TravelBeginner
Paying a highway toll in English (beginner)
Beginner English for paying a highway toll. Key line: “Hi, how much is the *toll*?”
Full script
Lin
Hi, how much is the toll?
Them
It's five dollars, please.
Lin
Can I pay in cash?
Them
Yes, cash is fine.
Lin
Great. My coins finally help.
Them
Let's see... that's a lot of coins.
Lin
Sorry, my bag is very heavy.
Them
No problem. Your bag is lighter now.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Ask the price
✓ How much is the toll?Ask the price
The most common way
Give amount
✓ It's five dollars, please.Staff tells the cost
'please' sounds more natural
Pay in cash
✓ Can I pay in cash?Ask to use cash
'in cash' is the set phrase
Payment OK
✓ Cash is fine.Cash is accepted
fine here = no problem
Quick answers
What does “How much is the toll” mean, and when do you say it?
“How much is the toll?”: ask the price. The most common way.
What does “It's five dollars, please” mean, and when do you say it?
“It's five dollars, please.”: staff tells the cost. 'please' sounds more natural.
What does “Can I pay in cash” mean, and when do you say it?
“Can I pay in cash?”: ask to use cash. 'in cash' is the set phrase.
What does “Cash is fine” mean, and when do you say it?
“Cash is fine.”: cash is accepted. fine here = no problem.