EverydayIntermediate

Paying the utility bills in English

Everyday English for paying the utility bills. Key line: “Hi, can I pay my water and electricity bills here?”

Full script

LinHi, can I pay my water and electricity bills here?
ThemYep, I can help. Do you have the account number?
LinI do. Can I pay them together, or separately?
ThemTogether is fine, unless you want two tiny receipts.
LinOne is perfect. My wallet already looks stressed.
ThemFair enough. The total is sixty-eight dollars today.
LinGreat, I'll tap my card. Please keep the lights on.
ThemDone — and your shower gets to stay in business, too.

Key phrases

The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.

Paying

✓ Can I pay my water and electricity bills here?

Ask if you can pay here

First, check the location

Account

✓ Do you have the account number?

Staff asks for your account number

Common when paying bills

Together

✓ Can I pay them together, or separately?

Ask to pay together or separately

"them" = the bills above

Card

✓ I'll tap my card.

Say you will pay by tap

tap = pay contactlessly

Quick answers

Paying: what to say in English

Say “Can I pay my water and electricity bills here?” — ask if you can pay here. First, check the location.

Account: what to say in English

Say “Do you have the account number?” — staff asks for your account number. Common when paying bills.

Together: what to say in English

Say “Can I pay them together, or separately?” — ask to pay together or separately. "them" = the bills above.

Card: what to say in English

Say “I'll tap my card.” — say you will pay by tap. tap = pay contactlessly.

Next: Paying the utility bills All scenes