The words are straightforward. The etiquette is where people get caught out.

Talking about cost

  • "How much is it?" / "How much does it cost?"
  • "It's a bit pricey."
  • "That's a bargain."
  • "It's not worth it."
  • "I can't afford it right now."

Useful expressions

  • tight on money — short of cash right now
  • save up for — accumulate money for something
  • split the bill — share the cost equally
  • chip in — each contribute a bit
  • it's on me — I'm paying
  • break even — no profit, no loss

Banking

  • "I'd like to open an account."
  • "Could I check my balance?"
  • "The transfer hasn't gone through."
  • "There's a charge I don't recognise."
  • "How long does it take to clear?"

The cultural part

In India, asking what someone earns or what their flat cost is often ordinary conversation. In the UK, US and much of Europe, both are considered intrusive with anyone who is not a close friend.

Safe: "Is this area expensive to live in?"
Risky: "How much is your rent?"
Avoid: "What's your salary?"

At work, it is different

Discussing your salary with colleagues is legal and increasingly normal in many countries, and in some it is protected by law. But it is still socially sensitive — let the other person open the subject.

If someone deflects a money question, do not repeat it. The deflection is the answer.