French law treats a pourboire as optional. No profession may demand it. Where restaurant or bar service is charged, the displayed price must already include it.
The quick answer Pay the displayed total without guilt. For especially good service, leave the small change or a few euros. Do not add a compulsory foreign percentage on top of prix service compris.
Read the two French phrases
Service comprisThe applicable service amount is already included in the displayed price and bill.
PourboireA voluntary amount given at the customer's discretion.
Match the extra to the moment
| Situation | A comfortable move |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | Exact bill is fine; leave change or a few euros for excellent service |
| Cafe or bar | Round up modestly for good table service |
| Taxi | Card must be accepted; rounding up remains optional |
| Hotel | A few euros for luggage or unusually helpful service |
| Guide | A voluntary amount based on time and quality |
A terminal prompt cannot rewrite the culture
A digital tip screen may offer percentages, particularly in tourist areas. It is still a choice. Look first at the bill and service wording, then select an extra only if you genuinely want to.
Cash makes a small merci visible
When a card terminal cannot add a tip, EUR 1, 2 or 5 makes the gesture direct. There is no need to withdraw large amounts or calculate a precise percentage for an ordinary meal.