TravelBeginner
At the supermarket checkout in English
What to say at the supermarket checkout: a bag, and paying by card.
The textbook way: people will understand, but it isn't what they say
Give me a bag!
What people actually say ↓Full script
Lin
Hi! Could I get a bag, please?
Them
Sure! Did you find everything okay?
Lin
Yes, thanks.
Them
That's twelve fifty. Cash or card?
Lin
Card, please. Can I tap?
Them
Go ahead. You're all set!
Lin
Thanks, have a good one!
Them
You too!
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
When you want a bag at checkout
✗ Give me a bag!
✓ Could I get a bag?Polite way to ask for a bag
Could I get…? is politer than Give me. Use it for food or things.
Cashier asks: Cash or card?
✓ Card, please.Pay by card
For two choices, say the choice, not Yes
Want to tap your card or phone
✓ Can I tap?Ask to pay by tap
tap = pay by touching the reader
Before you leave with your things
✓ Have a good one!Friendly goodbye
Works any time of day
Quick answers
When you want a bag at checkout: what to say in English
Say “Could I get a bag?” — polite way to ask for a bag. Could I get…? is politer than Give me. Use it for food or things.
Cashier asks “Cash or card”: what to say in English
Say “Card, please.” — pay by card. For two choices, say the choice, not Yes.
Want to tap your card or phone: what to say in English
Say “Can I tap?” — ask to pay by tap. tap = pay by touching the reader.
Before you leave with your things: what to say in English
Say “Have a good one!” — friendly goodbye. Works any time of day.