention to. I witnessed an incident this summer where things nearly escalated between a hospitalero and a pilgrim over a similar issue.

The hospitalero, who also owned a restaurant, charged for 8 meals. Each pilgrim paid their share, but the hospitalero claimed one meal hadn't been paid for. Two pilgrims had already left after paying, and the remaining ones insisted they'd settled their bills. In the end, one pilgrim covered the difference. Then, a ninth pilgrim accused the hospitalero of being a thief (in Italian). At that point, the rest of us had to step in and stop the hospitalero—a big, round man—from attacking the skinny Italian pilgrim... good times.

In my opinion, everyone was at fault here. The hospitalero didn’t issue receipts, so there was no clear way to verify who had paid and for what. On the other hand, the rest of the pilgrims shouldn’t have left without resolving the situation properly.

But of course, it’s easy for me to say—I had already eaten and paid separately.

 

[ScouseKeith]

Over the years on various Caminos, I've often found myself in situations where people go out for supper. When the bill arrives, some individuals only contribute the exact amount they consumed (often incorrectly). Invariably, the total collected is short. Historically, as the oldest member of the group, I get given the bill and end up covering the difference.

This recurring issue has been frustrating, especially when I see people enjoying the wine and a full meal but not paying their fair share. I've wondered if there's a perfect solution to this problem.

A few years ago, while walking on the Norte, I was with a group where I was the oldest by about 20 years. For two consecutive nights, I covered the shortfall when the others did not cover the bill, even though I explained we were short. Others simply said "I only had salad and soup", but omitted beer and wine!!! . On the third night, I quietly requested a separate bill, which became my standard practice. Settling the bill that evening took longer since I wasn't there to cover any gaps, though I was asked for a €20 loan from one of the diners.

Although asking for separate bills can make the server's job more tedious, I believe it's sometimes the best approach, and avoid embarrassing confrontations.

One memorable incident occurred seven years ago on the French route. A fellow pilgrim joined me for supper at a local cafe offering a pilgrim's menu. The meal, which included three courses plus wine, water, and bread, cost €10. After we finished, the person placed €9 on the table, refusing to pay for the wine since they hadn't drunk any. Despite my explanation that the €10 covered everything, they insisted on not paying the total amount. I paid the difference, but it highlighted how some people have peculiar ideas about honouring their obligation to the final bill.

This issue has been a persistent annoyance over the years. When travelling with a friend for a few days, we create a joint kitty, or use a finance app. With strangers, I prefer to pay separately to avoid problems, and due to my not wanting any problems to make up for the shortfall,

Though, to be fair, on the last Camino I did this year, every evening when we had a shared supper, the bill was equally split, and allowance was made for people who didn't drink.

I wondered if any other pilgrims have had this experience where the total put in did not cover the bill, and how they managed it.

Like you robin im more senior in my years and far more conscious regarding eating out together. The restaurant and staff are only doing their jobs and if someone didn’t take charge it usually results in a confrontation which is not fair on the staff. Last year I was faced with a similar situation, although they were younger they were still what I would call middle aged. I started getting the feeling when they were necking their drinks and ordering more, they had finished the wine and were on their second beer and I was on my first wine so I knew it was time to bow out. I took the 17euros and put it on the plate for the waitress and 2euros tip and gave her the plate and said thank you and the first thing they said was I thought we were splitting the bill so I just politely said I was until you started ordering more drinks and I feel I shouldn’t have to pay for them. They gave a few grumps. I found out their bill was 36euros each, exactly why it’s always best to pay your own way.

 

[bullingtonce]

Over the years on various Caminos, I've often found myself in situations where people go out for supper. When the bill arrives, some individuals only contribute the exact amount they consumed (often incorrectly). Invariably, the total collected is short. Historically, as the oldest member of the group, I get given the bill and end up covering the difference.

This recurring issue has been frustrating, especially when I see people enjoying the wine and a full meal but not paying their fair share. I've wondered if there's a perfect solution to this problem.

A few years ago, while walking on the Norte, I was with a group where I was the oldest by about 20 years. For two consecutive nights, I covered the shortfall when the others did not cover the bill, even though I explained we were short. Others simply said "I only had salad and soup", but omitted beer and wine!!! . On the third night, I quietly requested a separate bill, which became my standard practice. Settling the bill that evening took longer since I wasn't there to cover any gaps, though I was asked for a €20 loan from one of the diners.

Although asking for separate bills can make the server's job more tedious, I believe it's sometimes the best approach, and avoid embarrassing confrontations.

One memorable incident occurred seven years ago on the French route. A fellow pilgrim joined me for supper at a local cafe offering a pilgrim's menu. The meal, which included three courses plus wine, water, and bread, cost €10. After we finished, the person placed €9 on the table, refusing to pay for the wine since they hadn't drunk any. Despite my explanation that the €10 covered everything, they insisted on not paying the total amount. I paid the difference, but it highlighted how some people have peculiar ideas about honouring their obligation to the final bill.

This issue has been a persistent annoyance over the years. When travelling with a friend for a few days, we create a joint kitty, or use a finance app. With strangers, I prefer to pay separately to avoid problems, and due to my not wanting any problems to make up for the shortfall,

Though, to be fair, on the last Camino I did this year, every evening when we had a shared supper, the bill was equally split, and allowance was made for people who didn't drink.

I wondered if any other pilgrims have had this experience where the total put in did not cover the bill, and how they managed it.

The issue is not 'properly' settling the bill; the issue is that there are people of this ilk, always and everywhere and the challenge is that you aren't able to identify them until the 'incident' occurs. Therefore, either ask for the separate check or make the whole matter inconsequential in your mind and let happen, happen. Far more important things in life to commiserate over than petty minds of people. Chuck

 

[Paladina]

I don’t recall a problem among diners on the Camino over paying the restaurant bill, but I do remember one occasion when I was the sole vegetarian in a group of carnivores who had opted for sharing plates. By the time the single meatless dish reached me, my fellow diners had already helped themselves to all they could eat of the little that I would have been happy to eat.

 

[Kathy F.]

To the OP, Bigg Blue, I think you handled the situation/s with grace and common sense. You can't pay for everyone's meal every time. Paying your own way is basic. However, sometimes have to you suck it up and assume the other person is simply unable to pay their full share. Separate checks for the menu del dia shouldn't be much of a problem for the waiter.

 

[Jo New Zealand]

Over the years on various Caminos, I've often found myself in situations where people go out for supper. When the bill arrives, some individuals only contribute the exact amount they consumed (often incorrectly). Invariably, the total collected is short. Historically, as the oldest member of the group, I get given the bill and end up covering the difference.

This recurring issue has been frustrating, especially when I see people enjoying the wine and a full meal but not paying their fair share. I've wondered if there's a perfect solution to this problem.

A few years ago, while walking on the Norte, I was with a group where I was the oldest by about 20 years. For two consecutive nights, I covered the shortfall when the others did not cover the bill, even though I explained we were short. Others simply said "I only had salad and soup", but omitted beer and wine!!! . On the third night, I quietly requested a separate bill, which became my standard practice. Settling the bill that evening took longer since I wasn't there to cover any gaps, though I was asked for a €20 loan from one of the diners.

Although asking for separate bills can make the server's job more tedious, I believe it's sometimes the best approach, and avoid embarrassing confrontations.

One memorable incident occurred seven years ago on the French route. A fellow pilgrim joined me for supper at a local cafe offering a pilgrim's menu. The meal, which included three courses plus wine, water, and bread, cost €10. After we finished, the person placed €9 on the table, refusing to pay for the wine since they hadn't drunk any. Despite my explanation that the €10 covered everything, they insisted on not paying the total amount. I paid the difference, but it highlighted how some people have peculiar ideas about honouring their obligation to the final bill.

This issue has been a persistent annoyance over the years. When travelling with a friend for a few days, we create a joint kitty, or use a finance app. With strangers, I prefer to pay separately to avoid problems, and due to my not wanting any problems to make up for the shortfall,

Though, to be fair, on the last Camino I did this year, every evening when we had a shared supper, the bill was equally split, and allowance was made for people who didn't drink.

I wondered if any other pilgrims have had this experience where the total put in did not cover the bill, and how they managed it.

Yes, I was staying in a nice hotel in Leon when a lady, who was also staying there, joined me for lunch. When she finished she had a quick word with the waiter and headed off to get her train home. Next day, when checking out, I was charged for her lunch as well as mine. The lady in reception said I had to pay. I refused, the manager was called. Not a pleasant experience. I didn’t pay.

 

[Anthony18]

Over the years on various Caminos, I've often found myself in situations where people go out for supper. When the bill arrives, some individuals only contribute the exact amount they consumed (often incorrectly). Invariably, the total collected is short. Historically, as the oldest member of the group, I get given the bill and end up covering the difference.

This recurring issue has been frustrating, especially when I see people enjoying the wine and a full meal but not paying their fair share. I've wondered if there's a perfect solution to this problem.

A few years ago, while walking on the Norte, I was with a group where I was the oldest by about 20 years. For two consecutive nights, I covered the shortfall when the others did not cover the bill, even though I explained we were short. Others simply said "I only had salad and soup", but omitted beer and wine!!! . On the third night, I quietly requested a separate bill, which became my standard practice. Settling the bill that evening took longer since I wasn't there to cover any gaps, though I was asked for a €20 loan from one of the diners.

Although asking for separate bills can make the server's job more tedious, I believe it's sometimes the best approach, and avoid embarrassing confrontations.

One memorable incident occurred seven years ago on the French route. A fellow pilgrim joined me for supper at a local cafe offering a pilgrim's menu. The meal, which included three courses plus wine, water, and bread, cost €10. After we finished, the person placed €9 on the table, refusing to pay for the wine since they hadn't drunk any. Despite my explanation that the €10 covered everything, they insisted on not paying the total amount. I paid the difference, but it highlighted how some people have peculiar ideas about honouring their obligation to the final bill.

This issue has been a persistent annoyance over the years. When travelling with a friend for a few days, we create a joint kitty, or use a finance app. With strangers, I prefer to pay separately to avoid problems, and due to my not wanting any problems to make up for the shortfall,

Though, to be fair, on the last Camino I did this year, every evening when we had a shared supper, the bill was equally split, and allowance was made for people who didn't drink.

I wondered if any other pilgrims have had this experience where the total put in did not cover the bill, and how they managed it.

Best solution is to ask the waiter for a separate check.

 

[WayWalker]

Over the years on various Caminos, I've often found myself in situations where people go out for supper. When the bill arrives, some individuals only contribute the exact amount they consumed (often incorrectly). Invariably, the total collected is short. Historically, as the oldest member of the group, I get given the bill and end up covering the difference.

This recurring issue has been frustrating, especially when I see people enjoying the wine and a full meal but not paying their fair share. I've wondered if there's a perfect solution to this problem.

A few years ago, while walking on the Norte, I was with a group where I was the oldest by about 20 years. For two consecutive nights, I covered the shortfall when the others did not cover the bill, even though I explained we were short. Others simply said "I only had salad and soup", but omitted beer and wine!!! . On the third night, I quietly requested a separate bill, which became my standard practice. Settling the bill that evening took longer since I wasn't there to cover any gaps, though I was asked for a €20 loan from one of the diners.

Although asking for separate bills can make the server's job more tedious, I believe it's sometimes the best approach, and avoid embarrassing confrontations.

One memorable incident occurred seven years ago on the French route. A fellow pilgrim joined me for supper at a local cafe offering a pilgrim's menu. The meal, which included three courses plus wine, water, and bread, cost €10. After we finished, the person placed €9 on the table, refusing to pay for the wine since they hadn't drunk any. Despite my explanation that the €10 covered everything, they insisted on not paying the total amount. I paid the difference, but it highlighted how some people have peculiar ideas about honouring their obligation to the final bill.

This issue has been a persistent annoyance over the years. When travelling with a friend for a few days, we create a joint kitty, or use a finance app. With strangers, I prefer to pay separately to avoid problems, and due to my not wanting any problems to make up for the shortfall,

Though, to be fair, on the last Camino I did this year, every evening when we had a shared supper, the bill was equally split, and allowance was made for people who didn't drink.

I wondered if any other pilgrims have had this experience where the total put in did not cover the bill, and how they managed it.

5 caminos over the past 10 years and we never experienced this. We always paid only what we consumed in a group and paid the waiter directly, not expecting any one person to handle the divy. And the folks we dined with who seemed to keep track of what they consumed understood this. Plus if not consuming beer or wine, there is usually other offerings included like sparkling or still water, soft drink or coffee. Sorry this happened. What could you do differently next time so you wouldn't end up being "the guy"? Just asking so it doesn't happen to me.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Always a nightmare, people who are "shy" when it comes to paying.
There is an app (isn't there always?) called Splitwise. I've never used it myself but my daughters tell me it saves a lot of arguing!

 

[ScouseKeith]

Yes, I was staying in a nice hotel in Leon when a lady, who was also staying there, joined me for lunch. When she finished she had a quick word with the waiter and headed off to get her train home. Next day, when checking out, I was charged for her lunch as well as mine. The lady in reception said I had to pay. I refused, the manager was called. Not a pleasant experience. I didn’t pay.

What a bloody cheek. Good for you for standing your ground

 

[dbeatriceb]

We had a tagalong freeloader one year who was always happy to sit down at the same table and consume whatever. Then she would hoist her pack and head out, leaving us with the bill. As soon as we caught on to her habit, we made a point to tell the server or barkeep, in advance, that we were paying separately and to give her a separate check. Even my husband, whose Spanish language skills are barely rudimentary, learned how to clarify the matter before Ms. Freeloader could escape. If she had been a young person clearly on a limited budget we would have cut her some slack, but we (in our 70s) are on a budget too and this woman was a dozen years older. She was a friend of a friend who, upon learning that we were walking the Camino, had purchased all her gear and a plane ticket at the last minute so she could coordinate her walk with ours and avail herself of our knowledge and experience. She might have been on a budget too but her impulsive trip planning said otherwise and she should have known better than to walk out on her bill and expect us to cover it.

 

[Tincatinker]

Bilking was practically a sport amongst the tribes of my youth but one that came with some interesting retribution for those whose faces, and therefore parents and grandparents were known and who failed to remember the family ties.

Others, who failed to run fast enough, just picked up the slack or got their knees cracked or their elbows reversed.

I’m relieved to see that most members will cover the first “gap” but not any thing subsequent. Personally I’m not surprised that there are people who will try to slide a €15 bill but I am surprised if I encounter such and they aren’t limping

 

[Doingit]

Over the years on various Caminos, I've often found myself in situations where people go out for supper. When the bill arrives, some individuals only contribute the exact amount they consumed (often incorrectly). Invariably, the total collected is short. Historically, as the oldest member of the group, I get given the bill and end up covering the difference.

This recurring issue has been frustrating, especially when I see people enjoying the wine and a full meal but not paying their fair share. I've wondered if there's a perfect solution to this problem.

A few years ago, while walking on the Norte, I was with a group where I was the oldest by about 20 years. For two consecutive nights, I covered the shortfall when the others did not cover the bill, even though I explained we were short. Others simply said "I only had salad and soup", but omitted beer and wine!!! . On the third night, I quietly requested a separate bill, which became my standard practice. Settling the bill that evening took longer since I wasn't there to cover any gaps, though I was asked for a €20 loan from one of the diners.

Although asking for separate bills can make the server's job more tedious, I believe it's sometimes the best approach, and avoid embarrassing confrontations.

One memorable incident occurred seven years ago on the French route. A fellow pilgrim joined me for supper at a local cafe offering a pilgrim's menu. The meal, which included three courses plus wine, water, and bread, cost €10. After we finished, the person placed €9 on the table, refusing to pay for the wine since they hadn't drunk any. Despite my explanation that the €10 covered everything, they insisted on not paying the total amount. I paid the difference, but it highlighted how some people have peculiar ideas about honouring their obligation to the final bill.

This issue has been a persistent annoyance over the years. When travelling with a friend for a few days, we create a joint kitty, or use a finance app. With strangers, I prefer to pay separately to avoid problems, and due to my not wanting any problems to make up for the shortfall,

Though, to be fair, on the last Camino I did this year, every evening when we had a shared supper, the bill was equally split, and allowance was made for people who didn't drink.

I wondered if any other pilgrims have had this experience where the total put in did not cover the bill, and how they managed it.

I have shared many meals with pilgrims and to avoid any misunderstanding I tell the waiter that it will be separate bills - cuentas separadas. If we wanted to share a bottle of wine, we asked who would want to share the cost of a bottle. It is the same approach as when you do a shared meal in an albergue, people pay directly the albergue.

 

[nickyvee]

Separate bills. Chances are that the 'friends' you meet along the Camino will be forgotten the moment you leave Santiago.

 

[alexwalker]

On the Camino, if I go to a restaurant with others, I ask beforehand to have my own bill (Quenta separado por me, por favor). No matter what. If a person goes to a restaurant for dinner, it means he/she has enough money to go to a restaurant for dinner.

After many Caminos, I have on several/many occasions made dinner together with others in the albergues, on the strict rule that we split evenly, before whe get ready for the table (It is truly a great way way to socialize). And if you join up with others, like that, you can easily get off with 5-6€ pp including wine, for a good dinner.

But if someone hasn't paid his/her share beforehand, there will be an empty chair at the table.

The exeption for me is: If it is obvious that that person is simply in need of money for food, that person will be invited to use the chair and participate in our communal meal. It will make me happy. It has happened.

 

[Barbara]

On the Camino, if I go to a restaurant with others, I ask beforehand to have my own bill (Quenta separado por me, por favor). No matter what. If a person goes to a restaurant for dinner, it means he/she has enough money to go to a restaurant for dinner.

After many Caminos, I have on several/many occasions made dinner together with others in the albergues, on the strict rule that we split evenly, before whe get ready for the table (It is truly a great way way to socialize). But if someone hasn't paid his/her share beforehand, there will be an empty chair at the table.

The exeption for me is: If it is obvious that that person is simply in need of money for food, that person will be invited to use the chair and participate in our communal meal. It will make me happy. It has happened.

This I like. It's how it should be. I've paid for a few meals for pilgrims, and not pilgrims. That's fine. What I don't like is paying for the person who is abusing the good will of others. I don't think age enters into it. One can be young and rich, or old and poor. Not enough money to pay a bill? Then be honest. Say you can't come to the restaurant, or eat the communal meal. Then make yourself unobtrusive, because otherwise it just looks as if you are waiting to be invited..... Which is nearly as bad as skipping out on the bill, to my way of thinking. Not that I think anyone on this thread would do that.
Twice someone has paid for my meal. On both occasions I wasn't aware it had happened until I went to pay. I still don't know who did it on the first occasion. On the second I saw a dissapearing back. Thank you, both of you. You made my day, and I remembered you when I was in the Cathedral.
And if you are stuck with someone else's bill, maybe just hope that they needed the money more than you?

 

[Rita Flower]

This sort of thing can happen anywhere … and has happened to me but not on Camino.
These days I’m a fairly solitary person and rarely eat with a group of relative Camino strangers - but if I did from now on I think I would clarify with the group how we are paying. It’s the members of the group who need to understand the rules rather than the wait staff.
Having said that I have often paid more for Camino buddies who I know are on a tight budget and have received such kindnesses from others as well.
Buen Camino