Tipping in Paris [merged threads]
 

What is the general guidlines for tipping in Paris and other parts of France(Nice area)?
Hotel baggage handler
Taxi
Waiter or waitress
Thanks ;)

Many round up to the next highest € and that seems to work fine. If using a credit card, we usually will tip 10% (not more) at a restaurant if the service was good. Workers in the UK, Europe etc. just don't expect the high tips that Americans are used to giving.

At restaurants and cafes you will find that a service charge is already included in your bill. You can add to it according to the level of service you feel that you received.

I tend to carry a lot of 2 Euro coins as they are perfect for quick tips for doormen, baggage handlers, and hotel staff, etc.

we just came back from France yesterday, and we have never tipped anything in cafes or restaurants as i understand there is a 19% charge applied to the meal everytime

I lived in Paris for three years and did the following
- restaurants: usually no need to tip (esp if paying by credit card) - If paying by cash, 2-5 euros max
- taxis: usually add 5% and/or round up to nearest euro
- porters etc - a couple of euros

Certainly nothing like in the States; don't forget waiters, porters etc are paid the legal minimum salary and don't rely so much on tips as their US equivalents do.

We live in Paris and have been following the advice of our French friends:

It is true that there is a service charge already built into most restaurant and cafe prices (but I believe it's 15%, not 19%). We still tip a little on top, though, regardless of whether we pay cash or use a credit card - usually in the range of 5% or a little less (on bills of less than 10 euros, we usually just round up to the nearest euro). When paying with a credit card, although you can ask for the tip to be added to the bill, it's easier to simply leave a few coins on the table.

Taxis - we round up to the nearest euro on fares below 20 euros, and "round up plus a euro" on higher fares.

We give a 10% tip to taxi drivers since a tip is not included in their price and we round off the restaurant bill to the nearest Euro. I may add another Euro or two if the service is decent. Many people do not tip at all in restaurants since it is added to the bill already.

Bobi

I meant to add that we give the baggage handler a Euro per bag in Paris.

Bobi

Tipping in Paris
 

I am leaving for Paris on Friday, and it is my first trip to Europe.
I was just wondering how much should I tip?
If tip necessary? If it is what would be the right amount?
I would be staying at the Four seasons and the Park Hyatt.
Please let me know?

Gratuities are included in the restaurant bill. You don't need to tip extra although I usually do leave a few extra Euros if the service is good.

For the bellman tip as you would in the USA. Same for taxis.

In restaurants, I leave the change and a euro or two, depending on the size of the bill and level of service received. In taxi's, 10% plus change. Limo drivers, 15%.

When the service you get is OK, then a tip is recommended. 10 % is OK !!

The service charge is always included on the bill. You may leave extra if you want to be "un-French." The most a French traveler would tip in addition to the included service charge is a Euro or two to bring the amount up to a round sum, if paying in cash.

Do not be fooled by the credit card slips that have a place for tip or service charge. X through that line and add nothing--unless you want to tip twice!:)

Cabs, tip not included, tip 15%.

Please continue to follow this thread in the FT Paris Forum.
Thanks..
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

Recommended by who? 10% is nuts-there's already 15% in the bill!