Tipping in France: When, Where, and How Much
Wondering when and how much to tip in France? Discover tipping etiquette for cafés, restaurants, taxis, and more with this essential guide for travelers and expats.
Introduction: The Curious Case of Tipping in France
If you're from the U.S. or Canada, tipping might feel like a built-in part of every transaction. You tip your barista for a smile, your Uber driver for arriving on time, and your waiter 20%—no questions asked. But step into a Parisian café, and suddenly that mental tipping calculator goes blank. Do you tip? Is it already included? Will they be offended? Will they be expecting it?
Welcome to tipping in France—where the rules are looser, the expectations lower, and the cultural cues a bit more nuanced.
France, like many European countries, operates on a very different tipping philosophy. While tipping is not uncommon, it’s far from obligatory. In most cases, gratuity is already baked into the price you pay, and service workers are generally paid a living wage. The result? Tipping becomes a gesture of appreciation, not a requirement—and knowing when and how much to leave can help you blend in like a local.
Whether you're visiting Paris for the first time, settling into life in Provence, or just brushing up on travel etiquette, this guide is for you. We'll cover all the situations where tipping might arise—restaurants, cafés, taxis, hotels, salons, and more—and explain exactly what’s expected (and what’s not). Along the way, you’ll learn key French phrases, cultural norms, and how to show respect without overdoing it.
So grab your espresso, and let’s decode one of the most quietly confusing aspects of French culture: when, where, and how much to tip.
1. The Basics: Tipping Culture in France
🧾 Is Tipping Required in France?
No—tipping is not required in most cases. That’s because French law mandates that prices in cafés, bars, and restaurants must include tax and service. You’ll often see it written at the bottom of the menu or bill:
“Prix service compris” — Price includes service.
This means staff wages are already covered. Tipping is optional and purely based on satisfaction.
💡 Key Difference from North America
In North America, tipping fills the wage gap. In France, it’s a bonus, not a lifeline.
2. Tipping in French Restaurants: Casual vs. Fine Dining
🍴 At Casual Restaurants and Cafés
Tipping Amount: 1–2 euros, or round up to the nearest euro
Example: If your bill is €18.50, you might leave €20 and say “Gardez la monnaie” (Keep the change)
Locals tip lightly and only if the service was particularly friendly or attentive.
🍽️ At Fine Dining or Upscale Restaurants
Tipping Amount: 5–10% for excellent service
Leave it in cash, even if you pay by card
Optional, but appreciated
In Parisian brasseries or Michelin-starred establishments, tipping more generously is common—but still not required.
3. Tipping at Cafés, Boulangeries, and Takeout Spots
☕ Cafés and Coffee Shops
No tip expected, especially for a coffee at the bar
At a table? Leave €0.50 to €1 for good service
🥐 Bakeries and Takeaway
No tip needed
However, many shops now have tip jars (especially in touristy areas). You may leave coins if you feel inclined—but it’s truly optional.
4. Tipping in Bars and Nightlife Venues
🍷 Wine Bars or Cocktail Lounges
Tip €1–2 if you order at the bar and service is friendly
At trendy bars in cities like Paris or Lyon, leaving €1 per drink is polite
🕺 Clubs
Coat check staff? €1–2
Bathroom attendants? €1 (optional)
5. Tipping Taxi Drivers and Ride-Share Services
🚖 Taxis
Rounding up is standard
For short rides, round to the nearest euro or add €1–2
For longer trips (e.g., airport transfers), a tip of 5–10% is generous but not expected
🚗 Uber/Bolt/Heetch
No obligation to tip
You can leave a small amount via the app if you appreciated the ride
Locals rarely tip, but doing so for great service is always welcomed.
6. Hotels: Who to Tip and How Much
🧳 Porters
€1–2 per bag is customary
🛏️ Housekeeping
Leave €1–2 per night, especially in nicer hotels
🧍 Concierge
€5–10 for special services (restaurant reservations, tickets, etc.)
🕴️ Room Service
Check if service is included. If not, leave €1–2 on the tray.
7. Tipping Tour Guides, Museum Hosts, and Day Trips
🗺️ Group Tours
€2–5 per person for a good guide
🎧 Private Tours
10% of the cost is a generous gesture
Guides often go out of their way to make the experience meaningful, so a tip shows appreciation—even if it’s not mandatory.
8. Tipping at Salons, Spas, and Wellness Services
✂️ Hairdressers and Barbers
5–10% is common if you’re happy with the result
Round up for smaller services
💅 Spas, Massages, Estheticians
€5–10 depending on the price of the treatment
Again, tipping isn’t expected—but good service is always worth recognizing.
9. Tipping Phrases in French: What to Say
Knowing what to say when tipping adds a touch of class—and prevents awkwardness.
Useful Phrases:
Gardez la monnaie. – Keep the change.
Merci beaucoup, c’était parfait. – Thank you very much, that was perfect.
C’était délicieux. – That was delicious.
Merci pour votre gentillesse. – Thank you for your kindness.
🎯 Pro Tip: Always accompany your tip with a warm “Merci !” and a smile. It goes a long way.
10. Situations Where Tipping Feels Awkward? Here’s What to Do
❓If you’re unsure:
Ask: “Le service est compris ?” (Is the service included?)
Check your receipt for: “Service compris” or “Non compris”
❌ Avoid overtipping
20% is considered over the top and might confuse or embarrass the staff
✅ Keep small change handy
Tipping in cash is preferred—even if you pay by card
11. Tipping Etiquette by Region
While tipping practices are fairly uniform across France, urban and rural differences exist:
🏙️ In Paris:
Slightly more generous tips, especially in upscale settings
More exposure to international (especially American) tourists
🌄 In smaller towns:
Tipping is more relaxed and occasional
Rounding up or a simple “thank you” is often enough
FAQs: Tipping in France
Q: Is service included in French restaurants?
A: Yes, by law. It’s usually noted as “service compris” on the menu or bill.
Q: Do I still tip if service is already included?
A: You can, but it’s not required. A small token (like rounding up or leaving €1–2) is polite if you enjoyed the experience.
Q: Can I tip on my credit card in France?
A: Usually no. Tipping is done in cash, even if the meal was paid by card.
Q: Is it rude not to tip in France?
A: No. Locals don’t tip routinely. As long as you’re polite and respectful, you won’t offend anyone by not tipping.
Q: Do French people tip Uber drivers?
A: Rarely. It’s not customary, but you may tip via the app if you choose.
Q: Should I tip at bakeries or food counters?
A: No, it’s not expected. You may see a tip jar, but it’s optional.
Q: Is tipping the same in all parts of France?
A: Generally yes, but tipping may be slightly more common in large cities and tourist zones.
Mastering Everyday French Starts with Culture—Like Tipping!
Learning when and how to tip in France isn’t just about money—it’s about understanding culture. It’s these little things that help you blend in, feel confident, and engage respectfully with locals.
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we don’t just teach you French grammar—we teach you how to live the language. From restaurant etiquette to real-life roleplays, our classes prepare you for moments just like this.
🌍 Whether you're planning a trip to Paris or simply want to sound more natural when you speak, we’re here to guide you.
Sign up today for French classes in Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, or online.
Let’s make your French not just correct—but culturally fluent.