Tipping in Greece

t’s not customary to tip in Greece; if you don’t, you won’t be considered rude or get a bad attitude from the staff. This may be a culture shock for those of you who are from North America. You can feel unkind if you don’t figure out what portion of the amount to add as a tip. Yet, in Europe, things are incredibly different.

But, as a traveler, consider leaving a tip, especially if you sat down for a while or experienced outstanding service. While certain employees in the US or Mexico’s tourism, hospitality, and restaurant industries are paid extremely little and expected to supplement their income with tips, Europe takes a very different approach.

Should You Tip In Greece?

In Greece, leavig a tip is neither expected nor usual. Yet tips are always welcomed, especially when dining out or interacting with restaurant workers. Greece does not have a tipping culture. The majority of natives and Europeans rarely leave tips. You won’t be making any social faux pas or encountering rude people if you choose not to tip. Tipping is entirely optional in Greece. If in doubt, 10% is usually acceptable. You might think about tipping 15 or even 20 percent if the service is excellent. You may make someone happy for a modest additional expense, which is priceless.

Tipping In Restaurants

During peak season, working in a Greek restaurant is very demanding, with little time for breaks or rest. Although they are paid tiny, servers in Greek restaurants—from historic tavernas to more hip, contemporary spots—have strong work ethics. Despite this, you are not required to tip and won’t be prompted to do so. Giving your server a gratuity of your own free will as a sign of appreciation for a job well done is traditional. Don’t worry about working out percentages; in Greece, tipping is as simple as leaving a few pennies on the table together with your bill when you leave. If you don’t want to leave cash on the table, another approach to tip is to request that your waitress keep the change from the bill (don’t worry, everyone does this! Only your server will handle them. Fifty cents to one euro makes up a small tip. A two-euro coin would be a better, more substantial gratuity.

Tipping In Bars

Usually, you are not expected to tip the bartender if you have to buy your drink. If you still insist on doing so, you can either round up the cost of your drink or reque

st that the bartender keeps the change. What applies to tipping at restaurants also applies if you have a server and your beverages are served to you. Remember that leaving a few cents with the bill as you leave is considered polite if you are seated at a table being served.

Tipping Drivers

In general, taxi drivers do not anticipate tips. But you can round up the amount or instruct your driver to save the change to give them a tip for a pleasant trip and potential good conversation (taxi drivers are infamous for chit-chatting with their passengers!). Sometimes, leaving a tip is not requested if you pay with a credit card. You may request that the driver add an extra euro to the charge on your card, but this is unusual and never anticipated.

Tipping Hairdressers

A 5-euro tip would be greatly appreciated if you are pleased with your new appearance. If you visit a salon with multiple hairdressers, you can leave it with the cashier for the hairdresser or drop it into their pocket as you leave (or leave it on their salon booth). Once more, even when pleased with the service, you are not required to leave a tip.

Tipping Housekeeping Staff

In Greece, tipping the housekeeping crew is optional, although it is always appreciated. Leave the spare change you have at the conclusion of your journey together with a brief thank you message for the hotel personnel as one kind gesture. Of course, leaving coins with tiny denominations would be impolite. Nonetheless, it is typical to discover at the end of a vacation abroad that you still have a lot of coins in the local currency that you will need to spend or convert. I’ll greatly appreciate those €6–7. Moreover, you might want to think about leaving a gratuity for any other hotel guests you speak with.

Tipping Delivery Service

You might be surprised to learn how convenient it is to get takeout in Greece. You can order food delivered to your hotel or vacation rental through several services. So how much should you tip in these circumstances? Again, leaving a gratuity is not required, but it is considered friendly to do so. At the time of placing the order, specific applications will provide you the opportunity to tip. Refusing to pay with a credit card is preferable to ensure that the tip goes to the delivery person. 

How To Leave A Tip In Greece?

In restaurants, it’s customary to leave a cash tip for the person serving you; the industry guideline is 10% to 15%. Instead of paying with a credit card, try to leave a tip in cash to ensure that it gets to the service employees. While bartenders and luggage porters will appreciate some money to say thanks, a euro is more than plenty; taxi drivers will ask you to round up the bill or pay roughly 10% of the fee.

Final Thoughts On Tipping In Greece

The type of service you receive will ultimately determine how much gratuity you leave in Greece. Although it’s not customary or expected to tip in Greece, you should do so if you like the service you’ve received, whether in a bar, hotel, restaurant, or cab. In Greece, a small gratuity is generally accepted.