How Much to Tip in France (2026 Guide)
How Much to Tip in France (2026 Guide)In France service is included by law ("service compris"), so tipping is optional. It is customary to leave a small extra — rounding up or a few euros, or 5–10% for excellent restaurant service. Leave tips in cash, as card machines rarely allow adding a tip.
Tip amounts in France
| Service | Typical tip & range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants |
5% typical · 0–10%
|
Service is included. Leave €1–5 or 5–10% in cash for good service. |
| Bars & Cafés |
0% typical · 0–5%
|
Round up or leave small change at a café counter. |
| Taxis & Rideshare |
5% typical · 0–10%
|
Round up to the nearest euro, or 5–10% for help with luggage. |
| Hotel Porters | 1–2 EUR /bag | €1–2 per bag. |
| Housekeeping | 1–2 EUR /night | €1–2 per night, left at the end of the stay. |
| Spa & Salon |
5% typical · 0–10%
|
Optional; a few euros for a treatment you enjoyed. |
| Hairdressers |
0% typical · 0–10%
|
Optional; a couple of euros is generous. |
| Tour Guides |
10% typical · 0–10%
|
€5–10 for a half-day group tour. |
| Airport Transfers |
5% typical · 0–10%
|
Round up the fare. |
| Food Delivery |
0% typical · 0–10%
|
Optional; €1–2 in cash. |
Spending in France
The local currency is the euro (€, EUR), pronounced “YOO-roh”. One euro = 100 cents.
Approximate, updated daily — for guidance only, not a live exchange rate.
Local tipping customs
- Cash or card? Cash is preferred — carry small notes and coins for tips.
- Card-machine prompts: Card terminals rarely prompt for tips — tip in cash instead.
- Tipping culture: Tipping in France is optional and appreciated, but never obligatory.
City-specific guides
Tipping in France: FAQs
Is tipping expected in France?
Tipping in France is optional and appreciated rather than obligatory. In France service is included by law ("service compris"), so tipping is optional. It is customary to leave a small extra — rounding up or a few euros, or 5–10% for excellent restaurant service. Leave tips in cash, as card machines rarely allow adding a tip.
How much should I tip at a restaurant in France?
Around 5% is typical (roughly –1%). Service is included. Leave €1–5 or 5–10% in cash for good service.
Do you tip taxi drivers in France?
It is common to round the fare up or add about 5% in France. Round up to the nearest euro, or 5–10% for help with luggage.
Should I tip in cash or by card in France?
Cash is preferred in France, as it reaches staff directly; card-machine tip prompts are less common.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in France?
Leave €1–€2 per night for hotel housekeeping. €1–2 per night, left at the end of the stay.
Is a service charge included in France?
By law, "service compris" (service included) is built into menu prices, so the price you see covers service. Any extra you leave is a genuine bonus.
Do you tip tour guides in France?
In France: €5–10 for a half-day group tour.
What does "service compris" mean?
It means service is included in the price by law. You are never obliged to tip on top — the staff are already paid a proper wage.
Should I tip with the card machine in France?
Most French card terminals do not offer a tip option. If you want to leave something, do it in cash — coins on the table or with the bill.
How much do French people actually leave?
Often just the loose change, or a euro or two at a café. For a memorable dinner, 5% is considered generous.