Photo credit: www.cntraveler.com
Tipping in Paris is not mandatory, which may come as a relief to visitors from the United States. While it may initially seem unusual for Americans accustomed to gratuity culture, expressing gratitude through tipping is certainly appreciated in France, although there are specific contexts in which it is deemed appropriate. When interacting with service providers, a courteous greeting such as “bonjour” is also important.
To better understand the nuances of tipping in Paris, insights were gathered from several Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists knowledgeable about French travel: Camilla Davidson from Red Savannah, Jonathan Alder of Jonathan’s Travels, and Murray Mitchell from Jacada Travel.
According to Davidson, tipping does not align with French customs to the same extent it does in the United States. She notes that many French service providers take pride in the fact that their pricing encompasses service, considering it an inherent part of the customer experience. Nevertheless, rounding up a bill or offering a few extra euros in situations such as dining out or utilizing taxi services can be a wonderful acknowledgment of quality service. It is advisable for tourists to carry some cash, as the ability to add a tip to a credit card transaction may not always be an option.
Here is a breakdown of advisable tipping practices in Paris based on various circumstances.
Tipping at Hotels in Paris
At hotels, tipping is typically viewed as optional. For bellhops, Murray Mitchell suggests a tip of around €2 for each piece of luggage handled. Regarding concierges, Jonathan Alder advises that tipping is generally unnecessary unless they go above and beyond to accommodate special requests, as the role is both prestigious and generally well-compensated.
While some hotels may include a voluntary service charge in the final bill, Camilla Davidson emphasizes that this is purely discretionary. If travelers are curious about how such fees are distributed, they should feel free to inquire. Offering a small tip to a bartender for an exceptional cocktail or a spa attendant for an outstanding treatment is welcomed but not expected in the same way it would be in the States.
Tipping at Restaurants in Paris
When it comes to dining out in Paris, tipping remains non-mandatory. While a service charge is legally integrated into the final bill, and thus tipping isn’t obligatory, showing appreciation for outstanding service is customary. Murray Mitchell suggests that leaving a tip of about 10% for exceptional service would be regarded as quite generous.
Source
www.cntraveler.com