How to split a bill in a foreign currency
Add the tip to the total first, divide by the number of people, then convert one share into your own currency. Dinner for three in Lisbon comes to 84 euros and you want to leave 10%: 84 + 10% = 92.40, and 92.40 ÷ 3 = 30.80 euros each.
On a calculator with a % key that's two short sums, and a currency calculator shows each share in your money at the same time.
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Step by step
- Open Currency Offline with the local currency on the first row and yours on the second.
- Type the bill total and the tip with the % key, for example 84+10%.
- Press = to see the total with tip in both currencies.
- Press ÷, type the number of people and press = again.
- Read each share in the local currency and in yours, and round up for cash.
Uneven splits
When people ordered different things, add up each person's items on their own (12+18.50+9), then add their part of anything shared. A shared 24 euro bottle of wine between three is 24÷3 = 8 each.
Do the tip last for each person if you want it to match what they ordered: 39.50+10% gives one person's share with tip.
Rentals, taxis and other shared costs
The same method works for anything paid once and shared. An apartment at 980 euros for four people is 980÷4 = 245 each. A 46 euro taxi for three is 46÷3, about 15.33 each.
With Premium, each finished sum lands in history with both amounts and the rate used, so you can settle up later without redoing the math.
Which rate to settle up with
Agree before you split. If one person paid by card, their bank converts at its own rate and may add a foreign transaction fee, so their statement won't match a reference rate exactly.
Two simple options: settle in the local currency using the reference rate in the converter, or wait for the card statement and split the actual amount charged.
Questions
Should I add the tip before or after splitting the bill?
Before, if everyone pays an equal share. Adding the tip to the total and then dividing gives each person the same amount. In Currency Offline type 84+10%, press =, then ÷3 and = again.
Which exchange rate should we use to settle up?
Agree on one before you split. A converter's reference rate is a neutral choice. The card statement of whoever paid shows their bank's rate, which usually includes a small margin.