The Check Bin – Keeping Track of How Much You Spend in a Pattaya Bar

This is a typical ceramic "check bin" used by many beer bars in Pattaya.

Throughout Thailand the custom is the same, when it comes to paying your restaurant and bar bill, you’re not expected to pay for your food and drink until you’re finished and ready to leave. It’s no different in Pattaya beer bars, go-go’s, and discos. You don’t pay until you’re finished.

The Pattaya bars keep track of how much you spend by using a system known as the “Check Bin”.  A check bin is a small container or cup that is placed in front of you. Every time you order a drink or other item for yourself or someone else, the bartender, host, or hostess places a receipt into your check bin. It’s like a running tab that is kept in a cup.

Check bins are similar in size and shape no matter where you go in Pattaya. Some are made of ceramic or glass and others are made of plastic. We’ve even seen check bins made of bamboo.

Most of the beer bars will put a separate receipt into your check bin each time you are served a drink. So, when you’re ready to leave you may have four or five separate receipts that have to be added together to arrive at you’re total bill.

The check bin at Natalie's Bar on Walking Street in Pattaya

There are some establishments that replace the receipt each time with a new one that reflects the current running account. In that case there will only be one receipt in the check bin when you’re ready to settle your account.

It’s wise to keep your eye on your check bin to make sure that you’re not being charged for something you didn’t order.  Check the receipts every now and then as the barmaid sticks them into your check bin.  Some bars have been known to pad the check bins, by sticking in extra slips or charging more on some of the slips than what was actually spent. It’s only a few unscrupulous bar owners that try this.  So don’t go getting completely paranoid about it.  Just be aware that it can happen and keep your eyes open.

In many beer bars you can even have your bar fine placed into your check bin and pay it as you leave.

Check bin from "We are the World" bar - Beach Road, Pattaya.

In the case of most go-go bars, however, you’re expected to pay the bar fine as soon as you agree to it. Otherwise the dancer will have to resume her dancing when her shift is called. Once you pay for a performer’s bar fine she can stay at your table as long as you like. If you order more drinks, the charges will be added to the check bin.

When you’re ready to leave simply ask your hostess, “Check bin, please”.