Prices in France

As a rule, prices for hotels and restaurants in the French regions, and for other goods and services -- major cities included -- are significantly less expensive than in Paris.

There are also significant discounts for senior citizens, students and children under 18 for domestic transportation, museums and monuments for some leisure activities like the movies.

RESTAURANTS : Restaurants usually charge for meals in two ways: a prix-fixe menu (also called a "menu"). This includes 2 or 3 courses, with cheese and/or dessert, and sometimes a half-bottle of wine -- all for a stated price -- or ordering "a la carte" -

The more expensive way, with each course ordered separately.

CAFES : Prices at cafes can vary considerably depending on the location of a particular cafe as well as where one is seated in the establishment. Prices in areas that attract a high volume of tourists (for example, the vicinity of the Champs-Elysees, around Notre Dame) tend to be more expensive. Every cafe has different prices depending on whether one stands at the counter or sits at a table.

TIPPING IN FRANCE : Almost all restaurant include tax and a 15%service charge (service compris) in their prices. If a meal or service has been particularly good, leaving another 1.50€ (or 2-3%) is customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change from your bill if you pay in cash. If service is not included (service non compris) a 15% tip is appropriate. In hotels, tip porters 1.50€ for each bag and chambermaids 1.50€ a day. Taxi drivers should be given 10-15% of the metered fare. Tip hairdressers 10%, assistant 5%. Small tips of around 1.00€ are reasonable for cloakroom and washroom attendants, ushers and museum tour guide. It is standard practice to tip tour guides and bus drivers after an excursion, generally 1.50-3.00€, depending on the level of the satisfaction.

Credit Cards

They are accepted in a large number of shops, hotels and restaurants. Shopkeepers often state a minimum amount required to be spent.

If you lose your credit card, immediately contact your credit card emergency hot-line to cancel the card, or call your credit card company's local office - see choise of numbers below:

Eurocard-Mastercard:

Visa: Toll free: 1-800-VISA-911

Diner's Club: Toll free: 0810 314 159

American Express: Toll free: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877- 382-4357