Tipping in Paris is an eternal question in the Facebook Travel Groups that is often hotly contested. Arguments go back and forth, with hardliners insisting that tips are never appropriate and others arguing for the US system.
So, should you tip in Paris? Who should you tip, and how much should you tip?
Let’s break it down segment by segment.
Here’s an overview:
Paris Tipping Guide: What You Need to Know
Taxi Drivers
Cash is not required. However, small gestures like rounding up the fare are common.
Paying in cash wins you big points. The drivers pay hefty fees for credit card use, and cash is very much appreciated.
Say your fare is just over nine euros, and you give your driver a ten spot. That little gesture wins you immense gratitude.
However, we suggest you get a Metro card and use the Metro in Paris as much as possible. Taxis and Ubers often sit in traffic while the Metro speeds you through town.
Restaurant Servers
You are in a tourist trap if your server asks for a tip.
Tipping is common in restaurants and cafés, but not to the 20% degree.
If the service was excellent, leave some coins; it need not be calculated by percentage. Think of it as a gesture of goodwill, a “Thank You”. It will always be appreciated.
It is called a “pourboire”.
Service Compris means that the service is included, but you are still free to leave a few euros. It is never demanded but always appreciated.
Read our guide on How to Eat Like a Local in Paris for more tips.
Hairdressers and Barbers
Yes, it is expected to be up to about 10% in this case. I give my barber one euro for a cut and two if I get a shave.
This has long been a custom, and once you are known, be assured that one euro will give you the time needed to get a great cut or style.
Theatre Ushers
This one will be unfamiliar to Americans, but ushers in the theater work for and expect tips. If you go to the Lido or the Opera, have a two-euro coin ready.
They might ask you if you forget, and it is not a tourist scam.
If you go to Moulin Rouge, think of it as a bribe to get a good seat. Bills, not coins, rule here, and a nice bill gets you a nice seat.
Hotel Porters and Concierge
Yes. If they carry your bags, they will charge one euro per bag, and the concierge will expect something if they give you excellent service, a hard-to-get restaurant reservation, etc.
The amount is up to you.
Tour Guides
Yes, “free” tours are not free.
Your guide pays the company that advertises them a fee per guest, typically around 5 euros per person.
If you tip less than ten euros, the guide is not paid for the tour, and if you tip nothing, the guide loses money.
“Free” tours are being outlawed in some countries, but if you take one, give your guide at least 10 euros.
For other tours, guides always appreciate tips; while there are no absolute rules, a cash tip is expected.
Do not expect your guide to subscribe to Venmo or other cash apps; carry cash if you want to tip.
Chef PJ’s Montmartre Food Tour: Unveil the Soul of Paris
Discover the magic of Montmartre with Chef PJ, a Parisian culinary talent who brings the vibrant culture and hidden flavors of his city to life. Join this tour for an insider’s look at the local food scene, guided by a chef with deep roots and a wealth of experience in Paris’s dynamic district. Kick things off with a classic “café au lait” and freshly baked croissant at a cozy café, just like a true Parisian.
Once you arrive at Chef PJ’s restaurant, get ready for a homemade three-course meal paired with carefully selected French wines – Rosé, White, and Red – and top it off with a discussion on the best pastries and chocolates in town, while enjoying a glass of “Pet-Nat.”
Embark on a personal journey through Montmartre’s hidden gems, tasting secret recipes and listening to fascinating stories along the way. With Chef PJ’s stellar reputation from previous food tours, you’re in for a memorable and highly praised experience.
- Price: €129.00 each
Starts at 11:00 at Blanche Subway Station.
Duration: 5 hours.
Live Guide: English.
Unfit for vegans.
Chef PJ’s Picnic: A Montmartre Picnic Adventure
Elevate a simple meal to a memorable feast with Chef PJ’s Montmartre Picnic Tour. Embark on this delightful journey with a charming funicular ride up the hill, followed by an engaging tour led by Chef PJ’s family that uncovers the rich history and essence of Montmartre.
Indulge in a delectable picnic spread of local delights carefully selected by Chef PJ, featuring mouthwatering pastries, savory quiches, and exquisite wines, all savored in the picturesque ambiance of Chef PJ’s restaurant offering breathtaking panoramic views. This tour is perfect for those in search of a unique blend of culinary excellence and cultural immersion, providing a refreshing break from the typical tourist activities.
