Tipping In France: A Guide to French Tipping Customs

One aspect of the travel experience that often surprises travelers is the local attitude toward tipping. In some countries, it's an everyday practice, while in others, it's a cultural faux pas. Then there are those countries where tipping falls somewhere in between, leaving you wondering what's expected.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the tipping etiquette of France to help you navigate your visit smoothly. Additionally, we'll offer valuable tips on how to get EUR in cash in France, so you can focus on soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors without the stress of financial hiccups.

Is Tipping Expected in France?

Tipping in France is not as common as in other countries, especially since service charges may already be included in the bill. It's not expected, but leaving a small tip for exceptional service is an appreciated gesture.

Tipping in Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes

When dining out in France, service charges are often included in the bill at 15% as "service compris". However, if exceptional service is provided or if you're dining in a more upscale establishment, you can leave a small cash tip or a gratuity of 5-10%.

When visiting bars and cafes, rounding up the bill is a nice gesture. Feel free to do so if the service was attentive.

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Do You Tip Hotel Staff in France?

For hotel staff in France, tipping is not expected. However, if you experience excellent service, it is a nice gesture to tip porters €1 per bag, €1 to valet, or a few euros to other helpful staff.

Tipping Taxis and Tour Guides in France

For taxi drivers in France, tipping is common, although not mandatory. If you experience good service, you can round up to the nearest euro. For private car services, it is polite to leave around gratuity of 5%.

Tour guides in France may expect a small tip for walking tours, especially if the tour was informative and enjoyable. It is not a hard and fast rule, since pricing rules will vary by each provider. However, a 10% to 20% tip is polite if you enjoyed your experience. On free walking tours, you should tip €5 to €10 euros per person.

Practical Tips for Tipping in France

By following these tips, you'll optimize your cash transactions in France, minimize fees, and enjoy a smoother travel experience:

1. Withdraw Cash With a Travel Debit Card: Choose a travel debit card without international transaction fees that allows you to hold local currency and withdraw cash like a local. These cards typically offer fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for accessing cash while traveling in France.
2. Stay Within Fee-Free Allowances: Many travel debit cards provide fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances per month. To avoid additional fees, try to stay within this allowance when withdrawing cash.
3. Opt for Local Currency Transactions: When making purchases or withdrawing cash in France, you'll be prompted to pay in EUR or your home currency. Always choose to pay in the local currency (EUR) rather than your home currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees. DCC will result in terrible exchange rates and additional charges, so opting for local currency transactions ensures you get the best exchange rate.
4. Avoid Credit Card Cash Advances: Steer clear of using credit cards for cash withdrawals, as they incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates (APR). Cash advance APR is also higher than purchase APR.

Recommended Travel Cards for Fee-Free Cash Withdrawals Abroad

Compare the best travel debit cards without international transaction fees for your trip to France:

Wise Multi-Currency Account

With the Wise Account, convert currency at the mid-market exchange rate. Spend, hold, and convert between dozens of currencies with your debit card and never be asked to do a dynamic currency conversion. The only fees that they charge you for using ATMs abroad will come at 1.75% per withdrawal — and only after you've exceeded your $100 monthly withdrawal limit.

The Wise Account is available in the US, Canada, EU/EEA, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries and territories.

N26

Available for EU and EEA residents to open, an N26 account will never charge foreign transaction fees. All Euro ATM withdrawals are fee-free, giving you free rein to travel the Eurozone. Outside of the Eurozone, ATM withdrawals cost 1.7% per withdrawal.

Starling Bank

The Starling Bank card is an excellent option in the UK for foreign travel. In addition to no foreign transaction fees, Starling Bank does not charge foreign ATM withdrawal fees. You might only be charged a third-party fee, just as you would in the UK.