1. Split it evenly
The fastest method, and the fairest when everyone ate and drank about the same. It stops being fair when one person did not drink, arrived late or ordered half as much. If that is the case, say so early and use another method. No one should have to ask.
2. Everyone pays for what they had
The most accurate, and the slowest if you leave it to the end. It only works when someone writes things down as they are ordered. Shared plates and bottles are split evenly among the people who shared them.
3. Rounds
The pub classic: each person buys one round for the group. It is simple and sociable, and it evens out if everyone stays for a full cycle. It gets unfair when people drink at different speeds or leave early, so keep rounds for groups of four or five that are staying put.
4. One person pays, everyone pays them back
Best for tickets, taxis and anywhere that will not split a card payment. The rule that keeps friendships intact: send the money the same night. The person who paid should not have to chase anyone.
5. Several places in one night
Dinner, two bars and a ride home is where it usually falls apart, because by the third place nobody remembers who covered the first. Keep one running tab for the whole night and settle once at the end, instead of squaring up at every door.
Where Nellmi comes in
Nellmi keeps that running tab for you. Add drinks and food under each place as you go, tap "My round" when it is on you, and add the ride home. When the bill comes, split it in seconds, without the calculator. Your own spending stays visible only to you. And if you really cannot agree who pays, there is a roulette for that.
