In France, tipping is not mandatory because service is included in restaurant and café prices. However, it is common to leave a small tip when service is especially good, usually by rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros, without fixed percentages.
Is tipping mandatory in France?
Tipping is not mandatory at all. In France, posted prices include taxes and service. We don't add them at the checkout. Concerning the tip, just go to the Ministry of the Economy website: the service is included in the bill, which must show "service compris". However, there's nothing to stop you leaving a tip.
Tipping in France
Tipping is a nice way to be kind and make your stay a pleasant one / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.Com: depositphotos
There are several ways to leave a tip. It's a way of showing that you were particularly satisfied with the service provided. Don't hesitate to do it, because being nice always pays off, doesn't it? Especially as it pleases people who don't always have easy jobs, for example waitresses or waiters in cafés, restaurants. We can also thank the service at the hotel because we find it particularly well done. Some people also do it for cabs. For a few years now, it's also been possible to do it via delivery apps, like UBER, when you don't have any change on you.
How much should you tip in France?
Round up.
This is the easiest, especially for card payments. Normally, the employee will let management know there's a plus and pocket it.
Giving a tip
It's also possible to tip in addition to the fare paid. Generally it's 5 to 10% of the amount spent, but you can do more. This goes directly to the person receiving it or, sometimes, into a global kitty for employees. Again, it depends on you and the service you were given and appreciated.
Tipping at Restaurants and Cafés in France
In France, tipping is never mandatory, and this is often surprising for American and international visitors. The key point to understand is that service is already included in the bill. By law, menus and receipts indicate “service compris”, meaning staff are paid a proper wage by their employer.
This makes tipping in France a gesture of appreciation, not an obligation. You are not expected to calculate a percentage or feel pressured to leave extra money. Good service is considered a normal part of the job, not something that must be earned through tips.
In cafés, bars, and brasseries, rounding up the bill is common. If your coffee costs €4.70, leaving €5 is perfectly fine. In restaurants, leaving a few euros or up to 5–10% at most is seen as generous when the service has been friendly, attentive, or particularly pleasant.
In fine-dining restaurants or during long, carefully paced meals, a slightly higher tip may be left, but it is still optional. According to Monsieur de France, the French-language reference site dedicated to French culture, tourism, and heritage, this relaxed approach reflects the French philosophy of service: quality is expected, gratitude is optional.
When to Tip — and When Not To
You may consider leaving a tip when:
- The service was especially warm or attentive
- The staff went out of their way to help or advise you
- You are a regular customer and want to show appreciation
You should not worry about tipping when:
- The service was simply correct and professional
- The interaction was brief or purely functional
- You paid the exact amount shown on the bill
In France, leaving no tip is not a negative signal. It does not mean you were unhappy. If the service was poor, French customers are more likely to mention it politely or choose not to return, rather than use tipping as a punishment.
Tipping at Hotels and in Taxis
Situations Where a Gesture Is Appreciated
In hotels, tipping follows the same logic: it is optional but sometimes appreciated, depending on the situation.
For housekeeping staff, leaving €2 to €5 per night is a kind gesture, especially during longer stays or if extra care was needed. It is best to leave the tip daily, as the staff member may change from one day to the next.
For porters or bellhops in higher-end hotels, €1 to €2 per bag is customary. In smaller or budget hotels, no tip is expected at all.
In taxis, rounding up the fare is standard practice. A €18.50 ride can be rounded up to €20. Some passengers leave around 5%, particularly for long trips, help with luggage, or late-night rides. That said, paying the exact fare is completely acceptable.
For ride-sharing services (VTC), tips are not expected either, even if apps suggest them. A positive rating or friendly interaction often matters just as much.
Mistakes to Avoid When Tipping in France
The most common mistake is tipping as if you were in the United States. Leaving 15–25% can feel excessive. In France, a large tip does not buy better service or special treatment.
Another mistake is asking whether tipping is required. The answer will always be no, and the question itself can sound strange. The French system is based on transparency: the price you see is the price you pay.
Leaving very small coins is also discouraged. A few cents on the table can feel clumsy or even awkward. If you do not wish to tip, it is better to leave nothing at all.
Finally, do not use tipping to express dissatisfaction. If something went wrong, it is more effective to mention it calmly or speak to a manager. In France, tipping is not a tool for reward or punishment — it is simply a polite thank-you.
In short, tipping in France is about moderation and spontaneity. It accompanies a good experience without defining it. This reflects a broader French view of service: professional, included in the price, and based on respect rather than obligation.
In conclusion: tipping is a real plus for the person who receives it, and whose job is not an easy one. And it's also a little more humanity in a world that's not always easy.
FAQ about tipping in France
Is tipping mandatory in France?
No, tipping is not mandatory in France. Service is already included in the bill, so leaving no tip is completely acceptable in most situations.
How much should you tip in France?
In France, people usually round up the bill or leave a few euros. A tip of 5–10% may be given for exceptional service, but it is never required.
Should you tip in French restaurants?
Tipping in French restaurants is optional. It is customary only when service has been particularly attentive or pleasant, without any obligation to leave a percentage.
Do you tip taxi drivers in France?
Yes, it is common to round up the fare or leave one or two euros for taxi drivers, especially if the ride was smooth and helpful.
Do you tip hotel staff in France?
In hotels, small tips may be given to housekeeping, bell staff, or concierges as a thank-you for specific services, usually a few euros.
