Do you tip in France? Not really — service is included by law, so anything extra is a bonus.
France tip calculator
Tip amount: –
Total with tip & tax: –
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- Service charge
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Tip is calculated on the bill before tax and any service charge.
Tipping rates in France
| Service | What to tip |
|---|---|
| Cafés & bars Round a €4.50 coffee up to €5. That's plenty. |
Round up |
| Hotels €1–2 per bag for porters and €1–2 per day for housekeeping, if you feel the service merits it. |
€1–2 |
| Restaurants By law, a 15% service charge is built into menu prices ('service compris'). Rounding up or leaving a few euros for great service is appreciated, never required. |
0% (service compris) |
| Taxis Round up the fare or add 5–10% for good service. |
5–10% |
| Tour guides 5–10% for private guides; for group tours a few euros per person is a nice gesture. |
5–10% |
Tipping at restaurants in the USA? Use the main tipping calculator.
Example
On an €85 dinner in Paris, service is already included — you pay €85. For exceptional service, leave €5 in cash. Total: €85–90.
Why tipping works this way in France
French law requires 'service compris': a 15% service charge is folded into every menu price, and servers earn a full wage. Tipping was never meant to subsidize pay the way it does in the US, so the French tip only to reward standout service.
Tipping mistakes tourists make in France
- Adding an American-style 20% on top of the bill — the service charge is already in the price.
- Feeling guilty about not tipping — in France, not tipping is normal, not rude.
- Trying to add a tip on the card terminal after paying — leave small extra tips in cash instead.
France tipping FAQs
Do you tip in France?
Generally no. Service is included in prices by law, so tipping is optional. Rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros for great service is appreciated but never expected.
What does service compris mean?
It means 'service included' — French law requires restaurants to fold a 15% service charge into menu prices. When you see it on a menu or receipt, the tip is already covered.
Do you tip in Paris restaurants?
No obligation. Service compris applies in Paris too. Locals typically round up or leave €2–5 in cash for very good service.
See all tipping guides for Europe
Tipping customs verified September 2026.
