Davidson explains that many restaurants, especially traditional brasseries, will make a point of highlighting that the cost of service is built into the restaurant’s pricing model, with “service compris” written on the bill. Additionally, many waiters in France are professionals and part of official governing bodies for the profession, which means it is illegal for their wages to be made up by gratuities.
Do you tip at bars and cafés in Paris?
According to Bonte, it is common in cafés to round the tip up to the next whole figure of the total bill. You might leave the change or round up the total; for example, you leave 20 euros on an 18-euro coffee-and-drinks bill. But as is the case for restaurants, there is no obligation to tip at cafés or coffee shops in Paris. This is also a good place to empty your pockets of any loose change you may have (pick up a handy travel wallet when you pack for Paris—the French love their change).
Do you tip in taxis and drivers in Paris?
For a regular taxi in Paris, simply rounding up the fare is perfectly acceptable. “For a private driver providing a full-day service, however, it is customary to leave a tip,” says Bonte. “Give around 20 to 30 euros per day, depending on the level of service.” That figure could even go up to a generous 50 euros if they offer additional services like acting as a guide. Again, it’s a way to say thanks. For more standard pick-ups and drop-offs, a taxi driver won’t be upset if you simply round up the taxi bill, but it’s by no means essential, says Davidson of Red Savannah.
However, if you have a private driver, chauffeur, or guide, Davidson recommends tipping more: “They are enormously appreciative of gratuities, so a 50-euro tip per day would be considered very generous, if you feel it’s representative of the service rendered.”
Do you tip in spas in Paris?
It is customary and appreciated to leave a tip directly for your therapist after a treatment, especially when the service has been excellent, says Bonte: “Around 10 to 20 euros is generally a nice gesture.” Be sure to check if a service charge has already been included in the final bill, but don’t let that stop you from saying thanks to your therapist through a tip. That’s the basic rule in Paris: A tip is a way to show your gratitude and appreciation for services rendered—no more, no less.
