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Post by Penny on Jul 28, 2007 13:27:27 GMT -5
when they ask if you are paying cash or by credit card. I'm referring to waiter and waitresses who may ask the question when you ask for check. l'addtion, s'il vous plait (the check please) Many restaurants use a small handheld credit card reader (which I love) and can run your credit card through right at the table so they are only asking so they know if they need to bring it with the check. (they may have only a couple of these, not one for every waiter) We frequented a small Italian restaurant across from our hotel, one evening it would not accept my credit card. Luckily I had enough in francs to pay. A couple of nights later the proprietor was apologizing over and over, "it was not your card, madame, it was the machine, it did it to another customer the same night"
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Post by GitteK on Jul 28, 2007 14:29:04 GMT -5
Penny - I have NEVER met a waiter/waitress in Paris (or elsewhere) who asked for tips. I think that they would feel it very humiliating to ask for tips.
You pay the amount on the bill with your credit card, and then if you liked the service very much, you are free to leave some tips in cash on the table. BUT it is not at all like in America where you MUST leave tips. In Paris the normal thing is "service inclus". I don't leave tips very often. The waiters/waitresses are paid normal wages, they do not depend on the tips to make a living, like they did in the old days - so you should not feel sorry for them or feel obliged to leave tips.
Luckily I had enough in francs to pay
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Jul 28, 2007 14:36:45 GMT -5
It's really not like in the US, where the wait staff is taxed on the assumption (without verification) that they get at least a 10% tip on average on all checks. But, good thing to point out to people who are unfamiliar with the concept of wait staff getting a living wage!
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Post by Penny on Jul 28, 2007 15:45:06 GMT -5
the main reason I was posting this was because of a comment made by a US diner at the next table. something like "is she pushing for a tip"?" does she want to make sure I leave a tip"? I had been having a conversation with that table so I replied and said no she just wants to know if she need to bring credit card reader.
I have never been to a restaurant here that has this system. but the waitstaff swiping at credit input or yourself at cashier is what is done here.
Only if you are an exceptional waitperson do you make a living wage here. I much prefer the French way! and I almost always leave extra.
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Post by Penny on Jul 28, 2007 15:58:30 GMT -5
GitteK- LOL would you tell all Americans about Must leave a tip! When I first moved to Texas the drinking age was 18, the restaurant I worked in was near a large university. we had 2 for 1 drinks from 4-8PM. We would have parties of 10+ students with a bill of $100 or more who would not leave a cent in tip. I tip 15% on average and usually more than that. I have a favorite waiter in Louisana casino who I used to tip about 30% (but the meal was free). Funny thing is he used to be a dancer at the Lido so we would swap Paris stories.
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grunblack
Full Member
Can't wait to get back...
Posts: 132
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Post by grunblack on Aug 2, 2007 3:48:57 GMT -5
Thanks Penny for pointing that out. I haven't seen that system here, but sounds like a good one. There is no expectation to tip in Australia, but you can leave some extra cash if you thought the service was fantastic.
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Post by Truffaut on Aug 2, 2007 7:29:29 GMT -5
A couple of observations about the portable credit card machines. First, it's often a good idea to have two different credit cards with you. For some reason, I've had many experiences where the cards don't work well in the machines.
Secondly, the process is that you ask for the bill, the server brings it, after reviewing the bill you put your card on the table, and then the server sees it and brings the machine. This whole process can take a significant amount of time. Just recently (perhaps because we're spending more time dining with Parisian friends), we've noticed that many locals get out their cards and have it in their hand when they signal they're ready for the bill. The server sees the card and knows to bring the machine along with the check--saves everybody (including the incredibly efficient creature know as the "Parisian waiter") a few steps.
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Post by Truffaut on Aug 2, 2007 7:31:04 GMT -5
I suppose I should add that I wouldn't do it that way in a really fine restaurant (Michelin-starred, for example), where a mere raised eyebrow is enough to bring the entire service team to your table.
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Post by GitteK on Aug 2, 2007 13:44:55 GMT -5
I hate it, when they put down the bill (in finer places maybe hidden inside some sort of booklet) and then just walk away !! DAMMIT - I asked for the bill because I did in fact intend to PAY NOW !! Not to be given another 15 minutes to study the bill, as if it was the Karma Sutra first edition with handcoloured illustrations !! So I usually stress/shock the waiter by insisting on paying toute suite and forcing my credit card into his hand, nilly willy........
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