Is It Rude to Tip in Paris?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, you might be wondering whether it’s customary to tip in restaurants, cafes, and other service industries. While tipping is not mandatory in France, it’s considered polite to leave a small amount of extra money for good service. However, tipping customs can vary depending on the establishment and the situation.

Restaurants
In most French restaurants, the service charge is already included in the bill. This means that you don’t need to leave a tip unless you received exceptional service or want to round up the total amount. If you do decide to tip, it’s common to leave around 5-10% of the total bill.

Cafes
In Parisian cafes, tipping is not obligatory but appreciated. If you order at the counter and take your drink or food away with you, there’s no need to leave a tip. However, if you sit down at a table and receive table service, leaving a few coins or rounding up the bill is considered polite.

Hotels

When staying in a hotel in Paris, it’s customary to tip hotel staff such as porters and housekeepers. For porters who help with your luggage, 1-2 euros per bag is appropriate. For housekeeping staff who clean your room daily or provide extra services like bringing you an iron or extra towels, leaving 1-2 euros per day is a kind gesture.

Taxis

Tipping taxi drivers in Paris isn’t mandatory but appreciated. If you received good service and arrived at your destination safely and efficiently, rounding up the fare or leaving an additional euro or two is common.

  • Overall,
  • it’s important to remember that tipping customs can vary depending on the situation.
  • While it’s not necessary to tip in most establishments,
  • leaving a little extra for good service is always appreciated.

In conclusion, tipping in Paris is not mandatory but a polite gesture. While it’s not necessary to leave a large tip, rounding up the bill or leaving a few coins is appreciated in most service industries. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you show your appreciation for good service while enjoying your trip to the City of Light.