💶 Tips in Paris

When you come to Paris, you often ask yourself the question of tipping. Should I leave one? And how much? Is it compulsory? Contrary to popular belief, tipping in France is totally optional. There are no fixed rules or minimums. It’s up to you.

🍽️ Service already included

In cafés, restaurants, hotels and even cabs, service is included in the price. Since 1985, French establishments have been required by law to include service charges in their prices. This means that waiters and other employees are paid by their employers, and do not depend on tips for their livelihood.

When you get the bill, you’ll often see “service compris” written on it. This confirms that you have nothing to add: the service has already been paid for via the amount displayed. This makes all the difference to countries like the USA, where staff rely on tips to supplement what is often a very low basic wage.

🧾 Prices also include taxes

Another French peculiarity: prices displayed are always inclusive of all taxes (TTC). So there are no nasty surprises when you pay. VAT (value-added tax) is included in the amount of the bill.

In restaurants, for example, VAT is 10%, but you don’t have to calculate it: it’s already factored into the menu prices. So you know exactly what you’re paying from the outset.

In short, when you see a dish at €18, it will cost €18, period. And that includes everything: service, taxes, the plate and the smile.

💰 Tipping is not mandatory

Since service is included and taxes are included, tipping becomes a gesture of thanks, but never an obligation. You can leave without leaving a tip, and no one will hold it against you.

That said, if you’ve had a good time, if the service was pleasant, fast or particularly attentive, you can of course leave something. It will always be well received, and often with a smile.

The amount of the tip is entirely up to you. There is no recommended percentage as in other countries. Here are a few guidelines:

• For a coffee or a drink on a terrace: a few coins, 20 to 50 centimes.

• For a meal in a classic restaurant: 1 to 5 euros, depending on the quality of service.

• For a more elegant or gastronomic meal: sometimes a little more, if you feel like it.

But once again, the choice is yours. There’s no pressure.

👋 What about restaurants?

You might also ask whether you should leave a tip in other places. Here are some common cases in Paris:

• In a cab: it’s customary to round up the amount, e.g. leave €10 for a €9.50 fare.

• In a hotel: you can leave €1 or €2 per day for the cleaning staff. For luggage handlers, €1 or €2 per suitcase is a standard gesture.

• At the hairdresser’s or beauty salon: a small bill or a few coins if you’re satisfied.

• For delivery drivers: not obligatory, but a gesture is appreciated, especially in case of rain or difficult delivery.

• For tour guides: on free tours, a tip is often the guide’s only source of income, so it’s welcome.

In all these cases, there are no rules. If you’re happy with the service, you can give a little extra. Otherwise, you’re under no obligation to do so.

🙏 A small gesture that makes you happy

Even if tipping is optional, it’s still a nice gesture that makes people happy. It’s a way of saying thank you, of showing that you appreciated the welcome, the kindness or the quality of the service.

Professionals in Paris don’t necessarily expect a tip. But when they do, they’re often warmly received. So there’s no pressure, but your generosity will always be appreciated.

And sometimes, a simple smile, a sincere compliment or a kind word can have as much effect as a bill.

✅ To sum up

• Service is included in the price.

• Taxes are already included in the bill.

• Tipping is optional, with no minimum or percentage imposed.

• It’s up to you to decide how much, based on your satisfaction.

• Even a small gesture is always welcome.