We just got our confirmation email from Paris Greeters for Jan. 29, we are getting a tour of a neighborhood in the 17th and as I told my wife this excites because I don't think we would have gotten to this area otherwise. Since the tours are by volunteers and free, is it customary to bring a gift of some sort for our guide and if so, what? We were trying to think of local gifts from Western New York where we live but since we are not checking luggage space is limited as well as how much liquid we can bring with. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
I agree, I mean., yes, give a donation for the non profit society,, but it doesn't say you can't also add a tip.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Tip them instead,, 10-20 euros. Money is the best gift of all.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9221 posts
Buy them lunch. I don't think they are allowed to accept tips. Check the website though.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33846 posts
Hoot, Having lived just down the road in Syracuse for a while, when I saw your post my mind flew, I don't mind tellin' ye. What I wondered was how you would get the big Xerox copier on the plane. Then thought, maybe you'd go for Kodak. Hmmmm..... Maybe fresh maple syrup but its too early. Itek? A couple of tons of Lake Effect Snow? The mind boggles... (congrats)
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10603 posts
I just had an experience with a Paris Greeter in October. It was excellent. It was my 3rd trip to Paris (I have now spent 21 nights there), but touring the Marais with someone who was born and raised there was so enlightening. I hope you enjoy your experience. You are not allowed to tip. Our time with Alain was late afternoon. He spent a few hours walking us around the area. As a thank you we stopped at a cafe and bought him a drink. I don't think you need to bring a gift, but if you feel the need you might consider something local. Maybe a small calendar with photos from New York. I wouldn't bring anything heavy or that would take up too much room in your luggage. Have a great time!
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
The Paris Greeters website clearly says that they would like a "donation" which may be made directly to the greeter, or beforehand online. I read nothing about no tipping, and don't see how buying them lunch is any better then handing them 20 euros.. ( you could do both if its a great day)
Posted by
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
355 posts
It's my understanding that Paris Greeters is a non-profit association, and "donations" are exactly that, a donation to the non-profit to help endure it's survival. Donations to the individual greeters are treated as donations to the association, and not a gratuity. I think the idea of offering to buy them lunch or a drink is a very nice one. Enjoy your tour!
Posted by
pflugerville, tx, usa
26 posts
I don't know if it is anything like the one that I had in New York but....When we tried to tip her she refused it and said that they weren't aloud to take any tips. Maybe a nice thank you card.
Posted by
OP
Rochester, NY, USA
31 posts
Thanks for the replies, we are going to give a donation on the website, try to bring a local gift, and try to buy a coffee or lunch at a local cafe if the opportunity presents itself. Also I didn't realize there was a Greeter program in NYC, so we will have to utilize that on our annual springtime trip down there this year. Happy New Year and safe travels.