Take it from a former Paris waitress: There are multiple ways to avoid unofficial “tourism tax” in cafes and bars | Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett

wInvestigate the tips of Paris waiters and find foreign tourists Tear offI can only think of, “Quille Surprise!” Anyone who was shocked was shocked by Citron Pressé and the espresso near the Boulevard St. Germain Boulevard – as I did on a recent visit, I would undoubtedly join my defense. Undercover reporters at Le Parisien pretending to be bettors in cafes around Champ de Mars and find foreign tourists being charged 50% More Compared to French customers, using various tips, including providing only bottled water or more expensive beverages, does not include service and exchange it for the cheapest wine on the menu.

As a former waitress in the French capital, I am from both sides of the conflict. Before I left home at 18, my mother visited my dad in the mid-1980s and pointed out that there seemed to be a suspicious Ford on all the bills. As a result, whenever I am, I am a little alert en terrassealways make sure to ask for tap water and interrogate anything that looks incorrect. Then I became a waitress myself.

Despite the sly and inexperienced French, the Left Bank crepe hired me for some reason (actually, I know why: I agreed to date a former chef). When I find a French table command perroquet, kir and a Menthe a l’eau. What are these weird, exotic drinks and how do I make them? French customers have strict requirements. Meanwhile, tourists, especially Americans. (Recent TripAdvisor reviews prove this difference – shockingly on French websites, English shines.)

I have never deprived tourists. In fact, they once breathed a sigh of relief to say hello to me because I not only spoke English, but also had to realize a long history Rude reputation Among the service staff in Paris, they will work hard to attract them – a stare pallet (naturally) (the French customer never tilted). However, what I do is a lot of sales. “Order two glasses of Breton cider? Why don’t there be bottles?” – This kind of thing, it’s the standard for hospitality classes. However, I did know the waiters who have fewer honest strategies.

Then, a group of American diners suffered an outrageous scam at the Left Bank butter shop. We were happy until the bill arrived, so we found out that the board was priced at multiple and we were charged a more expensive picpoul bottle than we ordered. My questions about the bill quickly quarreled with the waiter who frankly denied that we had promised the deal and said, probably the most French way: “In Paris, you’ll pay more for Oeufs Mayonnaise.” After that, just mention anything, it became a slogan in our house. (Other of our family buzzwords is the “Allo” Allo! accent that is deployed when we eat the parsnips draft. FranceWe feed the pigs Zees! ”)

Look, I love France and the French. I have family and friends from France, part of my heart will live forever in Paris, 18 years old, smoking in a bar, with books in my hand (preferably being a waitress in France, but being allowed to read rather than being told to smile). However, even in this age of Instagram travel, there has never been any action taken away from tourists. Openism. If this is legal, I don’t object to the tourism tax.

My advice has not been deprived Paris Here’s it: Avoid any touting places outside; say Bonjour when you walk in, thank you when you order. Learn about French tap water. Please note that bread should be free. Look around and observe the size of the drinks locals have and do them when ordering. If you provide one side or other type of wine, ask what it is. Read the bill on arrival and don’t be afraid to question it. Ask if the service is included and check the amount on the card machine before payment. And – OUEFS Mayonnaise Rules – If the offer looks so good that it can’t be true.