How much to leave, by situation

Practices observed in October 2026: none of these amounts is set by law. To pay without fees and find out where cards are accepted, see our guide paying and withdrawing money in Paris; to spot an inflated bill, tourist traps in restaurants; to choose a tour, guided tours in Paris.

What the law says, and what you can refuse

In a restaurant, café or bar, the menu and the bill must show prices "service compris" (service included). If a "service" line is added to the bill although the menu says nothing about it, you can dispute it. According to the DGCCRF (the consumer fraud authority), a tip is an optional sum, of any amount, that no business can demand. Another useful habit: in a restaurant with table service, a carafe of tap water is free if you are eating or drinking on the premises. Ask for "une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît" instead of paying for a bottle. Taxis are also required to accept bank cards, whatever the fare.

Common mistakes by visitors

  • Applying 15 to 20% out of habit: nobody expects it in Paris. For an €80 bill for two, rounding up to €85 is already a generous gesture.
  • Looking for a "tip" line on the bill: there isn't one. The gesture comes at the end, by leaving coins on the table or saying "gardez la monnaie" (keep the change) when you pay in cash.
  • Feeling obliged at the payment terminal: the tip screen is optional, and you can choose "no" or "skip" without any awkwardness.
  • Forgetting pay-what-you-want tours: when you pay what you wish at the end, the tip is the guide's only income, so plan a little more than a few euros.

Further reading

To prepare your trip:

To go further: Paris Food Tours, Seine Dinner Cruise Compared and Moulin Rouge Tickets 2026.