الحساب لو سمحت: How to Ask for the Bill in Saudi Arabic

By Ahmed G. Murtaza · Dining & Restaurants · 3 min read

Published June 30, 2026

You're at a café in Riyadh. You've finished your coffee and need to ask for the bill. The phrase 'الحساب لو سمحت' (al-hisaab law samaht) is what you need.

What Does 'Al-Hisaab Law Samaht' Mean?

الحساب ('al-hisaab') means 'the bill'. لو سمحت ('law samaht') means 'please'. Together: 'The bill, please.'

الحساب لو سمحت

Al-hisaab law samaht

The bill please (polite)

Standard phrase for restaurants

الحساب

Al-hisaab

The bill (casual)

Works perfectly in cafes

كارت

Kart

Card

Say this when paying by card

How to Use It

  • Formal restaurant: Say 'الحساب لو سمحت' (al-hisaab law samaht)
  • Casual cafe: Just say 'الحساب!' (al-hisaab!)
  • Paying by card: Say 'كارت' (kart) after getting the bill

Quick Example

أنت: الحساب لو سمحت

You: Al-hisaab law samaht

You: The bill, please

الويتر: حاضر

Waiter: Hadir

Waiter: Coming

أنت: كارت من فضلك

You: Kart min fadlak

You: Card, please

Cultural Tips

  • One person usually pays for the group in Saudi culture
  • Tipping 10-15% is standard in upscale restaurants
  • Using 'law samaht' (please) shows respect

Pro tip: Pair 'الحساب لو سمحت' with a smile and eye contact. Saudis appreciate the effort when foreigners use their language.

Master more dining phrases and everyday Saudi Arabic.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'al-hisaab law samaht' mean?
الحساب لو سمحت (al-hisaab law samaht) means 'the bill please' in Saudi Arabic. الحساب means 'the bill' and لو سمحت means 'please'.
Can I just say 'al-hisaab' without 'law samaht'?
Yes. In casual cafes, just 'al-hisaab!' is perfectly fine. Adding 'law samaht' is more polite for formal restaurants.
What should I say when paying by card?
Say 'كارت' (kart, 'card') after you get the bill. Simple and direct.
Al-Hisaab Law Samaht: How to Ask for the Bill in Saudi Arabic | ArabicWorksheet.com