Tipping in Paris: Not Expected, but Appreciated

Tipping is not expected in Paris. Unlike North America, South Africa, Egypt and Morocco, France builds service charges into the bill, so a tip is a supplementary gesture of appreciation rather than a requirement.

Two of Condé Nast Traveler's Top Travel Specialists with expertise in France - Frenchman Mark Bonte of French Side Travel and Camilla Davidson, Red Savannah's head of destination management for France, UK and Ireland - explained the custom. Davidson said many French businesses take pride in pricing being "all-inclusive," with service not expected beyond the cost charged. Bonte noted that hospitality staff in France are salaried employees, so tips are "an extra gesture of appreciation rather than part of their expected compensation."

At hotels, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for personal service. Bonte suggests two to five euros for a porter or bellhop, or a few euros per day for housekeeping, with more for exceptional concierge service. Some properties may add a voluntary service charge to the room bill, typically at the guest's discretion, and Davidson said you can ask how it is allocated and who receives it.

At restaurants, tipping is not required even at the best tables, but it is an expression of thanks for exemplary service. Since service is already included, there is no expectation to add 15 to 20 percent as in the United States. Bonte said leaving a few euros or rounding up the bill is common and always appreciated when service was particularly good. Davidson noted many traditional brasseries highlight "service compris" on the bill, and that many French waiters are professionals in official governing bodies for the profession, making it illegal for their wages to be made up by gratuities.

In cafés, rounding up to the next whole figure is common - leaving 20 euros on an 18-euro bill, for example - though there is no obligation. For a regular taxi, rounding up the fare is perfectly acceptable. For a private driver providing a full-day service, Bonte said it is customary to tip around 20 to 30 euros per day depending on service, rising to a generous 50 euros if they offer additional services like acting as a guide. Davidson said a 50-euro tip per day for a private driver, chauffeur or guide would be considered very generous.

At spas, leaving a tip directly for your therapist after a treatment is customary and appreciated, especially when service has been excellent. Bonte said around 10 to 20 euros is generally a nice gesture, and guests should check whether a service charge is already included. The basic rule in Paris: a tip shows gratitude for services rendered - no more, no less.