Tipping in France: The France Tipping Guide

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Tipping in France isn’t a common practice across the country. There is, however, a time and place for tipping in France.

Tipping in France

Knowing when and what to tip can be confusing when visiting a foreign country, especially one that includes the tip in the final price (service compris, in this case). It may seem like this means you shouldn’t leave anything, but that’s not always the case. To make tipping in France simple, basically tip on the level of service you receive and whether or not you want to acknowledge that service with a monetary tip of the hat, if you will.

Tipping in France, however, isn’t required, and there is no set-in-stone rule for how much to tip. It is solely up to you what you leave in addition to the final bill, but do try to tip in cash versus on a credit card. The amounts below are simply suggestions based on what is considered standard practices for different services.

How To Tip In France

Café Server:

When paying for a café au lait (or other beverage), it is considerate to leave the change or round up to the nearest whole figure on the total bill.

Restaurant Server:

The tip is included in the final bill (service compris), but if the service exceeded your expectations, round the bill up to the nearest whole figure or leave 5 to 10 percent to show your gratitude. Another option is to leave €1 to €2 per every €20 spent in all but the finest restaurants.

Coat Check Assistant:

In nicer restaurants, €1 is a considerate when checking a coat.

Bartender:

Say cheers by leaving the change or round up to the nearest whole figure on the total bill for drinks.

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Taxis:

Tips are not expected, but you can round up or offer 5 percent of the final fare if the driver helped with your luggage and/or provided a swift and safe ride.

Airport Shuttle Driver:

No tip is required, but it is customary to tip €1 to €2 per bag.

Doorman:

Feel free to tip €1 if the doorman helped hail a cab or brings in your luggage.

Bellhop:

It is customary to tip €1 to €2 per bag, depending on size.

Housecleaning:

Depending on the cleanliness of your room each day, you can tip anywhere from €1 to €2 per day. This one is often overlooked, but is definitely a considerate way to say thank you for keeping your temporary living space in order.

Concierge:

If the concierge goes above and beyond with helping you book reservations, giving you directions, and providing insider recommendations, it’s considerate to tip €5 to €10.

Stylist:

Once you look and feel tres chic, give your stylist a 10 percent tip of the total cost.

Theater Usher:

It is customary to give an usher €1 per person after being helped to your seat(s).

More from SmarterTravel:

• Tipping: How Much to Tip Tour Guides, Taxis, Hotel Maids, and More?
• Does the Hotel Maid Look Through Your Stuff?
• Hotel Tipping—Do You or Don’t You?

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