VAT and tipping

[Silvertraveler]

Okay, I don't get it...
What is the VAT? Is it charged on all purchases including food?
Is it customary to tip for service in France? In DLRP?
Thanks!

 

[Wuzefelix]

Hi!

VAT is basically a tax on all sales. But do not worry about the VAT, in Europe it is always included in the price. You do not need to think about it.

Yes, it is usual to tip for services in France. In restaurants, you usually give a 10% tip of the price. You also tip taxi drivers.

The housekeeping in the hotels can be also tipped. But it is not really sure whether you need to do this or not. I usually do'nt leave a tip in the hotel.

Greetings, Wuzefelix

 

[Silvertraveler]

Is the VAT included even in store prices (like for souvenirs) or just food. Do you tip in England on food? What is a typical percent?
Are there other taxes to pay on purchases?
Can you get the VAT refunded at ANY airport (i.e. Charles d')?
Thanks!

 

[chrismoo]

VAT is included in every item price you buy, as it is fixed for the country, e.g. the current rate in the UK is 17.5% so we can easily price items to include it unlike the US system where it seems to vary between city and states.

There is no VAT on essential food in supermarkets shops, but every price on the shelf is the price you will pay.

There is no other taxes to pay when buying items.

On tipping, its really down to your personal views, technically the person working the Petrol station or in the supermarket could be earning the same wage as someone waiting tables, so unlike the US you can tip if you feel you have had great service rather then by it being expected like the US.

 

[hildasmuriel]

Is the VAT included even in store prices (like for souvenirs) or just food. Do you tip in England on food? What is a typical percent?
Are there other taxes to pay on purchases?
Can you get the VAT refunded at ANY airport (i.e. Charles d')?
Thanks!

I'm not really sure about getting your VAT refunded but I know plenty of shops advertise they have 'Tax free shopping for overseas visitors' - which I have always understood to mean that you get your VAT back straight away in those stores.

I can echo what Chrismoo said - the minimum wage laws in the UK mean that tipping isn't essential to bring a waiter's wage up to scratch - it only needs to be done where the service warrants it (although in reality most people will tip 10% regardless. Any more than 10% is reserved for when the service is above and beyond)

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Most guidebooks say for a meal just tip change or a euro, it isnt as important as USA.

 

[tennisfan]

My rule of thumb is I tip approx 10% of the bill if I have received good service, I don't tip if I have poor service. Regardless of what country i'm in.

 

[ukstitch]

If I remember correctly, many restaurants in France actually include a tip as part of the bill, so it becomes less important to actually leave a tip, unless you've had good service and want to leave extra.

 

[bavaria]

Correct - it is listed as 'Service compris' or sometimes SC and is done pretty much at the majority of restaurants in France. It is generally 15%, so leaving a few Euros on the total is more than satisfactory.

 

[Cyrano]

If I remember correctly, many restaurants in France actually include a tip as part of the bill, so it becomes less important to actually leave a tip, unless you've had good service and want to leave extra.

If a service charge is included it will be clear on the bill