Do You Tip in France?
QUICK ANSWER
Tipping in France is not expected, because a service charge is included in the bill by law. For good service you can round up or leave a few euros, but it is optional. France uses the euro, tap water is safe, and you need a Type C or E adapter.
France is a place where tipping works very differently from the United States, and getting it right, or realizing you barely need to, saves both money and awkwardness. Here is what you need to know about tipping, along with the euro, power adapters, and tap water, before you sit down at your first Paris cafe.
Do you tip in France?
Tipping in France is not obligatory, and the reason is built into the system: French law requires that a service charge, service compris, be included in restaurant and cafe prices, so the staff are already paid a fair wage and the bill you see includes service. That means you are not expected to add the 15 to 20 percent common in the United States. For good service, it is a nice gesture to round up the bill or leave a few extra euros, and for an excellent meal you might leave 5 to 10 percent, but this is optional and modest. Leaving nothing extra is perfectly acceptable and not considered rude.
What currency is used in France?
France uses the euro (EUR), like most of the European Union. Cards, including contactless payments, are accepted almost everywhere, from restaurants and shops to museums and transit, so you can get by largely cashless. It is still worth carrying some euros in cash for small purchases, bakeries, markets, tips, and the occasional place that has a card minimum. Withdraw euros from an ATM for the best exchange rate rather than using an airport currency booth, and tell your bank you are traveling so your card is not blocked. A card with no foreign transaction fee will save you money over the course of a trip.
What power adapter do you need for France?
France uses Type C and Type E plugs, with the round two-pin design common across continental Europe, running on 230 volts. Travelers from the United States, the UK, and other regions will need a plug adapter to fit these sockets. Just as important is voltage: France's 230 volts is higher than the US 120 volts, so check that each device accepts 230-volt input. Nearly all phone, tablet, and laptop chargers are dual voltage and handle it automatically, needing only the physical adapter. But single-voltage items like some US hair dryers or curling irons can be damaged, so use a dual-voltage travel version or buy one locally.
Can you drink the tap water in France?
Yes, tap water in France is safe to drink. The water is treated to high European standards and is clean and safe throughout the country, including Paris and other cities. In restaurants, you can ask for a free carafe of tap water, une carafe d'eau, rather than paying for bottled, and you can refill a reusable bottle from the tap without concern. Some travelers prefer bottled water for taste, which is a personal choice rather than a safety issue. Public fountains marked as potable water are also safe. For virtually every visitor, French tap water is perfectly fine to drink.
Tipping in France is optional because service is included by law, so simply round up or leave a few euros for good service. France uses the euro, with cards accepted nearly everywhere, you will need a Type C or E adapter and dual-voltage devices for the 230-volt supply, and the tap water is safe to drink, including the free carafe at restaurants.
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