I know this is an old subject...but could someone confirm current practices in Paris? Is 'service' included in all restaurant bills (despite what waiters sometimes tell you!) & thus, is it still appropriate just to round up a euro or two? What about taxis? What's the usual tipping rate? Thanks for bringing me up to speed....
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Yes, practice has not changed, the service charge (usually 15%) is included in the bill. You'll usually see some mention of service compris or prix net, which confirms that service charge has been included. But it's polite to round up for a meal or drink well served; this bonus tip can be 5% of the bill, for a €19 bill, leave €20. When you hand your payment plus tip to the waiter, say "C'est bon (say bohn) meaning, "It was good."
If you order your food at a counter, tipping is not expected.
Here's more advice from Rick on tipping
Posted by
Buffalo, NY, USA
27 posts
Kent is right. I was in Paris in March. If you sit down and are waited on, a service charge is included 90% of the time, and the waiter will not expect a tip. That being said, if you enjoyed it leaving a euro or two or rounding up the change is good form, but only if you want to. If you leave no tip, you need not feel guilty like you would here in the states.
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
Spot on with the previous answers, and still others have also indicated that they follow the lead of the locals when it’s not quite as clear (perhaps in a very nice restaurant). That’s good advice.
Posted by
OP
Arlington
127 posts
Thanks for all the good tips (!) I think the confusion arises because the bill is not always clear about 'service compris'...& we've found that invariably, if you ASK the waiter, he will say it is NOT included. I'd gotten the impression from guidebooks that it was always included...but guess it's not unless the bill says so?