Can you tell me about food taxes in Paris?

Jean-Paul, I don't speak French, so didn't understand all the text in this Thread. It might want to have a look at the Paris Guidebook (about page 10). It contains information on the "usual etiquette" for gratuities, etc. In many cases, the gratuity is included with the price (Service Compris) so you won't have a choice.

Yes, it's still true and has been for a long, long time. The prices are posted. Taxes and service are included. Your imagined scenario won't happen. In recent years, since the switch to the euro, people have started leaving little tips in cafes and restaurants although all service is already included.

Ah but if you go in with that attitude you are likely to get get back what you give. If it will happen it will happen to somebody with that attitude. I have yet to meet a Monsieur Grumpy who is French. Tourists making loud unreasonable demands - yes.

Really good replies. If I remember correctly, most European countries are so intent on collecting their taxes that it is a serious offense for the restaurant to fail to give you a printed bill with the total cost and the tax both shown. I've been to Paris at least six times, and no one has ever tried to cheat me on anything. I'll go further and say that no one in France except Air France has ever been rude to me. Please have a good time, and re-read Rick's Reasons Why We Travel.

When you get your bill, things will be itemized and the tax shown seperately. It is just that it is included in the price to begin with, but they show it seperated out so you can see how much it is. For those who are self-employed or business people, they may be able to deduct this. The service charge discussion comes up here over and over and over again. This is a charge that the restaurant itself receives, it does NOT go to the server. The restaurant may use this money to help defray insurance costs, vacation costs, or what ever they like, but they do not ever give it to the server. So, giving a small tip is always welcome. You just don't leave it on the table. It is given when you pay your bill. If your server says your bill is 46 euro, you can them a 50 and say thanks, that's fine or when they try and give you change, hold up your hands and say no. They will then keep the 4 euro as a tip. You will see this same tax or VAT seperated out on everything that you buy. It has nothing to do with the service charge in restaurants though. Two totally seperate items there.

I really have to agree with Nigel's comments.

I agree with Nigel too. Well said.

Jean,
All three of the posts I have read by you are focused on the negative. If you go looking for trouble you will no doubt find it. You need to read a bit of RS and adjust your travel attitude.

J-P seems to be playing the role of "agent provocateur. "

To clarify Jo: the servers are paid salaries with benefits included. This is their career. They don't depend on tips the way servers do in the States. We leave the extra coins or bills for a tip on the table, unlike Jo.

Richard, thank you very much for encouraging me to redirect my preconceived notion of Parisian's/Paris to a fully positive light! I can do that easily and will do that!

The only time I have ever had the stereotypical rude customer service from a French-speaking person was actually in London, from a guy in the SNCF office when I went in to book tickets for a train I couldn't find on any of the online sites. In France itself, never.

Philip - maybe he was grumpy because he was stationed in London... All prices, either in restaurants or at groceries, markets and gift shops will be the price you pay. Some waiters will "encourage" you to leave a tip but you are not obligated to. If you do, 5-10% is plenty. It is considered polite to give them the money, not leave it on the table.