A waitress working in Paris has come forward to warn tourists about an increasingly common scam: restaurants adding hidden "tourist taxes" to bills, leaving visitors paying far more than they expected.
Speaking anonymously, the waitress revealed how some establishments exploit tourists' lack of local knowledge by inflating prices or adding mysterious charges to their bills. "I've seen customers charged €5 extra for bread they didn't order," she said. "Others find their bill suddenly includes a 'service touristique' that was never mentioned."
How the Scam Works
The scheme typically involves:
- Adding unrequested items to bills
- Charging premium prices not displayed on menus
- Including mysterious "tourist fees"
- Claiming prices are higher for non-locals
Protecting Yourself as a Tourist
Experts recommend:
- Always check menu prices before ordering
- Ask for an itemized bill
- Question any unfamiliar charges
- Pay with card to create a paper trail
- Learn basic French phrases to communicate better
The Paris Chamber of Commerce acknowledges some establishments take advantage of tourists but insists these are isolated cases. However, with tourism numbers rebounding post-pandemic, visitors are advised to stay vigilant against these practices.
