For an interesting topic, it doesn't really matter if the OP checks back in or not.

MorganB, We are *always* chattering among ourselves. If you haven't caught on to that, you must be new around ere -lol!

Not to worry...the OP and her gang (I'm one of them) is checking in regularly on this thread to see what all you smart Fodorites think. Boy, if you want an opinion, just ask...

Travelbunny,
Great! It's genetic and I love it.
M

Yes I know we chatter :) Just poking fun. Now I can add my opinion:

If you want to pay 5 ways, calculate it yourselves. In France they will let you pay with 5 credit cards as long as you tell them how much to put on each.

Having a common purse and one person acting as "Banker" makes everything so much simpler. It all evens out in the end, UNLESS someone is particularly or overly parsimonious.

Hi all,
Yes, I'm still around (though I did fly to San Francisco for several days).
Thank you for responding to my question. This was my second question that I've posted (my first had 0 responses!) and I am overwhelmed. Since there is a range of opinions, I've decided to do some first hand research while in Paris in June 2007.
I'll let you know the results... if the interest is still there.