How much to tip a waiter in France?
By law French menu prices include service (service compris); leaving small change for great service is a nice bonus.
Tipping a waiter in France: the local custom
When dining out in France, the guidance for restaurant service is: service included (round up). Tip in cash in euro (EUR) where you can, and always check whether a service charge has already been added before you decide.
Example: a €50.00 bill in France
If you decide to tip around the local level, use the calculator below in EUR. Remember to check the bill first — a service charge may already be included, in which case an extra tip is optional.
Tip calculator (EUR)
France vs the US
In the US, a waiter is typically tipped 18%. In France, the custom is service included (round up) — so if you are visiting from the US, expect to tip less than you would at home. For the full picture across every venue, see the France tipping guide.
- Tipping in France — restaurants, taxis, hotels and bars
- How much to tip a waiter — the US standard and calculator
- Compare tipping in all 53 countries
Reviewed 2026-08-10. Customs vary by venue and region; check the bill before tipping.