Designing checkout for English and French guests
In Canada, and especially in Québec, a restaurant checkout should work fully in English and French. A bilingual pay-at-table flow shows the bill, split, tip, payment, review and email steps in the guest’s language, which makes the most sensitive moment of the visit — paying — clearer and more welcoming.
Language is part of trust
Guests read every word on a payment screen carefully. Totals, tip options and consent checkboxes must be understood without guessing.
What should be translated
- Bill lines, taxes and totals
- Split and tip options
- Payment confirmation and receipt request
- Review and private feedback prompts
- Email opt-in wording and consent text
Québec context
Québec’s Charter of the French Language requires that commercial information be available in French. A pay-at-table flow with a complete French experience helps restaurants serve local guests and visitors alike.
Keep the copy short
Bilingual does not mean longer. Short, plain sentences in each language work better on a phone than long text with both languages stacked together.