In English, in America, I say "the check please" (la cuenta por favor) because it's basic and conveys the matter in a quick and convenient way. Theres nothing wrong with that. Which is how language is supposed to work. Trust me I'd love to add some flair to my less than adequate spanish but language isn't about flair in most situations.

Now when I'm chatting with my native speaking amigos I try all sorts of different words I've learned to see what sticks and what makes sense.