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Where is Ireland’s tipping culture going?

The cost of living is considerably cheaper in this part of France

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.
Tue Feb 17 2026 - 06:00 • 1 MIN READ

Sir, – I live in rural France where there is no tipping culture (“Accidental tipping: The growth of tip terminals and involuntary gratuities,” Pricewatch, February 16th). The minimum wage is €12.02 per hour compared to Ireland’s €14.15 per hour. However, the cost of living is considerably cheaper in this part of France, where a good coffee with a complimentary biscuit costs €1.70.

Is Ireland drifting towards the American mandatory tipping culture? – Yours, etc,

DES FOLEY,

Brittany,

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France.