Tipping In France - A Complete Guide
Quick Guide
🍽️ Restaurant - Service Fee + Optional Round Up
🍹 Bar - None or €1-2
🚕 Taxi - None or Round Up
🛎️ Porter/Bellhop - €1/Bag
🛏️ Housekeeping - €1/Day Left on Pillow
📸 Tour Guide - €2-5/Day
🎭 Theatre Usher - €1-2 Expected
Tipping in France is generally an optional, modest gesture so show your appreciation for good service. Just keep an eye out for signs reading “pourboire interdit” (or “tipping forbidden”) which you might see in some situations.
Calculate a culturally appropriate tip for France using the calculator below and read on for more detail on tipping in Restaurants, Bars, Taxis, Hotels, Theatres etc.
France Tip Calculator
Good Price For France
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Tipping in Restaurants
In France, you’ll often see “service compris” on your bill. This isn’t a tip, it’s just the part of your bill that pays for the staff. Tipping on top of this amount is optional given French servers get living-wage salaries, paid vacations and other benefits.
If you want to show your appreciation for a job well done, you can leave a tip or “pourboire” by rounding up your bill to the nearest 1 or 2 Euros. However, don’t be guilted into tipping if you’ve had bad or rude service.
Tipping in Bars
Unlike in some other countries, tipping at the bar isn’t as common in France. However, if your bartender has been particularly prompt or friendly, a small tip of €1-2 is considered a kind gesture.
Tipping Taxi Drivers
Tipping your taxi driver isn’t customary in France. However, if you want to express your gratitude for a safe and comfortable ride you can round up your fare to the nearest euro.
Tipping The Porter/Bellhop
If you’re staying in a hotel and a porter or bellhop assists you with your luggage, consider tipping around €1 per bag.
Tipping Housekeeping
Tipping your housekeeper €1 per day is a considerate way to show your gratitude if your room is kept clean and tidy throughout your stay. Just leave your tip on the pillow.
Tipping Tour Guides
When you’re on a guided tour in France, it’s common to tip the tour guide €2-5 per day, depending on the length/quality of the tour and the tour guide’s expertise.
Tipping Theatre Ushers
You’ll often find ushers in French theatres. Tipping them around €1-2 is a polite way to say thank you for good service.
Which Currency To Use
When in France, you’ll be using the Euro (€). Cash is still widely preferred, especially in smaller establishments. Larger restaurants and hotels will likely accept credit cards but it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for tipping in various situations.
Bon Voyage! 🇫🇷 🥐🍷
