Short answer: Appreciated, not expected. Tipping in France is optional because service is already built into menu prices. Look for "service compris" on the menu or bill. A small extra for good service, such as rounding up or leaving a few euros, is a kind gesture but not required.
Is service included?
Almost all restaurants and cafes include a service charge of about 15% in their prices, shown as "service compris". It is not added as an extra line. If a place says "service non compris", service is not included and a tip of around 15% is appropriate.
How much to tip in France
| Who | Usual tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (sit-down) | Round up or 5 to 10% | Service is included. Round up, or leave a few euros or up to 5 to 10% for excellent service. Sources vary on the amount. |
| Cafes and bars | Round up | Leave the small change or round up. No tip is needed at the counter. |
| Taxis and rideshare | Round up to 10% | Varies. The official tourism site suggests 10 to 15%, while other guides say rounding up to the next euro is enough. |
| Hotel housekeeping | €1 to 2 per day | Optional. Leave it in the room. |
| Hotel porters | €1 to 2 per bag | Around €1.50 per bag is typical. |
| Tour guides | €2 to 5 per person | For a group tour. Around €10 to 20 per group for a private guide of a few hours. |
| Hairdressers and spas | About 10% | Hairdressers are commonly tipped about 10%. Up to 10% at a spa for great service. |
| Food delivery | Optional | Small tip or round up if you like; no firm custom. |
Amounts are in the local currency (EUR). They are common customs, not rules: tip more for great service and less where it was poor.
How to tip
Tip in cash where you can, as card slips often have no tip line. Hand the coins to the server or leave the small change on the saucer with the bill. A tip is never required, and no profession can demand one.
What to avoid
Do not add a 15 to 20% tip on top of a bill that already says "service compris".
Work out a tip
The tip calculator is set to France and the local currency: enter the bill, pick a percentage and split it between the table.
Tipping with no cash
When you have no local cash, ask whether a tip can go on the card. More and more guides, drivers and performers show a QR code instead: point your phone camera at it and you can tip by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay without installing anything. Workers in France can read how QR code tipping works in France.
Street performers
Tipping a busker is always optional. If you enjoy the show, a coin or a note in the case is the custom, and more performers now show a QR code so you can tip by card. Rules for buskers by city:
Sources
- Money matters in France (France.fr, official tourism site)
- Tipping in Europe (Rick Steves)
- Tipping in France: The France Tipping Guide (SmarterTravel)
Checked in October 2026 against the sources above. Customs change and vary between cities and venues.
Common questions
Is tipping expected in France?
Appreciated, not expected. Tipping in France is optional because service is already built into menu prices. Look for "service compris" on the menu or bill. A small extra for good service, such as rounding up or leaving a few euros, is a kind gesture but not required.
How much should you tip at a restaurant in France?
Round up or 5 to 10%. Service is included. Round up, or leave a few euros or up to 5 to 10% for excellent service. Sources vary on the amount.
Is a service charge added to the bill in France?
Almost all restaurants and cafes include a service charge of about 15% in their prices, shown as "service compris". It is not added as an extra line. If a place says "service non compris", service is not included and a tip of around 15% is appropriate.
Do you tip taxi drivers in France?
Round up to 10%.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in France?
€1 to 2 per day.
App Store
Google Play