Tip in the local currencyWhenever you tip during your trip to France it is important to use the local currency, that is - Euros.
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The US dollar is not the medium of exchange. Most likely, the individual would have to locate a reliable cash exchange source, which might not always be easily available. If you want to provide a tip, be kind and respectful. When at your European designation, withdraw cash using your ATM card and offer tips in euros.
Is it expected? Tipping in Spain works differently: The customer actually has the option to not leave any tip at all. However, restaurants expect a 10% tip on each bill—although it's not a formal rule, and that percentage is much lower than tipping practices in other countries.
By far the easiest way to pay for things in France is simply to use an international credit card or debit card. Visa and Mastercard can be used all over France, and American Express cards and other international cards in a number of places.
Paris is not as expensive as Tokyo or Oslo, but even an average hotel can cost $200 or more -- in many cases, much, much more. It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks.
Keep a small amount of currency before traveling to cover immediate expenses upon arrival. Yet, obtaining Euros upon arrival in France is often more cost-effective, as exchange rates and fees may be more favorable in local banks or currency exchange offices.
If you can, it's always best to leave your tip in the local currency, not on a credit card or in U.S. dollars. There are several countries in Central and South America where the tip is included in the price of the bill, or culturally it is uncommon, so there's no need to tip.
When dining at a restaurant in Europe you should expect to tip a bit more modestly than you would in America. If a service charge is included in your bill then leaving a tip is optional. If it isn't you can leave a 5-10% tip without insulting your waiter or waitress.
For housekeeping, you'd leave gratuity as you would in most hotels around the world—a few euro per day. And finally, for a concierge giving excellent recommendations or taking care of your reservations, you might tip five to €15 for each reservation or booking they handle.
Tipping taxi drivers isn't required; however, locals often round up to the nearest euro or leave up to 5 percent. If the driver helps you with your bags (particularly if they're large), it's customary to tip one or two euros per bag.
Yes, tap water in Paris is perfectly safe to drink and is readily available wherever you go, even at public water fountains. As long as taps aren't labeled eau non potable—meaning “not for drinking” in French—everything else is potable. In fact, drinking water from the fountains of Paris has been encouraged.