I have a friend who had a similar restaurant experience in Nice last summer. She is a fluent French speaker but was with friends who only spoke English--so the waiter apparently assumed that they were all non-French speakers. The waiter tried to demand a 20% tip from the group as they were paying. My friend switched into French and asked why he was asking them for a tip since it was already included. He immediately backed off and apologized. She was appalled that this happened and stressed to her friends that the tip is always included in restaurant meals.

I agree with you 100%, Arielle. Tipping at American levels (i.e., 20-25%) sets a very bad precedent and creates a disturbance in the French restaurant universe!

In Paris, Rome or wherever, I never make eye contact with these sellers of stuff and as soon as they turn to approach me, I say no! and keep walking. In Paris, on the Champs Élysée, we stopped and my husband and son looked in a shop window. My other son and I were a bit further away. I noticed a group of men leaning on a wall. One slowly walked over to my son and husband, I began to intercept him but my son was aware and spun around, crossed him arms and stared him directly in the eye. He immediately changed course and walked back to his spot on to wall. One must be stern and aware in any tourist location. Similar on a Roman bus. I noticed someone edging closer from the back. I turned to ride backwards and made direct eye contact, he moved back to his spot. I’m an expat in Germany using public trans often, one always needs to be aware, not scared but aware and decisive.

This is a great warning for tourists anywhere.

Hi Ariel, living in Belgium and visiting France every week (I live right on the border), and visiting many times a year the city of lights. There is something to be said about tipping in France. You're not supposed to tip, but we almost always do tip- when we go to our regular places (in Lille for example). We know the servers, they know us, they do their best to give us a good time, and this is our way to thank them with an extra. We don't do it everywhere, but in our regular places we do. We also don't sit in touristic places usually, unless there is nothing else in the area. It's the same thing here in Belgium in places like Brussels or Brugge. We had this strangers with "petition", or someone that "lost his wife" with the wallet or "got robbed" and need help. They first ask you if you speak English, because they won't do it with locals. For people who say that the metro isn't a good way to move in Paris- I think it's the best way to move inside the city, unless you're a woman by yourself in the late night hours. Of course the metro will be busy and unpleasant in the summer, especially the lines that takes you to the touristic areas. But in general it's cheaper and safe. Another huge thing to avoid are the taxis that aren't taxis. Once I arrived Gare Du Nord, and I wanted to take a taxi because I had a huge suitcase. I didn't pay attention that the driver didn't have a Parisien sign and I ended up paying 80 euro (it was during rush hour, 45 minutes), which is even more than what you'll pay a taxi from the airport.

I lived in Paris back in 1974 as a college student on an immersive French studies program. When our program concluded, a female classmate and I traveled for several weeks around France, Italy and Germany on student rail passes. Because we were both pretty fluent in several languages other than English (me in French and Spanish, and she in French and German), in order to avoid scams and other potential threats posed to tourists, especially young female tourists, we made it a point to never let anyone hear us speaking in English. It worked. More than a few Italian men found themselves being told off in French! LOL.

This truly is not limited to Paris. Most major cities in the world have similar scams. I grew up in New York City and have lived and traveled all over. Anywhere there are tourists, there are scammers waiting to take advantage of them. It’s sad but we all need to travel with our guard up and learn to aggressively say NO.

I travel to Paris often, nearly always solo. I don't encounter these scams and problems, because I dress nicely, walk like I know where I'm going, and ignore anyone who approaches me. Anyone. I do think people dressed like tourists (ball caps, shorts, etc.) AND people walking in a group and chattering in English do get targeted. I haven't heard of this new "automatic 20% tip added" scheme. Yet another rip-off, like the shell games, string bracelets, and petitions.Thanks for your sister's story and I'll certainly be on the alert for this particular crappy scam on my next trip.

Hi, Thank you for doing this video, because when you go to a new country you are not sure what normal. I visited Paris last year and thanks to watching videos like your help me know what to look out for. I saw the woman with clip boards and avoided them! Paris is so beautiful and should be enjoy without fears!

This was fantastic! Thank you for sharing this.

Thanks for the warning, btw you're such a good story teller! hehe xoxo

Years ago I stayed in Tours and passed through the train station multiple times over several days. Every single time the same beggar girl with a pram containing a "baby" (actually a doll) would confront me. She would always ask if I spoke English to which I would say NO. I figured after the umpteenth time she would recognise me and not bother but no. It became like a ritual.

Just scream until they walk away. Shout and tell them to duck off. You don't have to tell them nicely. They are trying to rob you basically. So just be loud and make them so awkward they book it out of there.

As an American Each of the examples you provided happened to me 4 years ago and in the moment I thought it was the norm. Looking back and when told people my experiences they said no you were scammed. However I’m glad that didn’t ruin my trip as it was one of the most beautiful experiences I had. Thank you for sharing and people please do your research before you visit the country. KZfaqr is a great place to start especially this one. Thank you

Thank you for this video. I've traveled to Italy and knew of similar tactics, but I will be traveling to Paris, France for the first-time next month. These are very good tips to hopefully avoid the scams. Again, thanks for sharing!

Thanks again for the pickpocket advice !!!! 🎊👍💯💯🎊👍

So sad that happened to your family and friends. My recommendations are: -travel low season if possible -do your research, ALL the scams that we learned about happened to us in Paris and in different cities in Italy. But we were prepared! -learn to say “no, thank you” in the native language. Be firm and walk away! Wish you all the best!

Thank you so much for this!

Thanks for sharing this video. 🙏

Thanks for sharing this. I’m going next week.

Great advise. Thank you

Was in Paris a month, and no one approached me. I must have that no chance face

These kind of people tried to do this to my sister and me in Rome. We very firmly told them no .

North Americans, especially Americans, don't seem to realize that our tipping culture is not the norm in most parts of the world. I am a frequent traveler - with much of my travels around the world including some amount of cruising (about 50 cruises to date) - and I am always astonished and angered by the number of North American passengers who feel it's necessary to give extra cash tips and gifts to crew members - on top of the huge "Automatic Daily Gratuities" already charged on their accounts by the cruise lines.

I have read about other restaurants also adding tips automatically in touristy areas. We just spent the month of June there and only once did a server ask me if I wanted to add a gratuity when he brought the credit card machine. I simply replied, “no, merci.”

How disturbing. I’m glad she didn’t get her stuff taken. If someone followed me around wanting me to buy wine (or any food) I’d think it was poisoned because that’s really weird and there’s no way I’d do it. Lol. I hope your sister had a great time regardless.

Wisitors should google all restaurants! There are a ton of negative reviews on line on Yelp that have given Bailli negative reviews very similar to your sister's experience. Bisous!

Why didn’t they walk away or call out for police?

They are seeking people who look like targets and easy prey. In NYC, people walk away no matter the language.

Ughh i hate those people, thankfully, when you are latin (like me) they respect us a little bit more, but i have seen how they scam people for North America and its so annoying, i always say something when i can

Omg I'm scared bringing my 80 yo mom to Paris with me because of all these scams!

That is right. Americans has ruined the tipping culture in the whole world. In Asia it is concidered rude to tip and they still tip and now it has become a norm in some businesses that only deals with turists. As you say they expect us to accept there norm but they don´t expect other countries norms. They think they are nice but it is not.

Sounds like the "foreigner tax" scam that's done in Japan, lol

We are able to unite. Let's put these experiences on google reviews for example. I often check these to see what other people experienced in a restaurant, hotel or cafe.

I MUST know the brand of mascara you are wearing please!!!!❤️

it's shocking to see the reviews online of this restaurant.... literally they have no shame. I would just walk out. Not pay. Call the police. You are charging me for things that I did not agree to. But I think this is so eye opening to make sure you check reviews now before you go.... literally 181 reviews right now on trip advisor and 165 of them are one star. I've never experienced something like that. but it is frightening. and tourists aren't going to ''lawyer up'' and the locals clearly aren't eating there.

I was in Paris in June for 3 days. We prepped for 6 months planning our itinerary and watching various videos. We stayed in St Germain and walked or took the Toot Bus to get around. After hours I scheduled a G7 from the Eiffel Tower back to our hotel. Our hotel coordinated a car to pick us up at CDG and take us to Gare Du Nord upon departure. We were aware of the typical scams and avoided the Metro due to the various stories of people getting fined for having purchased the wrong tickets. Only scam I ran into was at Sacré-Cœur. While admiring the Paris view a girl came right up to me a shoved a clip board in my face and tapped it aggressively with a pen. I speak English and German so I held up my right hand and sternly said "Nein Danke" and she promptly walked off. Enjoyed our brief time in France and may revisit in the future.

I cannot believe anyone would believe that signing a petition in a foreign country is legitimate. Just like in the US you usually have to be at minimum a resident to have your signature be valid on a petition. Thanks for bringing these to our attention.

This happened to me and my sister. They added an extra euro to everything on the menu. They charged us for water they didn’t bring to us. We were so afraid to challenge them. Americans cause this issue in France because they over romanticised France so much we all have to suffer so much so that when I enter a taxi they are like oh American? I was so offended.

Never go to a cafe anywhere near tour Eiffel, always terrible.

Yes, I live here and I agree 100%. By the way, those are not French people. The only times I've been ripped off in Paris, it's been by seasonal workers or illegals and they do not have a French accent. Anyway in July, August most Parisiens have left the city. Check restaurants on TripAdvisor beforehand and do not be afraid to yell at street scammers who are too insistant. Speak to no strangers or vendors who approach you in public. Do not be polite when someone invades your space because they are either scammers or they are mentally ill. Be polite to everyone else.

I heard about the tipping scam before..

Not sure where servers are getting $3 p/hr in the US even under the table

What is the name of the resto?

Great video and beautiful dress.

I guess it was only a matter of time before tipping caught on with servers outside the US and Canada. Stalking and forced ATM withdrawls are a whole other story though!! I've heard the pickpockets have gotten more aggressive due to theft proof bags and tourists becoming more educated on the scams.

The comments on Tripadvisor for this restaurant are bad and the same consistent behavior is highlighted e.g extortionate prices and adding tips.

How to get Margarita ?

The more you say no, the better. Do not give in. That’s what they count on. Why did they feel they had to?

Have you thought about being a lawyer. A very good vid, indeed.

I am living in Paris,for over 15 years, if these women or teenaga girls come up to you, with thier clipboards, usually asking "do you speak english" just answer with a firm non, french for no and continue walking! they will leave you alone! as for restaurants stay away from the tourist hot spots, as these restaurants are very overpriced! look for restaurants where the local parisians go, they are cheaper with good food and drink, friendly! and more relaxed! and you can sit for hours with a good bottle of wine, and not be hurried, not like those god awful tourist restaurants, and if you want to have a picnic, parisians love their picnics,when the weather is warm, buy your wine at a supermarket they have a good selection of wines for as little as 4 euros! you don't need to take the metro, Paris is not a big city, so walking is ideal! and more enjoyable, if you need to take public transport metros are fine! buses are a good also, i walk everywhere, or i take my bike, in the evenings uber is a good choice as the price is set so you know how much your trip will cost! and one more thing it is common sense keep money phone ect inside a jecket, hold your bag close to you when on metro closed! never put valuables in backpacks, or pockets! 😃

Absolutely disgusting and predatory

Being female makes you an automatic target. So do clothes with sports/brand logos and baseball caps. Just say loudly: 'F**K Off!!" Keep yelling if necessary. Scammers won't want to attract attention.

No server in Canada is paid less than minimum wage. We just do tipping because the culture has come up from the US. So let's not bring it here to France shall we? I work in France several months a year and have had this scam attempted to be pulled on me but I fight them back because I speak fluent French 🤣

Are people allowed to bring their own wine bottle to the picnic area? 🤔

Franco-American here French mother American father US army! The best way to move around France is to do so with someone who knows France the secound best is to learn to stand your ground without fear when you say no mean it look at him in the eyes when you say no with a pinch of nasty behind your no, and yes women can did this here in France this is in NO way come-on to Frenchmen however not looking at him can be don't be shy if your street-wise from a big city stateside this will easier to pull off! Never no matter what you see or hear never ever let people on the street know you have money when you do there is a target on you never open your wallet unless a police officer in uniform as you for ID! Hold your head up high when you walk look where your at look at where others are at never walk into open places where there group of people walk around them not through them, but look at them let them see your looking at them without holding your eyes on them just enough so he knows you saw him don't stop walk keep moving even if he talks to you even if he begs you for help keep moving you not here to save him! Never shake hands with anyone you don't know keep moving he follows you keep moving don't answer his questions! If he speaks English there is alreafy a target on you keep moving don't look back keep moving until you don't hear him behind you! Find someone who knows the French to tell you if you look American and what can you do to look less American like cameras and camera bags are bad cameras with a long lenses super, bad backpacks bad, name band backpacks super bad, cute backpacks even worst; women in high heels very bad women carry their handbag the wrong way 1000 times worst if your in heels your not able to run him, however you will look cute having your handbag taking away from you! There is a big diffence from having a target on you, and having a bulleyes on you learn to not do both, and France can be fun! Good luck! New subscriber here and a thumbs up!

Why are the French people always on strike for higher pay or rioting over police violence?

Be like the French... Just say NON !!!

My other tips to people just visiting Paris for a week, don’t take Metro at all. metro here mad dirty, humid, next level of scammers. Rent scooter or bike which I love the best but use Bolt/G7 or Uber to go around the city. Learn the phase “la Chem svp” demand Air conditioning to be on… some of these drivers are cheap…lol… btw. Uber or Deliveroo to hotel and Airbnb is great option for lazy evening too….

I live and work in Paris. Know what the REAL scam is? Paying money to visit Paris. Go to Switzerland, or Japan, or Taiwan, or even German castles.. Don't waste your money here.

Je me demande si pour un québécois..si tu serais arnaqué de même lol?

Tipping is amazing. My former server friends made nearly 5x as much as a minimum wage French servers with tips alone. They're scamming foreign customers because they want more money.

I think she blocked me in tiktok already, but let me say this again here… don’t talk to anyone in Paris speaking English to you specially when they are darker than u…and always use google reviews before seating a cafe

repetition sharing details - not necessary for we viewers to understand the simple concept

Europe is no worse than the US. Why frighten people about Paris.

With all these scams, French rudeness etc I'm dreading my upcoming trip to Paris 🫤

I got ‘clipboard’ scammed outside of Garnier Opera 🫠 it sucked but experience is definitely the best teacher.