You are not alone in trying to figure out the guidelines for tipping in Paris. Even the French, especially out-of-towners visiting Paris, like to know the ‘norms’ before they venture into the City of Light.
Luckily, Laura Chatelain has illuminated us with her handy article ‘Service Compris?’ which appeared in this November’s issue of French-language ‘Glamour Magazine’
The title ‘Service Compris’ or ’service included’ refers to the practice of most cafes and restaurants to include the server’s tip as part of the bill you receive at the end of the meal. Not only is the service included but also the sales tax! In other words, ‘What you see is what you are obliged to pay.’
Now, if after looking at the bill, you decide that the quality/price ratio of the meal was fair - and that the server paid extra attention to make your lunch or dinner especially pleasant, you might want to leave a little ’something extra’.
In that case, the rule of thumb, according to Chatelain is the following:
At a cafe, you can leave approximately 5 to 10 % of the bill, or between 50 centimes and 1 Euro for an expresso or a drink. At a restaurant, it’s the same principle. If you have a light lunch such as a salad on the terrace, you can simply leave one Euro, but if you plan on having a full course luncheon for four, leave about 5 Euros.
I’ve been told (or read in some guidebook) that Parisians never leave tips. This is untrue. Totally unfair to make generalisations. Some do and some don’t and it really depends on the rapport between the customer and the restaurant staff. Parisians appreciate special treatment just as much as tourists do and they treat servers accordingly. One thing is certain, a tip is never expected as an inalienable right.
One case when you can forego a tip altogether is when you are served by the proprietors. Believe it or not, there are still a number of Paris bistros (such as Armand & Amelie’s Le Deci at 51 Rue des Cinqs Diamants (in the Buttes aux Cailles district) where you’re served directly by one or the other of this ‘couple souriant’ (smiling couple). No need for tipping. (Le Deci is one of Parisgirl’s recommendations BTW for Dining in Paris).
Other Tipping Snarls - The Hair Salon
This is a domain that’s mystified me for ages - not only in France, but also in the US. The cost of hair styling for women is absurdly inflated. Add to that a tip, and half my monthly salary has gone up in hairspray! Sadly, being well-coiffed is a fact of Parisian life. No woman dares set out of her house without being properly groomed. So what can one leave as a tip - or will you ever get another hair apointment in this town - if you don’t tip?
Here, the norm is 10% for a haircut (i.e. 3 to 4 Euros). If the owner cuts your hair, you can leave a small tip for the man or woman who washes your hair (if it’s a classy joint like Carita, leave a small bill (i.e the smallest denomination is 5 Euros) rather than coins. (Usually I tip according to the actual price of the cut or the coloring, deducting the outlandish cost for conditioning products). You can save money on the whole bill by either passing up the request for conditioner, or simply buy a whole tube of the stuff for almost the same price).
Tipping Taxidrivers
Parisgirl already has a reputation in NYC for being ‘very cheap’ when it comes to taxi driver tips (where some of my best friends were taxi drivers). Thankfully, Chatelain has some advice on this subject as well. For short trips, you can round up the bill to the closest Euro, or for longer trips, such as airport runs, (especially if the driver is obliged to pay any tolls), you can add an additional 5 Euros. (taxi drivers normally charge an additional luggage fee, or possibly an extra fee for a third passenger). >> More on French Taxis
If you do read French, be sure to check out Laura Chatelain’s complete article, not to mention all the latest fashion trends in French Glamour. (November, Volume #56). Sorry, no direct links available! You can find Glamour at most Parisian newsstands and kiosks or subscribe onlline.
