Tipping Etiquette in Paris in 2024
If you are traveling to Paris, you may be wondering do I have to tip in Paris or what is the proper tipping etiquette in the city. The short answer is tipping in Paris is not necessary, however it is a kind gesture to leave a couple Euros if you had a great experience.
How much to Tip in Paris
Follow these simple rules for tipping in Paris
- Quick bit venue, such as a sandwich shop, tip recommendation: no tip
- Coffee Shop tip recommendation: leave the change if you pay in cash (Euros)
- Bar, tip recommendation: no tip
- Casual restaurant tip recommendation: €1-€2 is a nice gesture
- Fancy restaurant tip recommendation: €2-€5 Euros per person
- Taxi tip recommendation: no tip
How is tipping different in Paris vs the US?
Tipping in Paris compared to the US is very different. In Paris, the waiters and waitresses receive a normal salary, and at some venues you will see a service charge built into the price. Because of these things, Europeans don't rely on tips to make up for their salary, they receive fair wages.
In the US, the salaries for a waiter or waitress at a restaurant or bar is extremely low, and they rely on tips to make up for the income. Which is why you are expected to pay an additional tip amount between 15 and 25%.
How much to tip at a restaurant in Paris
Follow these simple rules for tipping at a restaurant in Paris. If you're running in and out of a casual restaurant very quickly, and paying with a credit card, I won’t leave a tip. When I pay in cash, then I will leave a bit of change that I received. For reference, I won’t tip more than 1 – 2 Euros.
If you go to a fancy restaurant in Paris and you had a wonderful experience, the waiters and waitresses won't expect you to leave a 15% to 25% tip like you would in the US. On most bills, you won’t even see a place to leave a tip.
How much to tip at a coffee shop in Paris
If you are traveling to Paris, you’ll likely find yourself at a coffee shop or enjoying fresh macarons. Typically, at a coffee shop, when I pay in cash I round up for my tip, for example, if the bill comes out to 3.60 Euros I will leave .40 Euros. If I get a takeaway coffee, I will not leave a tip.
How much do you tip at a bar in Paris?
When you go out to a bar in Paris, you're not expected to tip at all. I've been to it several bars over the years, anywhere from an extremely fancy bar to a dive bar, and it is rare to see someone tip the bartender. I always tell people if you had an incredible experience, or you want to leave something special to your bartender, then definitely feel free to tip a few euros.
Should you tip with card or cash?
When you travel to Paris, it's important to tip in cash. Cash is an easy way to know that the waiter or waitress is receiving the tip. In many restaurants and bars, aren't set up to accept tips.
Will the waiter get insulted if you don’t tip?
No, the waiter will not get insulted if you don’t tip. They will get excited if you do leave a couple euros and I will make their day.
Final thoughts on Tipping in Paris
If you are grabbing a drink or dinner in a tourist area and are speaking English, I’ve seen the waiter ask directly for a tip, this isn’t common behavior but something to be aware of. Remember, don’t feel pressured to tip, do what makes you feel comfortable.
Sincerely Petite in Paris,
Diane