Guide to Tipping in France

Tipping in France follows its own unique customs that differ from both American and British practices. Understanding the French "service compris" system will help you navigate tipping situations appropriately during your visit.

The "Service Compris" System

The most important thing to understand about tipping in France is the "service compris" (service included) system:

• By law, all restaurants and cafés in France must include a 15% service charge in their prices
• This service charge is indicated on menus with the phrase "service compris"
• This means that servers receive their wages from this included charge, not primarily from tips
• Because of this system, tipping in France is not obligatory but is appreciated for exceptional service

Restaurants and Cafés

For dining establishments in France:

• Restaurants: Service is included in the price, but it's common to leave small change or round up the bill for good service
• For excellent service: An additional 5-10% is appreciated but not expected
• Cafés: Rounding up to the nearest euro for coffee or drinks is common
• Brasseries and bistros: Same as restaurants - small change or rounding up is sufficient

The French way to leave a tip is to include it when you pay the bill or leave coins on the table. If paying by card, you'll need to leave cash for the tip as most card machines don't have a tipping option.

Taxis

For taxi services in France:

• Rounding up to the nearest euro is common for short trips
• For longer journeys, adding 5-10% is appreciated, especially if the driver helps with luggage
• Tipping is not obligatory for taxi drivers

Hotels

At hotels in France:

• Porters: €1-2 per bag
• Housekeeping: €1-2 per day, though this is more common in luxury hotels
• Concierge: €5-20 for special services like difficult reservations or extensive assistance
• Room service: Check if a service charge is included; if not, €1-2 is appropriate

Tour Guides

For tour guides in France:

• Group tours: €2-5 per person for a half-day tour, €5-10 for a full day
• Private guides: €10-20 total for a private tour, more for extensive tours
• Free walking tours: €5-10 per person is customary, as guides often rely on these contributions

Personal Services

For personal services in France:

• Hairdressers: 5-10% is appreciated but not mandatory
• Spa services: 5-10% for exceptional service
• Theater ushers: €1-2 if they show you to your seat (though this is becoming less common)

When Not to Tip

Tipping is not expected in these situations:

• Bakeries (boulangeries)
• Shops and retail establishments
• Museums and attractions
• Public transportation (buses, trains, etc.)
• Fast food restaurants

Regional Differences

There are some regional variations in tipping practices across France:

• Paris: Slightly higher tipping expectations, especially in tourist areas
• Rural areas: More modest tipping practices
• Tourist regions: Staff may be more accustomed to receiving tips from international visitors

Understanding French Attitudes Toward Tipping

The French approach to tipping reflects broader cultural values:

• Professional pride is a significant motivator for good service, not the expectation of tips
• The French value the egalitarian relationship between customer and service provider
• Service is considered part of the profession, not an extra that requires additional payment
• Small tips are seen as a gesture of appreciation rather than an obligation

Final Thoughts

When visiting France, remember that tipping is more about showing appreciation for exceptional service than fulfilling an obligation. The "service compris" system ensures that service workers receive fair wages regardless of tips.

A good rule of thumb is to round up the bill or leave small change for standard service, and add 5-10% for truly exceptional experiences. This approach will be appreciated without seeming excessive or inappropriate within French cultural norms.