Even though tipping is a global practice, it varies greatly depending on the country, culture, and industry. The amount to tip and how to tip is often left to the individual’s discretion.
To help you understand it better, we’ll explain everything you need to know about tipping in France.
Do You Have to Tip in France?
Tipping in France is not mandatory. While it’s always appreciated, it’s entirely up to the customer to decide whether or not to leave a tip.
Unlike in some other countries, the service charge is already included in the total cost of the bill. You’ll never be asked to tip, but it’s common to leave one if you’re pleased with the service.
Whether you tip or not is completely your choice.
That said, it can sometimes be unclear how to go about tipping, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local customs. It’s also not always easy to know how much is appropriate for different situations.
How to Tip for Each Service
In France, tips typically range from 5% to 20% of the total bill, depending on the type of service.
There are no strict rules for tipping, but there are general guidelines you can follow.
What to tip at a restaurant in France?
At the restaurant, the price of the service is included in the bill and the waiters are directly paid with that amount (generally around 15% of the total cost). If you are pleased with your experience, it is acceptable to tip 5% of the total price of the bill.
For example, if the bill is €50, leave a €2.50 tip. In most cases, the tips will go directly to the waiter, who will appreciate it.
Important Note: Some American tourists have reported that certain establishments include an additional “tip” or “service” fee on the bill, which is not legal in France. Always check your receipt carefully, and if you notice an extra fee, politely ask for a corrected bill without it. Remember, tipping is optional in France, as service is already included in the price.
What to tip at a bar in France?
In bars, it is generally accepted to leave €1 per drink if you’re happy with the service. If you’ve ordered a full bottle, you can leave €2 per bottle.
At any time, you can leave more if you feel inclined. For example, if the bartender prepared a special drink to your taste or fulfilled a specific request.
What to tip at a hotel in France?
Hotels, especially luxury ones, employ various service staff, and it’s common to leave tips for them. In these establishments, tipping is a standard practice.
Here are a few examples of jobs and their generally accepted tips:
- Parking valet: €10 (or €5 at the beginning of your stay and €5 at the end)
- Porter: €1 per piece of luggage
- Cleaner: Depending on the duration of your stay, leave €5, €10, or €20 in an envelope on the bed or nightstand
- Concierge: If they’ve made your stay easier, consider tipping generously (€30, €50, or more—it’s up to you)
This list is non-exhaustive. If any staff member goes out of their way to assist you, don’t hesitate to show your appreciation with a tip.
As for hotel restaurants, especially high-end ones, you can follow the same tipping rules mentioned earlier. However, I recommend being extra generous with the waiter, whose service will likely have been exceptional.
What to tip a driver in France?
Tipping a taxi driver is usually decided on the spot and depends on how helpful the driver is and the quality of the service.
If the driver steps out of the vehicle to assist with your luggage, is particularly friendly, or goes out of their way to ensure you don’t miss your flight, you can round up to the next euro or simply tell them to keep the change.
For private drivers, such as those booked through apps like Uber or Lyft, it’s considered good manners to leave a tip, especially if the driver made your ride more enjoyable or went above and beyond (e.g., providing drinks, offering smooth driving, or accommodating an unexpected passenger).
Other services
You can leave tips for all professions that involve any kind of service.
The amounts are similar: €2 to €5 will be appreciated by your hairdresser or esthetician.
People will be especially thankful for your generosity if it’s indicated that their income is primarily tip-based (e.g., cinema ushers).
If you’re unsure about the circumstances or are hesitant, just remember that €1 or €2 will always be appreciated and never considered overboard.
What to Do if I Don’t Know How to Leave a Tip?
Tipping can sometimes be tricky if you’re unsure how to go about it. Should you hand it over directly or leave the money on the table? Most of the time, tipping is done in cash.
In cafés, you can leave coins on the small plate that comes with your bill. For delivery drivers, you often pay beforehand by card. In this case, you can give them a few euros in person.
If you’re uncertain, you’ll notice that many shops have small containers or boxes near the cash register, often with a handwritten note encouraging tips. People will always appreciate a few coins in these boxes.
When dining at a restaurant and paying by card, you can also ask to round up the total of the bill to leave a tip. However, always check with the waiter first to make sure they will receive the tip this way!
Note that the only places where tips will be explicitly requested are through apps like Uber, Uber Eats, Lyft, or Deliveroo. If your delivery driver was friendly or provided great service, it’s good manners to round up to the next euro. Most apps also let you decide the exact amount you’d like to tip—€1 or €2 will be appreciated.
Despite these informal tipping guidelines, it’s always good to adjust the amount based on the service provided. If a waiter finds you a well-located table during a busy time, if a delivery driver climbs all the stairs to your door, or if a taxi driver goes above and beyond, don’t hesitate to tip a little more than you originally planned.
Conclusion
Each tip is always at the customer’s discretion. While there may be general guidelines, tipping is always optional, and although it’s traditionally appreciated in certain industries, you will never be criticized for not leaving a tip.
If you do decide to tip, simply follow the informal guidelines and generally accepted amounts mentioned above, or leave a few euros. Tips are always welcome and appreciated.
Summary Table
| Amount of the tip | |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | Around 5% of the total cost |
| Bar | €1 per drink, €2 per bottle |
| Luxury Hotel | Parking valet: €10 Porter: €1 per luggage Cleaner: 5, 10, 20€ Concierge: 30, 40€ (to your discretion) |
| Driver | Round up to the next euro or keep the change |
| Other Services | €2 to €5 |
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
