If you're arriving in Paris for a sightseeing trip and wondering what practices to adopt, we're here to answer your questions. One question that often comes to mind for tourists concerns tipping in France. Do you have to leave a tip in a restaurant in France? Yes, no, how much, how? We explain everything.
In France, the practice of tipping is less widespread than in countries such as the USA. In the USA, waiters are paid almost entirely from tips left by customers. In France, on the other hand, waiters and other sales staff are paid a fixed wage.
However, tipping is quite common, especially in major tourist cities like Paris. It's a way for waiters to add a little extra to their income, but it's not as standardized as in the U.S., where it's almost compulsory to add at least 15% to 20% of the bill, at the risk of getting murderous looks from scowling waiters.
What's more, in France, service is often included in the bill (look for the words"service compris" or"service inclus" on your bill), which means in black and white that tipping is not compulsory. But it's always appreciated!
Reasons to tip at restaurants in Paris include exceptional service, which may justify a tip at your discretion, or the possibility ofrounding off the bill by adding a few euros - if your dinner costs €38, you can certainly offer to keep the change for the waiter!
