Tipping in France: What Visitors Should Know
Quick Answer
Service is included in the bill by law ('service compris'). Additional tipping is optional but rounding up is a common gesture for good service.
France is one of the easiest countries for tipping because, by law, a 15% service charge is already included in all restaurant and cafe prices. This means that the prices you see on the menu already account for service. You are never obligated to leave anything extra.
That said, it’s common and appreciated to leave a small additional tip for good service. This is typically done by rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros on the table. The French approach to tipping is relaxed and low-pressure — there’s no expectation of large percentages, and no one will chase you down for not leaving extra.
Restaurants: Round Up or Leave 5–10%
Since service is included ('service compris'), any additional tip is purely voluntary. At casual bistros and brasseries, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving €1–2 is a nice gesture. For a €38 dinner, leaving €40 (∼$44 USD) is perfectly appropriate.
At mid-range and fine dining restaurants, leaving 5–10% extra is generous and appreciated. For an €80 meal, leaving €5–10 extra (∼$5–11 USD) is a good guideline. At Michelin-starred restaurants, 10% is a thoughtful gesture for exceptional service.
Cafes and Bars
At cafes, leaving the small change from your bill is the norm — €0.20–1 for a coffee, €1–2 for a meal. At bars, rounding up the tab is appreciated. There’s no obligation to tip at the counter.
Hotels
Bellhops: €1–2 per bag. Housekeeping: €1–2 per night, left on the pillow or nightstand. Concierge: €5–20 for arranging difficult bookings or special services. Room service: a small tip of €1–2 is a nice gesture.
Taxis
Tipping taxi drivers is not required, but rounding up the fare is standard. For a €15 fare, paying €17 (∼$19 USD) is typical. For airport transfers or rides with lots of luggage, rounding up by €2–5 is generous.
Tour Guides
For guided tours, €3–5 per person is appropriate for a group tour. For private guides, €10–20 is a thoughtful tip. At wine tastings, a small tip for the sommelier is appreciated but not required.
Delivery and Personal Services
Food delivery: rounding up by €1–2 is appreciated. Hairdressers: €2–5 or 5–10% for a good cut. Spa services: €5–10 for massage therapists. These are all optional and appreciated, never required.
Do's and Don'ts
Do
- Know that service is already included in restaurant prices.
- Leave small change or round up as a gesture of appreciation.
- Say 'Merci' or 'Merci beaucoup' when leaving a tip.
- Leave cash tips on the table or hand them directly to your server.
- Tip a bit more at fine dining for exceptional service.
Don't
- Feel obligated to tip large percentages — service is included by law.
- Tip 15–20% on top of the bill as you would in the US — it’s unnecessary.
- Leave a tip on the credit card — cash tips are preferred in France.
- Skip saying 'Bonjour' when entering a restaurant — it’s essential etiquette.
Useful Phrases
Practical Tips
- Look for 'service compris' or 'service inclus' on menus and receipts — it means service is already in the price.
- Cash tips go directly to the server. Credit card tips may be pooled or taxed differently.
- At terrace seating in Paris, prices may be slightly higher than at the bar — this is normal, not an added service charge.
- Lunch in France is often a better value — the same restaurants charge less for lunch menus.
Related Country Guides
Calculate Your Tip Instantly
Snap a photo of your receipt and let Gratiq's AI figure out the rest. No math, no guessing.