To tip or not to tip? The art of tipping in France • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Pul bis: French term for a tip, literally translating to "for drinking."
• Gratuity: A sum of money given for a service, in addition to what is usually charged.
• Tax-free status of tips: The current legal provision in France allowing tips to be tax-exempt under certain conditions.
• L'étrennes: Traditional Christmas and New Year's gifts in France, often given as cash or small presents to service workers.
• Concierge: A building manager or doorman, traditionally a recipient of l'étrennes.

The Art of Tipping in France

This segment explores the cultural nuances and legal framework surrounding tipping in France, contrasting it with practices in other countries and highlighting the evolution of this tradition.

Linguistic Origins of "Tip"

The word "tip" as a gratuity is not an acronym for "to ensure promptness," which is a false urban legend. The term dates back to the 1600s as slang among petty criminals and by the 1700s was used for small monetary rewards for servants, then known as "veils" in English. In French, a tip is called "pul bis," literally meaning "for drinking." This concept of "money to drink" is observed in various languages, including German ("clink gel"), Swedish, Spanish, Hungarian, Polish, and Russian.

Legal Framework and Tipping Practices in France

French law permits tipping in service professions involving public contact. Common recipients include waiters, hairdressers, and delivery personnel, often in lower-paying jobs. Unlike in countries like the United States, where tips can supplement minimum wage, in France, tipping is generally on top of a salary. It is considered a voluntary, tax-free bonus to express gratitude, such as for a coffee, where at least a euro is typically given.

Debate on Tax-Free Status

There has been recent debate regarding the tax-free status of tips, particularly those given via credit card, which are more easily traceable. The French National Assembly voted to extend this tax-free status until 2028, provided tips do not exceed 1.6 times the minimum wage. This measure is part of the 2026 budget. However, opinions are divided: some advocate for taxing tips to fund social services, while others argue they are a crucial bonus for industries facing labor shortages.

Generosity and Statistics on Tipping

Tipping in France is largely a matter of personal choice. Data from Lightseed, a digital tipping software provider, indicates that the average bank card tip in France was €4.70, a 12% increase since 2023. This places France just behind Switzerland (€5) as the largest card tippers in Europe. However, the practice is more nuanced. In Germany, smaller sums are given, but more people are tipped.

Credit card tipping is increasing in France. Some workers report better tips via card, while others prefer the tangible gesture of cash. A poll by Sunday, a restaurant payment company, found the national average tip in France to be 4.8% of the bill. This percentage rises to 7% in the Paris region and Eastern France, but drops to 3.5% in the North.

Regarding the frequency of tipping, studies vary. One by Lyft suggests 8 out of 10 people leave a tip, while a 2022 Yuggov poll found only 34% of French people regularly tip at restaurants. This highlights the complexity and uncertainty surrounding tipping etiquette.

L'étrennes: Traditional Holiday Tipping

During the holiday season in France, a unique tipping tradition called "l'étrennes" exists. These are Christmas and New Year's gifts, which can range from trinkets and wine bottles to envelopes of cash. The practice dates back to Roman times, evolving from sprigs of verbena to dates, honey, and coins.

Traditionally, l'étrennes were given to concierges, who would receive up to 10% of a tenant's rent as a tip. This gesture served as both a thank you and a request for good service in the coming year. While the role of concierges has diminished, the tradition persists for cleaners, garbage collectors, postal workers, and firefighters.

However, the practice is outlawed in some areas and for certain professions. For instance, in Paris, garbage collectors are prohibited from soliciting these tips due to past instances of individuals impersonating city workers. L'étrennes represent a blend of sincerity and strategic consideration, making them a distinctive aspect of French tipping culture. Ultimately, the act of tipping, in all its forms, is about expressing gratitude and supporting others.