People seem to be talking across wires here. There seem to be three situations: 1) One persons pays for everyone (on the assumption everyone takes turns to pay

People seem to be talking across wires here. There seem to be three situations: 1) One persons pays for everyone (on the assumption everyone takes turns to pay) 2) The bill gets divided evenly and everyone pays their share (either in cash or by card) 3) Everyone gets their own bill Maybe it's different in the US, but in the UK (1) seems to be the most common among close friends who see each other regularly and (2) more common among acquaintances, etc. who you see less often. Number (3) which seems to be what most people are discussing here is pretty uncommon except among students. And places which cater more towards the students market (Nandos, GBK, wetherspoons, etc.) typically have a pay-up-front individually policy. I don't see what problem people have with (2) - it seems a perfectly reasonable solution. Obviously it fails if someone buys something that's exorbitantly priced compared to everyone else, but in those cases I've found people are generally willing to put a little extra in (lest they no longer be invited out).