Scusi, Sumimasen, And 8 Other Ways To Get A Server's Attention Around The World
The simple act of dining in a foreign country can be a stressful experience if you're not familiar with the language or customs. Getting a table should always be fairly easy (all you need to do is walk in and say hello to the greeter), but what about when it comes time to get the attention of your server?
Arabic
In Arab nations, "Min fadlak" will get the attention of male servers, but be sure to use the feminine "Min fadlik" when addressing a female server.
Chinese
The folks at Transparent.com write that the best way to hail a server at a restaurant in China — upscale or downscale — is to say "Fú wù yuán! Diǎn cài!," which translates to simply "Waiter! Order food!" "Don't worry about offending your waiter," they advise, "because this is just the way it is."
Czech
Hanging out in a Prague café? Hail the server by saying "Promiňte," pronounced prom-YEEN-tay.
Dutch
In Dutch-speaking countries, saying "Pardon" should get the attention of your server.
French
A simple "Pardon" is the best way to get someone's attention in French, though "S'il vous plait" or just "Monsieur" works too. While it might be fun to shout "Garçon!" or "Excusez-moi," these phrases are actually far less common that you may think.
German
It may not roll off the tongue, but "Entschuldigung" (literally "Sorry") is the right thing to say to get a server's attention in Germany.
Italian
In Italy, a simple "Scusi" will be enough to make it known that you're in need of service. Don't say "Permesso," which also means "excuse me," but is used when you're trying to get past someone.
Japanese
This site is a great guide to dining in Japanese restaurants without fear. If you're trying to get the attention of your server, it advises you to simply raise your hand and say "Sumimasen," which translates to "Excuse me." Many restaurants also have call buttons at each table.
Spanish
In Spanish-speaking countries, "Discúlpeme" or "Por favor" will get the attention of your server.