Hello all,
I am looking for some feedback of customs for tipping shuttle-van drivers.
How much do you tip when taking a shuttle?
I have booked a shared shuttle service to pick us up at CDG and take us into Paris. On arrival we are 4 people with 4 suit cases. For our departure only 2 of us are leaving together for the CDG, again I booked the shuttle for the airport return for 2 people, 2 suitcases.
The shuttle is pre-paid. The confirmation statement says "Your credit card has been charged already. You do NOT have to pay the driver."
So it seems like they don't expect it .. or do they?
Customs on tipping Shuttle service driver (Airport transport)
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Hi t,
Paying the driver for the fare is not the same as giving the driver a gratuity (tip) for doing a better-than-expected job.
If he handles your luggage, goes out of his way to provide you a service, gets you to and fro without scaring you to death, a Euro or two is reasonable.
We always tip the driver. You may well see him on your return trip to the airport....sort of insuring a timely pick-up in my mind.
A couple of years ago, after a rather harrowing drive to my hotel, the shuttle driver shouted at me from the street that I had forgotten the tip. I had noticed the passengers dropped off before me tipped rather generously, and I had my normal couple of Euros in my hand but was putting my stuff down before handing it over. Once the shouting started, I did not hand it over and the driver was not happy.
So, yes, most do expect it.
These days I find it easier and quicker actually to take the RER.
I would tip them if I would tip a taxi driver, and they did a good job. That note is in reference to the shuttle fee, not the tip.
I might not tip as much as in a private taxi, as they'll get a lot more due to the number of people On the other hand, your shuttle fare is lower, so it probably evens out. I give them a couple euro (for one person).