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> The waiter brings over the bill, in a black rectangular wallet, and walks away.

This is when you pay, just have your card or whatever ready to go. Skip the extra limbo state and leave when you're ready.

[wyclif]

I like this solution the best because it is the least intrusive. Before the waiter brings the bill, put your phone on the table so it's ready when they arrive with the bill. No need for the waitstaff to waste cycles or get distracted by having to look for a green card.

[ryandrake]

In the US you constantly have to beg the waitstaff to stick around. They show up and ask if you want water. If you don’t deliberately say “we are also ready to order drinks” they will then disappear. When they take the drink order, you have to deliberately say “we’ll order food now.” If you order appetizers, they will disappear unless you immediately continue with your main course order. Then of course there’s the whole multiple trip song and dance when you pay. Are waiters paid by the step rather than by the hour?

[JohnFen]

This is exactly what I do. I highly recommend the practice.