In the United Kingdom, you should always ask for the "bill" when you are ready to settle up at a restaurant, cafe, or pub. The American term "check" is almost never used in British English for this context, and asking for it might occasionally cause a moment of confusion, though most waitstaff in tourist areas will understand the intent. When you are done eating, a polite way to ask is simply, "Can I have the bill, please?" or "Could we settle the bill?" It is also common to use the "air signature" gesture (miming writing on a palm) if you are trying to catch a server's eye from across a busy room. Interestingly, the word "cheque" (spelled with a 'que') does exist in British English, but it refers exclusively to the paper financial instrument used for making bank payments—which is now largely obsolete in everyday consumer settings. Furthermore, unlike in some parts of the US where the "check" might be brought to the table automatically as a signal to finish up, in the UK, it is generally considered rude for a server to bring the bill before you have explicitly requested it, as it is seen as "rushing" the guest's dining experience.