Do you tip in France? A Complete Guide to Tipping in France

Do you tip in France? It’s a common question, especially for first-time visitors. Tipping culture in France is more relaxed than in countries like the United States, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it altogether. Knowing when and how much to tip can help you feel confident in any French setting.

From dining in French restaurants and cafés to taking tours or taxis, this guide explains tipping in France in clear, practical terms.

Tipping at French restaurants and cafés

When dining out in France, tipping is not obligatory. That’s because service is included in the bill. You’ll often see “service compris” printed on the menu or receipt, meaning the tip is already factored into the price.

Still, it’s customary to tip a little extra if you received good service. Here’s a general guide:

• In casual cafés and brasseries, it’s common to round up to the nearest euro or leave 1–2 euros.
• In mid-range restaurants, consider leaving 5% of the total bill.
• In fine dining or Michelin-starred establishments, a 5–10% tip is appreciated if the service stood out.

Leaving a tip in France isn’t about obligation—it’s more about showing appreciation for good service.

Using a credit card to leave a tip

Most French restaurants accept credit card payments, but the tipping process can be tricky. Many credit card machines do not offer a way to add a tip directly. This means that if you want to leave a tip, you should carry some small bills or coins to leave in cash.

If you prefer your tip to go directly to the server, it’s best to hand it over instead of leaving it on the table.

Tipping taxi drivers in France

Tipping taxi drivers is not required, but it’s often appreciated. Most locals round up the fare to the nearest euro or add 5–10% for longer rides.

If you tip a taxi driver for helping with luggage or offering exceptional service, a couple of euros is a polite gesture. As with restaurants, credit card machines in taxis usually don’t have a tip function, so keep cash on hand if you plan to tip.

Tipping taxi drivers is more about courtesy than obligation, but it’s certainly welcomed.

Tipping on tours and with guides

Tipping is more expected in the tourism industry. If you’re taking a walking tour, museum tour, or full-day excursion, it’s a good idea to leave a small gratuity for your guide.

• For group tours, 2–5 euros per person is standard.
• For private guides, 10–20 euros is a generous and appreciated amount.
• If you’re pleased with your experience, don’t hesitate to show your appreciation.

Tour guides often work freelance or on modest wages, so a tip directly supports their service.

Hotel staff and other service workers

While tipping in France isn’t required in hotels, it’s a courteous gesture for certain services:

• For bellhops, 1–2 euros per bag is appropriate.
• For housekeeping, 1–2 euros per day is a kind way to thank them for keeping your room tidy.
• For the concierge, tip 5–10 euros if they help you secure restaurant reservations or difficult bookings.

In other service industries, like hair salons or spas, it’s polite to tip hairdressers 5–10%, especially if you’re happy with the result. Theater ushers or coat-check workers may also appreciate a euro or two for their service.

When not to tip

There are several situations where tipping in France is not expected:

• In fast-food restaurants
• In bakeries or takeaway counters
• At self-service or buffet-style places

In these settings, tipping might feel unusual to the staff and is generally unnecessary.

How much should you tip?

Here’s a quick reference guide for tipping in France:

서비스가 청구서에 포함되어 있더라도, 서비스가 기대 이상일 때 몇 유로를 남기는 것은 일종의 친절한 제스처로 여겨집니다.

프랑스 팁 문화: 요약

프랑스에서 팁을 주는 것은 기본 사항을 이해하면 간단합니다. 대부분의 경우 서비스가 청구서에 포함되어 있기 때문에 팁은 의무 사항이 아닙니다. 그러나 서비스가 기대 이상으로 훌륭할 때는 소액의 팁을 주는 것이 좋습니다.

맛있는 식사를 즐기거나, 투어를 하거나, 택시를 탈 때, 팁으로 몇 유로를 준비해 두는 것은 사려 깊은 행동입니다. 신용카드 기계에는 팁 옵션이 거의 없으므로 잔돈을 준비해 두세요.

프랑스 문화에서 팁은 미묘하지만, 좋은 서비스를 받았다면 조금 더 팁을 주는 것을 망설이지 마세요. 이제 현지 관습을 알았으니 다음 방문 시 모든 상황을 순조롭게 헤쳐나갈 준비가 되었습니다.