The Unspoken Rules About Splitting The Bill In France

Picture this: You and your friends are having a delicious Parisian lunch on the picturesque streets of Montmartre with a perfect view of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. You're enjoying the atmosphere and the vibes around you. The conversation is flowing as easily as the chilled Pinot Grigio — and then comes the bill. There are unspoken rules about splitting the bill in France, and your table is about to encounter some less than ideal issues with the waiter, especially as you ask to pay for things separately. Now your waiter seems unhappy and you seem rude. Well don't worry, we'll explain how to avoid this uncomfortable situation so your next visit to a French restaurant is as smooth as the butter melting on your steak frites.

While dining out with friends is a quintessential way to enjoy your time in Paris, splitting the bill can become quite controversial when it comes time to pay. Before you start thinking that splitting the bill is not allowed in France, it is fine to do so, and is not as troublesome as some make it out to be. However, there are ways to make it smoother and easier on everyone involved. From itemizing the bill yourselves according to what each person ordered, to splitting the bill evenly, to letting the waiter know before placing your order that you would prefer separate checks, there are ways to avoid the hassle. Whether you are dining at a fancy French restaurant or simply enjoying a street bistro, knowing these helpful tips for your next visit to France will save you an awkward encounter with a less than impressed waiter.

While it's less common in France, splitting the bill is an acceptable practice, especially among young people and coworkers. Once the bill comes, it can be easier to divide it evenly and have everyone pay the same amount. However, if you've only ordered a croissant and coffee while your friends have splurged on boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin, and a bottle of wine, chances are you don't want to foot any of that cost. In this case, everyone will count their share on their own and pay for what they ordered while getting a good grasp on what to expect to pay while dining in France. Often you can tell the waiter what you had and they will add it up, or use an app like Splitwise to help you itemize the bill yourselves. 

If you'd rather ensure you only cover your share, it's best to let the waiter know right when you sit down, before placing your order, that you would like separate checks. However, you can keep things simpler with a more traditional approach: One person pays the whole bill. You can either reimburse them for your share afterward, or consider taking turns footing the bill if you are traveling together. In most cases, the person who suggested the restaurant will usually pick up the tab. 

The French consider it vulgar to discuss money, and will often "argue" to be the one to cover the meal. Often, the person extending the invitation will pay the bill, and may suggest that their friends pay the next time they dine out together. Knowing these helpful bill-splitting tips for your next meal in France won't leave you worrying about who is covering that bottle of champagne.