🇫🇷France · Plumber / Electrician / Tradesperson
How much to tip a tradesperson in France (2026 Guide)
UnusualCash preferred
€0 — not customary
No calculator for this service in France— tipping isn't practiced here in a way that maps to a percentage.
Cultural notes
French plombiers and électriciens do not expect tips — they price the job (devis) and that is the agreed amount. A coffee or a glass of water during a long visit is the friendly local norm. If a tradesperson did extra unbilled work, €5–20 cash at the end is a kind gesture, but is far from expected.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tip a French plumber?
No — pay the invoice; offering a coffee is the warmer gesture.
What if they fixed something free?
A small cash thank-you (€5–20) is gracious but unusual.
Tipping other services in France
- Sit-down restaurant€0 required (service compris); €1–5 per person or 5–10% for good service
- Counter / takeaway€0 — not customary
- CaféRound up or leave 20–50 centimes per drink
- BarRound up or leave 50¢–€1 per drink at the bar
- Housekeeping€2–5 per night, left in the room
- Porter€1–2 per bag
- Concierge€5–20 for a real favour
- TaxiRound up to nearest euro, or up to 5%
- RideshareOptional — €1–2 or round up via app
- Food delivery€1–2 in app or cash; more for difficult deliveries
- Grocery delivery€1–2 in cash; not expected
- Hairdresser€2–10, or roughly 5–10% for a longer service
- Spa5–10% if not already added
- Tour guide€5–10 per person group; €20+ private; €5–10 per person for free walking tours
- Tattoo artist€0 — not customary; 10–15% if you do tip
- Valet€1–2 on return; €5+ at luxury hotels
- Airport baggage€1 per bag if you use a porter (rare)
- Busker€1–5 if you stopped to listen
- Movers€10–20 per mover, or €5 per hour each
Tipping a tradesperson in nearby countries
Last verified: · Sources: afar.com, annieandre.com