Paying a highway toll in English
Everyday English for paying a highway toll. Key line: “Hey, how much do I owe for the toll?”
Full script
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Ask what to pay for the toll.
Asking what you owe sounds natural
Says cash and card are both OK.
take = accept cash/card
Say you'll pay by card.
More natural than pay by card
Polite: ask them to pass the card reader.
hand me sounds better than give me
Quick answers
What does “How much do I owe for the toll” mean, and when do you say it?
“How much do I owe for the toll?”: ask what to pay for the toll. Asking what you owe sounds natural.
What does “They take cash or card” mean, and when do you say it?
“They take cash or card.”: says cash and card are both OK. take = accept cash/card.
What does “I'll use my card” mean, and when do you say it?
“I'll use my card.”: say you'll pay by card. More natural than pay by card.
What does “Can you hand me the reader” mean, and when do you say it?
“Can you hand me the reader?”: polite: ask them to pass the card reader. hand me sounds better than give me.