Tipping Culture in France: Service Included, But Appreciation Welcome

In France, tipping ("pourboire") is not obligatory, as a service charge ("service compris") of 10–15% is already included in restaurant bills. However, it is still common to leave small extra tips for good service, especially in more personal settings.At restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving €1–€5 in cash is a nice gesture. In cafés and bars, customers often leave €0.50 to €1 per drink. Unlike in the U.S., there is no expectation to tip a percentage of the bill.For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest euro or adding 5–10% is polite. Hotel staff, such as housekeepers and porters, usually receive €1–€2 per service. Hairdressers and spa workers often get €2–€5, depending on the treatment.In France, tipping is seen as a way to show appreciation rather than an obligation. Locals do it sparingly, but a small tip is always appreciated for excellent service.