Tipping in Paris: A Traveler's Guide

Dubbed the most romantic city, Paris continues to draw an overwhelming number of tourists every year, and there is no sign of this pattern ending anytime soon. Regardless of when you are coming to Paris, it is important that you know the tipping etiquette.

In this short guide, we go over the standard amounts that service workers in Paris are tipped. Take note that these are merely rough averages or common amounts, and you are always free to adjust on the basis of how satisfied you are with the service provided.

Table of Contents

Overview of Tipping Culture

  • Gratuity is already included in food and drink prices by French law.
  • Service workers are paid a decent wage—tipping is not required or expected.
  • Tips are a sign of appreciation and becoming more common with tourists.
  • When unsure, simply round up your bill.

Dining and Drinks

  • Restaurants and cafés:
    • Tip 5%–10% for excellent service.
    • Tip more if the staff handled special requests or went out of their way.
    • In simple meals with minimal interaction, tipping is not necessary.
    • Rounding up is common, especially in brasseries and casual cafés.
    • Alternatively, tip 1–2 euros for every 20 euros spent.
    • Tips are often pooled among restaurant staff.
    • For group meals, consider tipping more generously.
  • Bars:
    • 1 euro per drink in casual bars; 2 euros per drink in high-end places.
    • Tip jars are common but not obligatory.

Hotels and Hospitality

  • Coat check: 1 euro per coat in upscale hotels; not common in budget ones.
  • Doormen: 50 cents to 1 euro for hailing a cab or assistance.
  • Concierge: 5–20 euros depending on the difficulty of the request. Sometimes gifted items (e.g., chocolate, wine) are appreciated.
  • Porters: 1–2 euros per bag, more for very heavy luggage.

Transportation

  • Taxi drivers:
    • No tip required, but rounding up is customary.
    • Tip 1 euro for excellent service.
    • Tip 5% if the driver assists with bags or performs extra services.

Other Services

  • Tour guides: Commonly tipped 10 euros or more for good service.
  • Food delivery: Typically 2 euros; consider more during bad weather.
  • Hairstylists: 10% of the total bill for a good job.
  • Theatre ushers: About 1 euro per person seated.

Summary

  • Parisian service workers do not depend on tips like in other cities.
  • Tips are appreciated but never mandatory.
  • Always tip in cash, and reserve it for genuinely exceptional service.

Plan Your Trip