I've used the banker system many times with friends, here in the US, and it works fine. there is also the method of One Person Treats, basically meaning that the poorest person backs out of paying with the promise that they will cover everyone for the next meal. Generally this next meal turns out to be very expensive, so this method keeps everyone in line with the not paying. since we are all good friends (or equal bastards, i'm not sure which) it all works out in the end.