How foreign tourists are charged 50% more in Paris than French customers

The bills were drastically different (Picture: Getty Images)

It’s long been suspected that tourists pay more than locals at restaurants in Paris.

But now,newspaper Le Parisien has put the theory to the test.

They separately sent a reporter posing as an American tourist and Radin Malin – France’s answer to Martin Lewis – to a cafe near the Eiffel Tower.

They both ordered lasagne,coke and water,but ended up with very different bills.

The Frenchman received a can of coke for €6.50,along with a carafe of water.

The American was only offered ‘medium’ or ‘large’ coke,with no explanation of sizes or prices. He ended up with a pint costing €9.50,plus a €6 bottle of water.

The server also offered him some garlic bread,without mentioning it would cost extra – another €6 added to the bill.

Franck Trouet of the hotel and restaurant umbrella group GHR said: ‘In France,water and bread are free. You can refuse bottled water. A tip is a thank you for great service if you’re happy. Above all,it is not compulsory. This isn’t the United States.’

He added: ‘It’s a disgrace to the profession. You can’t even call these people waiters.’

A French reporter dressing as an American tourist

Next,they headed to another cafe to test tipping – a confusing issue for tourists used to American norms,where tips are expected.

The American agreed to a 10% tip,but the waiter discreetly raised it to 15%. The Frenchman wasn’t asked to tip at all and the final difference between their bills was €10.

And this isn’t the only scam. Just last month,some Parisian bars were caught serving tourists cheaper wines while charging premium prices.

A sommelier posing as a tourist ordered a €9 glass of Chablis,but was served the cheapest €5 sauvignon on the menu,and still charged the higher price.

Wine merchant Marina Giuberti said: ‘It’s a pity for the customer and for the image of the wine appellation,for the winemaker and for the restaurant owners who do a good job.’