Should You Tip in Paris?
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I'll soon be spending a few days in Paris, and I have a very simple question. In the United States, in Canada, or back home in Montreal, leaving a 15–20% tip is almost automatic at restaurants, bars, or cafés. In France, and even in Europe more generally, I keep hearing mixed opinions: some say service is included, others say you should just round up the bill.
So what actually happens in Paris today? Is it frowned upon to leave nothing? And in which situations, if any, should you leave a tip?
In Paris, as in the rest of France, the rule is simple: no, tipping is not mandatory. Service is already included in the bill. You'll even see it written clearly at the bottom of your receipt: “Prix net – service compris.” Whether you're at a café, a bar, or a restaurant, paying the exact amount is the social norm, and no one will judge you if you leave nothing.
Why is it so different from North America?
To really understand the contrast with Canada or the United States, it helps to look at Quebec, where I'm from. There, waitstaff rely on customers' generosity because their base salary is lower than the general minimum wage.
So if you find that Parisian waiters sometimes seem a bit less warm, especially when they're overwhelmed by tourists in the middle of summer, keep in mind that they have nothing to gain financially from putting on extra smiles.
How should you tip if you loved the service?
If you had a great experience and want to thank the staff, here are the two “French-style” ways to do it:
Unlike in North America, card payment terminals in France do not allow you to add a tip percentage. If you want to leave something extra, it's best to carry a bit of cash.