How foreign tourists are charged 50% more in Paris than French customers
Newspaper Le Parisien sent out one of their reporters dressed like a tourist from the USA as well as one of their local employees to a cafe near the Eiffel Tower.
Both sat down and ordered the same dish – a lasagna, a Coke and water – but given drastically different prices when given the check.
The obviously 'French' customer was charged €6.50 for their soft drink and given a carafe of water for free.
But the 'American' was charged €9.50 for a large coke which was only half a litre.
They were also made to spend €6 on bottled water with no offer of a carafe.
The pair moved to a different establishment to test the tipping policy.
The 'French' customer had a 10% service charge included, but the 'American' was told it 'isn't included'.
When he agreed to add a 10% tip, the waiter discreetly raised it to 15%.
Franck Trouet of the hotel and restaurant umbrella group GHR said: 'It's a disgrace to the profession. You can't even call these people waiters.
'You should know that in France, water and bread are free. One can refuse a bottle of water. The tip is to express thanks for the service if one is very satisfied. Above all, it is not compulsory. This is not the United States'.
Parisian restaurants and bars were also found to be cheating tourists out of wine last month.
A sommelier posing as a tourist ordered a glass of Chablis costing around €9, but instead was served the cheapest €5 sauvignon on the menu – and was still charged the higher amount.
Wine merchant Marina Giuberti said: 'It's a pity for the customer and for the image of the wine appellation, for the winemaker and for the restaurant owners who do a good job.'
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