Paris, the city of love and lights, is famous for its rich history, art, fashion, and of course, its exquisite cuisine. When you dine out in Paris, you may wonder if tipping is expected or not.
The answer is not so straightforward. In this article, we will explore the tipping culture in Paris and answer the question – Is it rude not to tip in Paris?
Understanding Tipping Culture in Paris
In France, the service charge is included in the bill by law. This means that servers are already paid for their services. Therefore, tipping is not mandatory in Paris but it is widely accepted as a gesture of appreciation for excellent service.
When to Tip
If you receive exceptional service at a restaurant or café, it’s appropriate to leave a small tip between 5% to 10% of your total bill. You can leave cash on the table or tell your server how much you would like to tip when paying with a card.
It’s also common to round up your bill to the nearest euro as a way of showing appreciation for good service. For example, if your bill is €18.50 and you want to tip 10%, you can round up to €20.
When Not to Tip
If you’re dissatisfied with the service at a restaurant or café in Paris, don’t feel obligated to leave a tip. However, it’s always polite to explain why you’re not leaving a tip so that the server can improve their service for future customers.
Tipping Etiquette in Other Settings
While tipping at restaurants and cafés is optional in Paris, there are other settings where tipping is expected:
- Taxis: It’s customary to round up your taxi fare to the nearest euro.
- Hotels: Tipping hotel staff such as housekeeping, bellhops, and concierge is appreciated. You can leave a small amount of cash per day or per service.
- Hairdressers: It’s common to tip hairdressers in Paris, with 10% being the standard.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, tipping in Paris is not mandatory but appreciated as a way of showing gratitude for exceptional service. While it’s not necessary to tip at restaurants and cafés where the service charge is already included in the bill, it’s still polite to leave a small amount if you receive excellent service. In other settings such as taxis, hotels, and hairdressers, tipping is expected.
Remember that tipping in Paris is not about following strict rules but rather acknowledging good service with a gesture of appreciation. So next time you dine out or use services while visiting Paris, keep this article in mind to determine whether or not to tip!