Don't Get SCAMMED in Paris Restaurants & Cafés

Here are 5 tips to avoid getting scammed in restaurants & cafés in Paris.
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[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

Don't Get SCAMMED by Fake Taxis in Airport & Train Stations - Get a Private Drive so you don't have to worry. BOOK WELCOME PICKUPS 👉 bit.ly/TransportationAirportTransfer PARIS AIRPORT TRANSFERS 👉 bit.ly/RecommendedParisAirportTransfers

[@peavy6106]

Thank you for the info. I was really surprised last year because I'm always careful to use the official taxi stand at CDG to avoid scammers, and I still had a licensed driver try it on me! Fortunately, my French is good, and I knew the set price to the Right Bank, so I ripped her up one side and down the other, but I'd already handed her a bill that was a little larger than the set price, thinking to tip her...and I couldn't get that back off her. I was so mad that I had tipped someone who tried to con me.

[@grb454]

Don't use taxi, use Metro or bus or Rer, far more affordable and if you want to be on schedule, use metro or rer, you won't be stuck in traffic jam

[@grb454]

Rer B is the way to go to Charles De Gaulle airport.

[@solracer66]

This happened to my wife when she had an unexpected layover when the first leg of her connecting flight was delayed. The taxi driver charged her double the fixed €55/€62 fare. When traveling solo I always stick with the train or bus and skip taxis for that reason. Not that I haven't had some excellent Parisian taxi drivers over the years but there are some bad eggs out there if you are uninformed.

[@solracer66]

@@grb454 Unless you have a lot of luggage or have limited mobility. The train station can be quite a walk at CDG depending on your gate and there isn't a ton of room on the train for luggage plus metro stations can involve a lot of lifting and carrying your bags. If you'll be near the Opera the RoissyBus is a good alternative as it stops at each terminal but sadly the old Air France bus that went to Gare de Lyon and Montparnasse is no more because it was cancelled during Covid and has not returned.

[@maitretofu]

I am French and there is one thing I would like to clarify. Most French people never leave tips. We will rather consider that it is the boss duty to offer a better salary. So, if the waiter can't get a decent salary, it's up to the boss to feel guilty and not up to the customer for not having tipped. Don't be afraid, the waiters at these very fashionable restaurants earn a very good living. Prefer to tip a very small restaurant that gave you a good impression.

[@Michael-iw3ek]

omg is it actually physically possible to PAY SALARY to the servers? i thought it was against the law of physics or something. lol. yes it's very refreshing when in Europe to pay 5 euros for something that's listed to be 5 euros in the menu.

[@XD-sp4ye]

@@Michael-iw3ekWorks like that nearly everywhere in the world lol. The tipping culture in the US is stupid but you still see people advocating for it

[@Michael-iw3ek]

@@XD-sp4ye That's the insane part - dummies who want to pay $15 or more for something that's listed at $10 in the menu.

[@FreakyAngelus]

Fully agree here... though I would say tipping is also not done in %... the entire construct of tipping per % is ridiculous and conflicts with what is fair for a job... Even in the USA/CAN regions. In Europe, you tip if you're happy with the service you were provided. For low bills you round up to the next 5'er if it's at least a couple euro's... up to a 100... you don't do much more unless you were really happy. The entire 'do this amount' is not how it works. You give 2 euro tip on 2 coffee making it a weird value, it causes more work than showing gratitude (especially if you're not paying by card). You round up to any paper denomination and people will be happy for making it easier, tipping and doing all that with a smile to them. Higher, you may round up bigger, per 10 or even per 25... Unless you do full fancy over 500 bills, tipping 25-50 is a very big tip in most if not all cases. Yes a business dinner might go higher... if it turns really really big, but most people will not expect a tip over 25 when the bill isn't over 500. Sorry, it's just how it is (or it was really good service). But here's the thing.. You order one very expensive bottle of champagne (imagine a celebration of a new job / promotion / your kid got their diploma.. I don't know.. think big)... Should that 1 bottle get a % tip on its value or should you tip on the service provided for that 1 action performed? Does a server serving you for 2 hours deserve more for that same value of a bill or does that one bottle with 5 min of work define the tip on value? That's why I never tip by % but by what I feel is fair for the work done, including in USA/CAN... unless I'm in a hurry and the stupid forced machine makes it impossible to just enter a total value easily (which usually means I'll pick the lowest % quickly available and share that with the waiter that is why I picked that, don't force me to tip by %...)

[@FreakyAngelus]

I've heard of that, not encountered it yet... and I'd love to know what law it would violate. If a price isn't shared up front it would fall under fraude and scam to push undisclosed cost onto a customer, thus I wouldn't mind a discussion with a police officer. That said, depending on where you are... I wouldn't mind a polite and mature conversation on what my rights are and if I could press charges against them... The more safe option is pay and review online on how to avoid them, sadly.. @@Michael-iw3ek

[@louisacoote2337]

Also don’t leave your phone on the table at an outdoor café. Thieves come with clipboards for a survey and they put it down on the table. When they pick up the board, they also take your phone too

[@josephj6521]

That’s a great tip! Merci. I never leave my phone on any table around the world or in a location I’m unfamiliar with.

[@carolmartin4413]

Same thing happened to my grandson in Chicago. The old guy had a wrapped newspaper, set down, asked my gs something stupid, picked up the paper, was gone..so was the cellphone. Voila!

[@toucantoucan]

Yes, classic One...

[@kaderbueno6823]

First, why you leave your phone on the table ? Nobody (except scammers) cares about the fact that you have the last icall 70 ultra max 2 when you put it on the table, how is the waiter supposed to put your order ? I think when you get robbed sometimes, you get what you deserve

[@stormstereo]

Happened to a friend of mine visiting Hamburg. BOTH his phones (one for Europe and one for Asia) was on the table and both disappeared. They realised pretty quickly they were gone but so was the thief. Also, I believe they swiftly hand over the phones to a nearby accomplice, in case the victims cathes up with them.

[@anyaorzechowska2466]

One scam that you did not mention happened to me. I saw a sign that said (in French) "Breakfast: orange juice, coffee and pastry = 8 euros" so I sat down and ordered exactly that, orange juice, coffee and pastry. My total came to nearly 15 euros at the end, because they said I had ordered separate items and not the "Breakfast Menu". This was at the Brasserie Royal Turenne, on Turenne near Place des Vosges.

[@dianegenx]

What a load of crap! Did you leave 8 euros and leave? I would've done so.

[@MultiSUPERLATIVO]

@anyaorzechowska2466 Thanks for the tip. It was outrageous, the same items of the "Breakfast Menu" being charged separately just because the customer did not say "Breakfast Menu". Maybe the same applies to the famous "Formule".

[@robcherry6734]

This is because the items in the breakfast menu are actually a little smaller than if you order off the main menu, that’s how they can claw back some of the lost €s

[@robcherry6734]

@@MultiSUPERLATIVOYes, because the items in the Menu Formule may indeed be smaller than if you buy them individually, especially if it includes alcohol , they can tie you a tiny carafe or smaller lass than usual

[@josephj6521]

Merci for the tip. Possibly avoid these grouped “breakfast” items and only order individual items.

[@Romainmlt]

As a french waiter in Paris, i totally aprove this video ! Take care of your bags, phone or expensive items. Prices are on the menu, it has to be the same on the bill. And to clarify the TIP, service is always inclued (12%) that goes directly to the restaurant NOT the waiter that get paid 0% of the bill. We get paid by hours . I personnaly tip around 10% when I'm a customer execpt for bad service ! Can't wait to serve you ! Romain from Le Berkeley

[@vincentdupont315]

Bravo et Merci Romain du Berkeley

[@Kate-qq3ez]

Merci Romain !

[@MrNorilesor]

as a french, if a server insists that the tip was not included, i'll consider that rude and won't leave anything. Tips in France are to show appreciation for good or amazing service and therefore shouldn't be asked by the waiter but left to your appreciation.

[@HereBeBarr]

If the server says: The Tip is Not Included, you respond: I know, I watched Les Frenchies.

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

Hahahahaha....that's right!

[@vincentdupont315]

You got it!

[@Miaina77]

You can also respond : "c'est la vie !" with a big smile.

[@ahoj7720]

A way to minimize scams at cafes or restaurants is to ask the printed purchase ticket. It has to be provided in any case if requested. The total you have to pay is clearly shown. And if you have any complaint to report, it serves as an evidence. The same applies for taxis.

[@InXLsisDeo]

Good advice. Also useful in supermarkets, as very often, the products are mislabelled.

[@LegendoftheGalacticHero]

Ask it before paying

[@lishr4536]

printed purchase ticket means receipt right?

[@gail4101]

There are scams in practically every city in the world…I’ve been to Paris six times, loving every moment spent there and luckily have never been scammed but I also have never included touristy cafes, etc to eat at…I always worn a crossbody purse each time and a money belt under my clothing…overkill? Maybe but “better safe than sorry”…thank you, kiddos for another much needed video!❤

[@A1steak]

Not in Asia. China and Japan are great for tourism.

[@faridlannabi]

@@A1steak there is scam in asia, less in europe, but there is

[@IronFreee]

@@A1steak I would have taken you seriously if you didn't had mentioned China :D

[@libertyordeaf]

@@A1steak China is awash with scams and ripoffs targeting Western tourists.

[@jtstacey83]

If the restaurant has people standing outside trying to get you to come in, be wary. A good cafe or restaurant can attract business without someone on the sidewalk trying to attract business. Sacré Coeur and the town surrounding it was where I stayed alert. The place was swarming with scammers. Luckily, we visited early in the morning, so there weren't many people out and about, but when we were leaving around noon, it was packed. The place had every scam they talked about.

[@lawrencelewis2592]

Brussels has those smiling touts outside the restaurants that are near the Mannikin Pis. "Where you from my fren?" "Whats you name?" Ignore them and walk on.

[@benfleschman1493]

Cafe Grizzly in Paris

[@Grazilla52]

These are good tips for travelers anywhere, even here in the U.S! But I actually had a good tipping experience last year on Rue Cler; when I asked, our server explained the service charge but that tipping “as you do in the States is completely optional.” (His honesty & patience w/non-French speakers earned him a tip 😉)

[@lours6993]

It is absolutely NOT "as you do in the States". That would be +20% or more. It's as you would in the states BEYOND the standard tip.

[@_akuma06]

​@@lours6993 Don't expect a french waiter to know the difference between "as you do" and "as you would beyond", if he can barely speak somewhat comprehensible english that's already the moon. Since he did explain that the service was included, he only meant that tipping was optional and just an extra.

[@TockMinecraft]

@@lours6993 See I'm french and I didn't understand the distinction you are pointing out. I'm pretty sure this poor waiter had a bad english just like me and was trying to be honest

[@bcvfgd7477]

Tourists in a foreign country are more prone to giving tips, especially to honest helpful ppl. I'm sure he would get much more money like this than trying to scam people out of rare ignorance

[@bodawei425]

Actually the server here cleverly played the card of sympathy. The "you do as you like" will very likely lead you to leave and even larger 'pourboire' than he could expect. People don't want to look stingy or to be judged so they often prefer to pay a little extra to be on the safe side.

[@williesg]

In Singapore you can leave your laptop at the starbucks , go out to smoke and come back and no one will touch your stuffs.

[@sky33liner]

I had an interesting one in a very nice restaurant opposite Gare du Nord. I asked for the bill and the waiter put a block of wood on the table with a QR Code on it. He wanted me to pay by using the QR code but when I looked at it I was going to be charged €1.45 (I think) for paying that way. So when he came back I said I couldn't use the QR code and he gave me a normal paper bill without the charge on it.

[@Nat007_]

Oh really ? Very interesting, thank you

[@abawitx]

A "QR code" is how my credit card number was stolen in France

[@windswiff101891]

Same experience in a cafe near Saint Chapelle.

[@latebloomerabroad]

I’ve been to Paris 15 times and all of these have happened to me! Thank you for the clear distinction between “service” and “tip” I knew I didn’t need to tip, but that explanation helps a lot. A café near the Gare du Nord charged us an astronomical price for two drinks even though I was with my French cousin. He argued with the server and the owner, and they were so brazen they wouldn’t change the amount. My friend’s passport was stolen from her purse on the floor under her chair at a bistro in the 7e. She had to extend her trip for almost a week because it was the beginning of a 4-day weekend for the American embassy. (I always carry a small cross-body purse with a long strap and I hang it from my knee in front of me in restaurants and bars.)

[@jimmartin8853]

And yet you keep going back.

[@latebloomerabroad]

@@jimmartin8853 Yes, none of these is reason not to visit Paris! Just beware.

[@linoferrara]

Thank you for all your videos it made my trip to Paris in September all the better! I had lunch the the restaurant in the top floor of the D'Orsay, when presented with the bill and card reader the waiter said to me FOUR times.... TIIIPPP, I had NO idea what he was getting at so I asked what he meant and said °you need to TIIIPPP"!! At first I was speech less and then I asked him in FRENCH why and to call his manger to explain to me why he was so insistent. Needless to say NO tip for him. The food was terrible, service not very good and a drinking glass was broken! FYI the experience on the Calif was amazing, so that you for that video.

[@quentin09z]

The real scam to me is that you HAVE to give a tip in the US, that's why when I visit the states I hate that I have to pay my meal + Taxes + Tips, I just want to eat I don't want to do maths

[@yummemys4608]

Amerika is a joke, scam banana republic.

[@Roheryn100]

Her sheer audacity at 5:43 is unbelievable. And right in front of you obviously filming !!!! 😮😮😮😮😮

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

unbelievable!!

[@c.t5136]

They look Tunisian... a large population of them in Lyon... I would love for them to get caught and for you to be there to catch them :-) I would be happy to share this video in Tunisia with your permission, if you were interested in identifying them @@LesFrenchiesTravel

[@baconpancakes8899]

Best Paris youtubers for tourists

[@renel2788]

Thank you so much for these videos!!! The advice and tips before you go and visit a foreign country is so essential. No one wants to be ripped off or taken for a fool. Keep these wonderful videos coming! 💕

[@gaetanomontante5161]

I have lived in France and I have also traveled elsewhere in the world. To be fair, we tourists fall pray to scammers everywhere we go. Yes, you can talk about France, but the same happens all over the world. As an example, I now live in Thailand, a place that I love tremendously, and here some restaurants in the touristy area actually have two separate menus - one specifically geared to tourists where they charge two or three times the prices shown in the "domestic" menu. So, there you go, my friends. My advice? Be a little aware, but go travel and live your life without fears.

[@beinquisitive]

You are never "obligated" to leave a tip. A tip is not an entitlement.

[@kermankwok8750]

Thanks so much for all the informative videos that you put out --- they're all very enjoyable!! I remember watching the video with that shady person behind you looking very uncomfortable - just her demeanor caught my attention (and now we know why). Glad you were able to have that charge declined. Thanks again, Antoin & Colleen!!

[@runwiththerunners8152]

Excellent advice again. By way of note if you get approached by anyone at an airport/station offering themselves as a taxi they are NOT. A gennuine cab driver would not do that. Shrug them off to indicate you are fully aware what they are trying so be dismissive of them and go to a proper rank and not just someone parked up conveniently.

[@brigittetrenzini1248]

They already did a video about that

[@toucantoucan]

Same in every city in the world. Exactly the same in china...

[@elenapolshakov3837]

Oh my gosh, I cannot believe that… almost said lady, but I don’t think it’s applicable in this case - stole your card while you were right there, filming! 😳😤 Audacity!!! I hope you showed this videos to the authorities! And so glad the credit card was so great to stop the purchase! Fewh! I have to say this kind of stuff would happen in any big city, not just Paris. Here in New York - omg! But what a fantastic, fantastic video! As always I should add… Thank you C&A and happy Saturday! 😊

[@patrickgelinas5241]

Just arrived in Paris earlier today! Your videos on how to purchase RER/Metro passes and how to get to downtown Paris were INVALUABLE!!! Thank you so much to both of you!❤

[@franckchef8771]

The new generation don’t leave any tips. My grandpa used to leave a great tip back then.

[@lindainparis7349]

I know and I think it was the change over from francs to euros that caused this. Before that it was customary to leave silver one franc coins and not copper coins as a tip but after the change over the new copper and silver coins were worth 6.6 times as much. Copper colored coins were still regarded a mean or even insulting tip and a silver euro coin was too much, So people started to say as service was included don’t leave anything. It has changed a little now but tips are nothing like they were in Grandpa’s time! BTW my Parisian friends tend to tip generously their regular cafés and restaurants.

[@hankgr64]

The tipping thing is so hard for American tourists to wrap their heads around. It is burned into our minds. We did dine a a Michelin star restaurant last year and we tipped almost 10% and our server was very grateful. Of course this was almost a five hour experience! We love your content!

[@MultiSUPERLATIVO]

@hankgr64 I am not 100% sure (maybe someone who works at a French restaurant/cafe may tell us) but normally the "tip included" thing goes to the owner of the company alone. I worked in this business for a couple of years and all tips included in the bill were never shared among employees. We had a basic monthly wage and that was it.

[@Maimitti]

bizarre @@MultiSUPERLATIVO

[@Hippy2021]

​​@@MultiSUPERLATIVO You misunderstood the service fee on the bill means the amount the owner pay salary to workers. In the US the tip sometimes match the salary that is very low under minimum and tip money should match with the minimum by law otherwise owners have to pay servers on their own. French is different, the law is very strict on salary. Everyone get the same salary at all time no matter the bad weather with less customers. The service charge in France to help business owners to make up the gap during seasons of the year. That's why it called service charge, it's NOT tip

[@Hippy2021]

​@@Maimitti It's not bizarre. The bill says clearly what you pay. The price of the foods, the taxes, and the cost of paying the chefs to cook and the fix salary of servers that called service charge. The tip is directly to server if you're kind and appreciate. I normally pay with credit card for the bill and give server cash for tip

[@Hippy2021]

​@@MultiSUPERLATIVO It doesn't say tip on your bill but it called service charge. Totally different meaning

[@susanmacaluso5218]

Our waiter in Paris was friendly and a good server. My husband asked if he could get change and handed him a 100 euro note. The waiter said, "of course, but I do not carry cash. It will be a moment." We were enjoying our wine and our meal and after ten minutes we reminded him about our money, and again he told us that he needed to do it inside... and we waited MORE time, and at one point I finally called him back and he looked right at us, claiming we never gave him any money. We spoke with the manager and she was not putting up with her server, who, we assumed had already pissed her off doing this to customers. She brought him to our table and demanded that he return our money. At that point he whipped out his wallet from his pocket. We'd never seen a person carry so much cash!! He was a bleeping liar. WATCH OUT FOR INDIVIDUAL SERVERS WHO SCAM!! We were lucky to be at a place where the manager gave a damn. This was in the Opera District. This guy was likely hoping we'd get drunk and forget about our money.

[@tdelioncourt1268]

wow :O I hope the manager got rid of him after that

[@stefanhennig]

No offense meant, but did I get that right: you just gave a stranger some money and let him walk away? I will not deny that he tried to steal from you but he also took you to school. Elementary school I might add.

[@leenieledejo6849]

​@@stefanhennig You're victim blaming and defending a brazen thief. Wow.

[@stefanhennig]

@@leenieledejo6849 Quite. Being a victim does not make anyone any better. And a certain lack of common sense is just that and I took the liberty to name it as such. I do not stand corrected. This was theft on one side and some naive behaviour on the other.

[@jivprod9871]

Je suis parisien et c'est EXACTEMENT CA. :)

[@byronadlam831]

really good advice. During our three days in Paris recently, I am pleased to say that we did not encounter any scams and found the restuarants where we eat to be really helpful and friendly.

[@yaowsers77]

I love how concise this video is! Lol no beating around the bush. Definitely saving as a reference for when i finally make it to Paris! Thank you!

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

Thank you

[@louiselewis5061]

Great information as always. Thanks.

[@elisabeth1677]

Dear Frenchies, my husband and I are just back from a great stay in Paris and thanks to your chanel we were well prepared and aware of scams. 🙏😊

[@published1789]

Beautifully clear. Thank you!

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

You are so welcome!

[@user-dr1bn4db8h]

Thank you for what you do! I so appreciate these videos! ❤

[@alank1995]

This is an excellent video and I encourage anyone visiting France to watch it. Well done!

[@strohammer7549]

My wife and I love and appreciate all of your advice. However, I have NEVER had to plan to be so CAREFUL about a trip to one place in ALL of our trips together. Thank you for being so thorough in your videos. ❤

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

I'm sorry if we added stress! It's not really all that much to worry about. Just be present and you'll be fine!

[@SRX2004]

Great video as always. Hope you gave the video of the lady stealing to the police.

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

I did!

[@Maimitti]

AND ... did they find her identity ? @@LesFrenchiesTravel

[@_akuma06]

@@Maimitti Unless she is a repeated offender and they have multiple video footage showing where she operates, they won't do a thing about it.

[@Maimitti]

too bad !@@_akuma06

[@rizaucurry0208]

@@Maimitti Lol it's France, "justice" is extremely complacent with thugs, a slap on the hand at most. And that's if they even bother.

[@faradaycool4058]

By far the most informative and applicable KZbin channel for travel. THANKS fr Singapore

[@retromusings]

Love your channel.Wasn't aware of all these scams and red flags. Thanks so much for your most helpful advice.

[@NovaStar1967]

We've seen the water one and the tip one in action. I thought about helping the American couple who were getting the bottled water without ordering it but decided to keep to myself. They were both being "Karens" and figured it was karma. The tip one happened to us and was (absolutely) close to the tourist attractions. Hubby paid it but it was a lesson to both of us. I've also had my wallet stollen at a cafe but knew better than to keep important stuff in it so the thief only got a metro card that expried in about 10 minutes (LOL)

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

🤣 expired metro card!!

[@mecha-sheep7674]

And a wallet. I hate thieves.

[@billywalik6411]

There were four of us. Went to pay at the Bar for drinks. Server pulled out his electronics reader, except this device at the bottom of the bill left a spot for a tip to be added by the patron. Server saw my French debit card. Swiftly pulled out another reader.

[@Beth_Alice_Kaplan]

Ugh! 😡

[@LiraeNoir]

I have seen machines asking if you want to leave a tip, even for French customers and banking cards. It's not a bad practice in itself, when moving from coins to cards tips mechanically are rarer because it's a bit more friction to ask a waiter to re-do the bill with an added tip.

[@billywalik6411]

This Hotel Bar was about a quarter step below the Ritz. No words were exchanged. It was fairly obvious once he saw the card. Thanks for the comment

[@phillipsmom6252]

Great information, thanks! 👍

[@manuelrodriguez4743]

Thanks for the tips 🙌🏼

[@kevwwong]

Wow those thieves were really brazen! It's people like that who made me decide to start using a crossbody sling everywhere.

[@aisumelef211]

I've always preferred the cross body bag to keep my hands free. I use it as my everyday bag. It's anti-theft from Pacsafe. And I always have my bag on my body. Don't feel comfortable taking it off and putting it down on the chair or floor. That's an invitation to steal. Scams and theft are more prevalent worldwide since the pandemic. Reviewers of hotels even say they were double charged.

[@peterw4338]

You can solve the problem by purchasing a baguette, some cheese and a bottle of wine and picnic in the park

[@jakerio8]

Thanks for the tips (no pun). And for not blurring the thief's face unlike in some channels that do that unnecessarily

[@donnabenoit1669]

Again great advice as usual! Thank you Les Frenchies 💕

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

You're welcome!

[@user-ht7ez4ln4b]

Very good tips for tourists who want to visit Paris ❤ For the carafe d'eau (free water) as a Parisian I almost felt in a trap in a VERY well known French Chef's restaurant. I ordered une carafe and when I read the bill I could see that they wanted me to pay the water because it was a "filtered" water. It was 5€! I refuses to pay because I told them that they had the obligation to announce it when I was placing the order and that traditionally in France when you ask for à carafe this free of charge. They right away withdrew this line on the bill. I usually tip but this time they had zero euro as I felt almost stolen and I was thinking about the poor tourists who could not defend themselves as well as I did!

[@Specialk6894]

Very nice of you to care about tourists.

[@user-ht7ez4ln4b]

@@Specialk6894 you are welcome! We have such a beautiful city I never get enough of it. I just want people to enjoy Paris as much as I do!

[@Beth_Alice_Kaplan]

That’s very discouraging. 😕It’s good that you noticed this scam.

[@InXLsisDeo]

This restaurant deserves to be named. Unbelievable that well known restaurants resort to such cheap scams.

[@erik1836]

Very interesting and helpful tips that no one who isn't familiar with the lay of the land - would know about! Good to know. If I go to Paris, I will make a point of watching the entire complement of your videos.

[@renea6344]

Love your channel. Keep up the great work!

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

Thanks so much!

[@peterj.farnsworth2606]

Excellent advice, thank you

[@lapin3657]

Le pourboire ("tip" in English) a progressivement disparu de tous les services en France depuis au moins 20 ans. Avant il y avait des pourboires pour le garçon de café, au restaurant pour le service, pour le livreur, le postier, les artisans en tout genre etc ( rappel : le pourboire était donné pour les employés jamais pour les patrons ) tout cela a disparu et au contraire, l’employé est étonné et parfois vexé. Le seul endroit ou je laisse un pourboire, c’est chez le coiffeur 😀. De toute façon, le paiement généralisé par carte bancaire fait que beaucoup de gens n’ont plus d’argent liquide sur eux et payent même leur baguette de pain avec la carte.

[@germaintet7648]

Les prix ont surtout beaucoup augmenté.

[@tdelioncourt1268]

J'ai bossé en restauration pendant 15ans et j'ai toujours connu les pourboires ! Encore aujourd'hui les gens laissent facilement des billet de 5-10€ après un repas ou vont te payer un verre (et je parle d'un resto familial, pas d'un endroit huppé). Mais effectivment les gens se promènent avec moins de cash et certains établissement ne veulent pas les pourboires par CB (par soucis de comptabilité).

[@bodawei425]

C'est inexact. Laisser un pourboire dans un cafe ou restaurant n'est pas exceptionnel, meme si ce n'est pas automatique. Par contre, laisser un pourboire a son coiffeur, je n'ai jamais entendu ça. Mon coiffeur ferait surement une drole de tete et serait vexe (enfin je suppose).

[@justjacqueline2004]

Handy to know. The thefts are not exclusive to Paris, London has its fair share of scum even in the five star hotels .One of my bosses was in the Ritz and her bangles went missing from her bedroom's toilet. As they were valuable the kerfuffle that ensued was dramatic and their security was very good in retrieving the jewels.

[@aisumelef211]

I've always heard vloggers say to leave valuables at home instead of bringing it on your trip. There's been a rise in scams worldwide after the pandemic, online and in person. Even Japan has scams going on when it's been safe for a long time for visitors. And of course, no tipping. The hotel I was inquiring at thought I was referring to it when I asked about tourist tips. They specified there is no tipping in their hotel.

[@InXLsisDeo]

@@aisumelef211 vloggers are right about that. Don't tempt thieves.

[@robynmarty3853]

Excellent video! Thank you.

[@JM-gu3tx]

Thank you kindly for sharing all this. It is very good and noble of you.

[@annmajek5203]

I always use Welcome when arriving at CDG. They are great!

[@necrofear3124]

Thank you for this video. As a french myself it's quite a shame for me that you guys have to deal with this kind of stuff but hey, I guess no-where is perfect. At least it's really interesting even for me to know how tourists coming to France feels when visiting my country, as imperfect as it may be :)

[@diannewi]

A great video, priceless for first-time visitors. Thank you for such clear and concise information.

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

You're welcome

[@user-es8gw1nz5x]

Great Video as always 👍

[@annmarieaspromonte1086]

Love your channel! I hope to make it to Paris in 2026 as a retirement present and tour like a local. Merci!

[@catherinemori4496]

This is an irrelevant remark for Paris but, talking about tipping…..we were in LA a few weeks back and caught them adding a surcharge of 5% to our meals twice! These were really expensive family meals and, since everything in California is already overpriced, I was really annoyed. If you point it out, they remove it and say that it’s management’s idea, sorry! Often, they’ve already added the 18% tip, too.

[@bstewartexecutivecarcare3797]

Thanks for clarifying this. After watching many of your videos at restaurants I was wondering what was appropriate.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing there in Paris!!

[@LUCAS61911]

Thank you so much for your tips, my wife and I are going to Paris next month and this video was extremelly useful to us! I hope we can come accross you guys on the streets or Paris 🤣

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

🤣

[@Azia222]

I was the victim of pickpoceting in Paris sever weeks ago. It probably happened in metro station near musee l'orangerie. And I missed my flight, had a big shock, had to do my all documents. I was expecting thr charm of Paris, but sadly, it was least favourite city I have visited in my life :( it is very hard to enjoy, when you have to protect yourself and your stuff. In other countries you didint event think about it.

[@Beth_Alice_Kaplan]

I don’t know about that…I saw a man have his bag stolen on the DC Metro. I know because he chased the thief through the train, out the doors and onto the platform, where he tackled him. You need to watch your stuff everywhere, but don’t allow thieves to spoil your adventures!

[@Azia222]

@@Beth_Alice_Kaplan they are fast enough, it is easy to be a victim in a crowded place, like big/conection metro stations.

[@PortageurCa]

Very happy to get that tip info cleared up, thanks!

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

Yes! It has been confusing for too long.

[@jovanadjonlic]

Super useful! Thank you! 🥰

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

You’re welcome 😊

[@margaretames6522]

I was told that service was not included at one restaurant in Le Marais. I won’t ho back!😊

[@scandia67]

What was the name of the restaurant?

[@margaretames6522]

I got a belt bag so my belongings were always attached to me at all times.

[@KhordLizardMage]

Great video as always. We went to Paris for the first time in September for our 25th anniversary and your videos prepared us for the journey. Merci Beaucoup.

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

Happy anniversary! Glad you had a great trip.

[@nicholasfallowfield4379]

very helpful - thanks so much

[@Photostoryhr]

This tipping stupidity comes from USA, I live in Croatia and have experienced at some places the same thing. On the bottom of the check it said "tip is not included" in ENGLISH. Like in France tipping in Croatia is not necessary. Not only restaurants and cafes, some ice cream places put small jars at the counter and the sign on them is TIP. Typical american nonsense.

[@sadiemae9446]

We just returned back to the US from 10 days in Paris and thanks to all your advice/videos, I think we managed pretty well. We definitely paid a bit more for coffee because I became addicted to cafe creama and there were times we needed a break. the most expensive was near a train station. But we needed a break from the rain, were tired and the coffee was great. So that is what I choose to remember instead of the expense. otherwise we ate at places you recommended or off the beaten path. No bad experiences. and we always ordered tap water!! I highly recommend Comptoir Vietman in the the 13 th on rue Esquirol. Very small place. lovely staff. delicious food. we ate there twice! When its raining in paris, chilly and you've been traveling, there is nothing better than a big bowl of noodle soup!

[@scandia67]

Thanks for the restaurant recommendation!

[@margaretcaine4219]

Most Vietnamese restaurants serve pho, and there is nothing quite like it. It's yummy and very nutritious and filling.

[@danielmorris7648]

Tell me you're an out of touch ivory tower oppressor without telling me...

[@classiccuisine7001]

Thanks for the tip!

[@andrewmcfarlane5040]

Another excellent informative video guys. Thank you.

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

You're welcome. Thanks (again) for watching.

[@MH-fb5kr]

You are never ‘obligated’ to leave a tip…

[@hubertl75]

OMG!!!! You actually caught that woman stealing your CC on camera. Did you go to the police? Did they catch that loathsome person?

[@vincentdupont315]

yes!

[@eileenc6795]

Thanks for the info ❤!

[@AM-xv3jx]

Guys your videos are awesome!!!! They are very helpful especially for first time travellers

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

Thank you!

[@Pure_B]

Wow I didn't realise 15% service was already included in the price of the item. You should have shown the thieves face for all to see and not pixellated her face. She doesn't deserve to have her identity protected.

[@thomascook578]

May be an ongoing investigation, it may compromise the case

[@whytortureiswrong]

I wouldn't call that pixelated, honestly, her face is relatively clear. It's like the waiters saying that tips are not included: technically, her face is pixelated, but not that much 😂

[@Pure_B]

Technically her face is pixelated? Her face is pixelated then. 🙄@@whytortureiswrong

[@_akuma06]

@@Pure_B She might not deserve it but if he doesn't do it, he might be pursued by her for publicly showing her face and not respecting her rights (or something like that).

[@Pure_B]

@@_akuma06 You have no rights to privacy in a public place. Especially if you are stealing from someone elses bag.

Yes, ran into the tipping scam at La Coupole and Cafe le Champs de Mars. On both cases, they asked if I wanted to add the tip to the credit card.

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

these 2 cafes have 2 stars on Google and they deserve it.

[@josephj6521]

@@LesFrenchiesTravelMerci for the “tip”. 😉 I shall avoid these. In fact I’ll find cafes away from the main tourist places.

[@philiprichardson4277]

But that’s not necessarily a scam that’s normal! If you want to add a tip you can add it at the paying moment, but just a little amount. You tip a little bit if you liked the service. Just not nearly as much as you would in the US

@@philiprichardson4277Their suggesting a 5-10% tip is normal?

[@fredkarenclark4551]

Great info thank you

[@marvasewell2895]

Thanks for all of your videos, I’m coming to Paris In March and I learned so much from watching your channel. I’m actually gonna use the transfer from the airport until I figured out the metro

[@Zibutegerard]

And be careful at Charles De Gaulle airport security! I suggest avoiding this place if possible. Yesterday, did the x ray tech's keep or steal my son's $50.00 belt? He put it in with my items and then it was gone after going through x ray. We arrived three hours early and just made our flight with five minutes to spare after standing in line the entire time! We loved our trip to Paris but the airport experience probably ruined our plans to return.

[@josephj6521]

What type of belt did your son have? I’ve never had an experience anywhere. Merci.

[@Zibutegerard]

A leather belt nothing special. @@josephj6521

[@jamzzh]

I can't believe you, they are police officers, I pass thru them at least 4 times/year, never had any problem.

[@Zibutegerard]

I couldn't believe it myself! He put his belt in my box and they held the box after it went through the Xray. We had 15 minutes to run to our gate so he went ahead. By the time I made it there with only five minutes to spare he asked for the belt. It was NOT in the box and we didn't have time to go back. People were begging them to please release their coats and carry on items and many missed their flights. They didn't seem to care. I don't know why they held my coat and purse in the box bc she didn't even look at them. It was a mess and I'm so sad bc I was planning to return. Our full flight had many empty seats. We arrived three hours before our flight and barely made it. I've never experienced anything like this either. Very disappointing!

[@aisumelef211]

​@@ZibutegerardCan you elaborate what happened? You were at the security for three hours, is that what you mean? I'd like to know more details, if it's alright with you such as the date and flight schedule, which terminal, etc. I've only had the security for the connecting flight at CDG in 2009. They picked up on my Burt's Bees tin lip balm so, I had to show them the contents of my bag. They didn't find anything and let me go through. The lip balm went underneath a front pocket so, I missed it myself. Another time in Manila, my metal dry seal was detected at the airport entrance security. They throught I was a lawyer for carrying it. I was also dressed in a blazer pantsuit. In Italy, I'd wear my pants and blazer. I feel better and confident when I dress business than wearing the shirts and shorts that fellow tourists were wearing at the Vatican tour.

[@vrom___vrom___7923]

I French parisian . I going very often in restaurant I never see a restaurant in Paris ask tip ,Never ,and all in France to .I think it's forbidden to .But some restaurant ,a few restaurant writing on the tiket bill "a tip it's not included " ,if you want giving some think for the server, or not ? But it's not obligated at all ,it's has you like . That only it's for no confusions . Because ,for exemple ,in America I think you must give tip after eating in restaurant . Not in France ,it's has you like . And it's very rare ,and it's my opinion, stupid to ,writing that on the bill .

[@brianhynds6201]

Thank you for this.

[@SoItGoesCAL34]

Good video. Many years ago (decades before the turn of the century) we were surprise that the price of coffee depended on where you were sitting. The bar was the cheapest, then sitting in the special window seating, with the most expensive being outside. Not a scam because it was posted if you read the menu outside but it definitely caught me unaware.

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

That's not legal.... at least not today.

[@pascalguinet1940]

​@@LesFrenchiesTravelif the price difference is clearly show, it's totally legal. Nearly all café or bar have a distinguished price for comptoir or salle.

[@InXLsisDeo]

@@LesFrenchiesTravel Comptoir price and salle price are legal, it's the case in every café since... always. For outside price, never heard of that, but if it's on the menu, I guess it is legal.

[@griswald7156]

Outside should be vat free and sold as a takeaway….as you’re on the public bridleway…it should be illegal to charge vat on the pavement..or terrasse, what a cheek ! What about in a supermarket with a yellow sticker ? Then they scan the original barcode…

[@AlyaMcMelancholia]

​@griswald7156 No, outside is also part of the restaurant by law. And if the owner pay a little extra, they can also have a bigger terrasse. My sources ? My sister works as a waitress and was wondering the same thing

[@fritslabroussaille384]

Franchement, bravo pour vos conseils. c'est une honte pour nous que de voir des touristes se faire arnaquer par ces escrocs, surtout à Paris et on peine à comprendre que malgré les signalements, les services de contrôle des fraudes ne soient pas plus sévères envers les fraudeurs. C'est à désespérer. En Tout cas merci beaucoup pour cette vidéo et l'effort de prévention que vous faites. Mes étudiants en Chine ont beaucoup apprécié vos conseils et le format de la vidéo. Bonne continuation.

[@vincentdupont315]

Merci infiniment, nous prévenons de fait, les futurs touristes contre les arnaqueurs de tous poils, car ils ne le font pas avec des Français. Bienvenu en France

[@dishavirk6484]

This was such an insightful and eye-opening video. Thank you so much❤❤

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@Eli-from-Boston.]

Awesome video !!

[@TheThundercool]

I mean, the tip trick is clearly meant for americans. The rate of people falling for that would drop drastically with anyone else.

[@warrenwolf4690]

Bonjour Antoine and Coleen. It was a little sad to have to listen to this. But , I guess it needed to be said. Thanks for the service announcement In French class I learned a tip was called a “ pour boire “(for a drink)😊

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jonwiley2592]

My French class may have anticipated this video. We learned: "Le pourboire, est-il compris?"

[@warrenwolf4690]

@@jonwiley2592 tres bien, mon ami😀

[@user-ep3ck5re4o]

Good advice - worth subscription 👌💪🙏

[@mortifinkenbein9559]

I would NEVER order anything in a restaurant/cafe without knowing the price! In a city like Paris I would take a picture of the prices on the menu, so they cannot use higher prices later.

[@vbowker]

I watched this and literally 2 days later, my wife and I ate at Les Deux Magots. I know that Les Deux is considered touristic, but we'd eaten there a couple of times before, because we liked it so much last May. Food was great, service was good considering the waiter had several tables out front, BUT when he brought the check, he made it a point to ask "Do you want to add a tip? "and pointed to the 10% and 20% options on the bottom of the check. I honestly didn't mind leaving something, but I did feel pressured to do so, and now regret not pushing back. I hope that $7 was worth it to the guy for so many people to read this.

[@aisumelef211]

I read that it's becoming common for them to do this because they know that there's a tipping culture in countries like the US and Canada. No need to feel bad if you wanted to appreciate someone who went above and beyond to serve you.

[@tdelioncourt1268]

As a French who left the service industry a few month ago this irks me to read! I hope this practice won't spread. Now I see "do you want to give X€ to whatever cause" each time I do my groceries or go to a corporate shop, it started like 2 years ago and it is now everywhere! I hate this pressuring! More reasons to support local shops.

[@InXLsisDeo]

He deserved $0 for trying to scam you.

[@yomommashaus]

I had that last year, waiter straight up asked if I wanted to leave a tip and I was taken aback and said "uhh no!" and gave him a look and he finished up pretty quick and left haha what a dickhead

[@LinhLe-cc9of]

I have been to Paris a few times and never got scammed or lost anything, you just have to be a little careful as I see a lot of people carrying bags that opened as if asking the thieves to take whatever they want . As for tip , I think a little money to make the sever happy worth the joy of the trip , I always give tips even in the breakfast hall in the hotel ( breakfast is included in hotel charges) . By the way , don’t wear expensive jewelry when you’re travelling 😊.

[@lindak5606]

A cup of herbal tea cost 8 Euro ..not far from Champs Elysees. The most expensive tea I ever had.

[@Celestialkarma]

Thanks for sharing God bless

[@JayHelms]

Super helpful!

[@charrio2]

Waiters should know if the customers gets upset because they've been lied to then...Zero tip! Tips are given if customers are happy and wants to give tips. It's not the law to have to give a Tip.