Do you need a bag?
Neutral Polite
What it really means
Cashiers ask this because plastic bags are not free in the UK — a carrier bag costs around 20–30p by law. Most people bring their own reusable bags. Answer "yes please" (and pay) or "no thanks, I've got one".
Chinese explanation
收银员这样问是因为英国的塑料袋不免费——按法规购物袋约收20–30便士。多数人自带环保袋。回答"yes please"（付袋子钱）或"no thanks, I've got one"。
Example conversation
A: Do you need a bag?
B: No thanks, I've brought my own.
A：需要购物袋吗？
B：不用，谢谢，我自己带了。
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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake