Bills in bars and restaurants are required by law to include service, but it is customary to round out your bill with some small change unless you're dissatisfied. The amount varies — from €0.15 for a beer to €1.50 - €2.30 after a meal. In expensive restaurants, it's common to leave an additional 5% of the bill on the table.

Tip taxi drivers and hairdressers about 10% of the bill. Give theater and cinema ushers €0.25 to €0.50. In some theaters and hotels, cloakroom attendants may expect nothing (watch for signs that say "Pourboire Interdit" — tipping forbidden); otherwise, give them €0.75. Washroom attendants usually get €0.30, though the sum is often posted.

If you stay more than two or three days in a hotel, it is customary to leave something for the chambermaid — about €1.50 per day. Expect to pay about €1.50 (€0.75 in a moderately priced hotel) to the person who carries your bags or who hails you a taxi. In hotels providing room service, give €0.75 to the waiter (this does not apply if breakfast is routinely served in your room). If the chambermaid does some pressing or laundering for you, give her €0.75 - €1.50 on top of the bill. If the concierge has been very helpful, it is customary to leave a tip of €8 - €16, depending on the type of hotel and the level of service.

Service station attendants get nothing for pumping gas or checking oil but €0.75 or €1.50 for checking tires. Train and airport porters get a fixed sum (€0.90 - €1.50) per bag. Museum guides should get €1.50 - €3 after a guided tour. It is standard practice to tip bus drivers about €1.50 after an excursion.

Source: Fodor's Personal Trip Planner for Paris, France © 2004 Fodors.com LLC