Ok, so I've read a lot of posts and basically I understand that when I get my bill in a Bistro or Cafe', a 15% gratuity has already been added to my bill. If I tip like I would here in the US at 15-20% I'd be tipping double-so no one is going to give me a dirty look if I don't tip, right? I have read that if something comes to say 39.3 Eu, I could just leave 40 and it would not be an insult. Of all things I do not want to insult anyone, nor do I have the funds to be foolish.
Rick
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Extra tipping is strictly volunatary. In my experience, the waitstaff generally don't expect anything extra, but when given, they accept it graciously.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
rick,, I get you are struggling with the walking away from the table and only leaving a few euros at most,, but , really, its ok!! I am sure a lifetime of following your custom at home is hard to over throw when away.
I personally would leave one or two euros for a 39.30 bill,, if I had the coins,, I would not leave alot more. Service in Paris will be efficent , but it will not be simpering and doting,, so you may not feel too guilty walking off tipping less. If you do find a waiter that dotes on you , fine, leave a few euros,, or if you eat in a really nice place,, a restuarant rather then a cafe or bistro,, then service will likely be good, so I have left up to 5-10% on top.
At a cafe,, leave change only,, sure no one will object to you tipping more,, but they know the locals wouldn't, and so do not expect it .
Posted by
Sherborn, MA
73 posts
We just rounded up, so if the bill was 67.40, we'd leave 70 euros. The waiters were so unbelievably charming (I have a 12 year old son who eats nothing, so part of their charm was directed at getting him to try something) that I sometimes left more, especially on the occasions when they brought my son free desserts! If if you don't get anything out of the ordinary, you can just round up and feel you've done your duty.