Paiseh No More! How To Split Bills Fairly Without Losing Friends

“Wow, that dinner was shiok. Eh guys, how to split ah?” 

Dividing the bill with your BFFs can be extra tricky – no one wants to be the “bad guy” chasing payments, and no one wants to feel like they’re overpaying either.

But here’s the thing: money talk doesn’t have to be awkward. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can split expenses smoothly without risking your friendships. Whether it’s a trip to Bali, a staycay at Sentosa, or just your weekly dinner catchups, here’s how to keep things fair and fuss-free.

Use an app to do the math for you

I remember trying to scribble numbers on the back of the receipt to figure out who owes what. Thanks to apps like Splitwise, Splid, and Tricount, splitting the bill is super easy.

These apps are perfect for tracking group expenses over time (for example, a holiday or shared bills between housemates). It keeps a running tab and tells you exactly how much you owe (or are owed). You can even switch currencies, so it’s easy to recall whether Friend A owes you for that makeup haul in Japan.

If your friend is still stuck in the stone age and refuses to use these apps (are they even your mate?), just send them a screenshot of the breakdown. No excuses now.

Agree on a fair way to split the bill (before you even order that extra side of truffle fries)  

One of the biggest reasons bill-splitting turns awkward? No one talked about it beforehand. Imagine ordering a $15 salad while your friend feasts on a $50 steak, only for them to casually suggest, “Let’s just split the bill evenly.” How liddat?

To avoid the drama, decide on a method before ordering. Are you splitting equally? Paying only for what you ordered? Taking turns to foot the bill? Whatever it is, get everyone on the same page. Don’t need to paiseh – it keeps things fair for everyone.

For group trips, sort out major expenses (accommodation, transport, activities) beforehand to avoid last-minute money headaches.

Set a budget first, avoid money drama later. Holiday happy, wallet happy! | IMAGE: CANVA

Set budget expectations beforehand

Not everyone’s financial situation is the same. What’s “affordable” for one person might be a splurge for another. That’s why it’s crucial to discuss budgets before making plans, especially for big-ticket events.

Planning a group getaway or birthday bash? Agree on a rough budget range. Are we keeping it budget-friendly or going all out?

Accommodation standards matter too. Hostels? Mid-range hotels? A five-star villa with a private pool? No one should feel pressured to spend more than they’re comfortable with.

Same goes for food and activities. Are we sticking to hawker centres and street food or hitting up fancy restaurants? Joining group tours or exploring on our own?

Being upfront about budgets avoids awkward moments where someone feels forced to overspend - or worse, ghosts the group chat last minute because they suddenly have “other commitments”.

Set up a common fund – no more IOUs

For group trips, staycations, or regular shared expenses (like with housemates), a common fund makes life so much easier. Everyone contributes a fixed amount upfront, and this pool of money covers shared costs like transport, groceries, and meals.

One person manages the fund and tracks spending, so there’s no need to chase payments after every purchase. When the fund runs low, everyone chips in again. Simple.

This works especially well for trips with multiple shared expenses. Instead of constantly calculating who owes what, just pay everything from the fund. At the end of the trip, do a final tally and return any leftover cash.

The only downside? Someone has to volunteer as group treasurer and keep track of the cash flow (and the money).

Nominate a “money master” (that’s usually me)

Some people are just better with numbers. Instead of leaving it to chance, nominate one responsible friend (aka me, because I actually care about the math) to keep track of all shared expenses.

The key? Pick someone who’s accountable, responsible, and won’t disappear when it’s time to collect payments. If that’s you, congratulations – your friends think you’re the adult in the group. You’ll be the one everyone looks to after supper when the bill lands on the table.

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