Planning a trip to Greece involves understanding local customs, and one thing you’ll want to know is the tipping culture.
While tipping isn’t obligatory, it’s appreciated for services in hotels, restaurants, tours, and taxis. Generally, you can pay by card, but keeping euros on hand for tips is wise. You don’t need to worry about how much to tip; a small amount as a gesture of appreciation is enough.
People in Greece value kindness and service, so your gestures of gratitude will enhance your experience. This guide ensures your itinerary is well-rounded with these essential things to know.
The tipping culture in Greece may not be known to you as it varies from country to country in Europe. The below Greece tipping guide will help you navigate this tricky part of travel.
Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!
Euro Is The Greek Currency
The local currency in Greece: euros
Denominations: Notes – 5 – 500, Coins – 1 & 2 euro notes, 5 – 50 cents
Other currencies accepted: Dollars may be taken in some tourist resorts, but having euros or extra money in the local currency is always a good idea when exploring Greece. However, euros are the main currency accepted.
Are you wondering, “Will my credit card work in Greece?”
Worry not; you’re free to use your credit or debit card quite widely in main towns, cities, and tourist areas, although you have cash handy if you’re heading into a more rural or smaller area, as you may struggle to find ATMs or restaurants with card machines.
Outside of rural areas, ATMs are very widely available.
How To Tip In Greece – Tipping Culture In Greece
What Is The Customary Amount For Tipping In Greece
Tipping is quite common in Greece, though not obligatory. As with most other European countries, you’re not required to tip if you don’t feel you received good service or it was a worthy experience.
You certainly won’t be met with a grumpy attitude should you opt not to tip. However, most service staff make a minimum wage, so tipping is greatly appreciated.
Ultimately, how much euro tip you give in Greece will depend on the type of services you receive. Although tipping in Greece is generally not expected or required, it’s a sign of gratitude if you enjoy your service, whether it’s in a bar, hotel, restaurant, or taxi.
POS (Point Of Sale) Tipping In Greece
As with many other countries, if you opt to use a card to pay at a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, business, or any other service industry location, you often have the opportunity to pay a gratuity that you can select on the screen.
While convenient, it’s also important to note that tipping in this way may not end up in the pocket of the service worker, but instead, it’ll end up in the bank account of the service providers.
If you want the employee to take the tip home to enjoy, then I suggest you leave cash with the worker so you know they receive credit for their hard work. I always carry a handful of euro coins and 5 euro notes around when I am in Greece (anywhere, actually!). Then, it’s easy to pay on your credit card and leave a couple of coins in cash on the table.
Brands We Use And Trust
Tipping At Greek Tavernas
You are bound to end up at a taverna on your Greek holiday! If the meal is tasty, and the wait staff provides you with exceptional service, leaving a tip is typical. Most locals leave a couple of euros as there is no set percentage.
For example, if your bill is 27 euros, round it up to 30 euros.
Note: At tavernas, your menu may mention a service or cover charge different from the tip. This is the fee for the bread basket, olive oil for dipping, small snacks, and water that a server may offer you.
If you don’t accept the items, the fee will not be added to your bill, but if you do, your account will show a ΚΟΥΒΕΡ charge, which is the word “cover” in Greek. This fee is often relatively small – about 1 to 1.5 euros at most.
Tipping In Greek Restaurants
If you’re dining in a nicer restaurant, you should check the bill before deciding whether to tip or not. This is because a fee or tip may already have been applied, which can be anything between 5-15% of the bill. This amount is in place of a tip, so you don’t have to tip more if you see a service charge or fee.
If no fee is added (often the case), it is customary to tip around 10% of your final bill if you feel the service was worthy of a tip. Give the waiter the tip amount in cash, as some owners don’t allow their staff to keep their tips. You could also tell your waiter to keep the change as you pay.
Tipping At Bars & Cafes In Greece
You’re not expected to leave a tip for drinks in Greek bars, clubs, and cafes, but you could round up the amount to the nearest euro. Some cafes will also have a tip jar, so leaving a few coins in the pot after ordering is more than sufficient.
If you’re hanging out and having a few drinks at the bar, it’s also appropriate to leave a few euros on your table when you leave. Although you’re not required to do that, it shows the service workers you enjoyed had a good time. The staff, who are on minimum wages, will be so thankful you left a tip.
Leaving a euro on the table is more than sufficient if you spend a few hours reading a book in coffee shops.
Tipping For Take-Out Food Delivery In Greece
Special services like Wolt and Efood are incredibly convenient in Greece, especially in large cities like Athens and Thessaloniki; most restaurants will deliver to your home or hotel room this way.
When ordering food online, you can add a tip, but we’d recommend waiting to give a small cash tip in person to your delivery person.
If you have a smaller order (a few coffees or take-out for 2), then a euro is a solid tip. 3-4 euros is reasonable if you order food for a larger group.
Tipping Staff In Greek Hotels
If you want to tip hotel staff, that is entirely acceptable but not at all expected.
- Porters: around 1 euro per bag for the porter is a good idea
- Housekeepers:1 euro per day for the housekeeper is a small way to show appreciation for their hospitality during your stay in Greece. You can leave this on the bedside table or somewhere in your room where they can easily find it.
- Hotel Concierge: If you use a concierge and want to tip, you give the gratuity directly to them.
- Room Service: when your late-night snack is brought up by room service, a 1 euro coin tip is a nice gesture
Tipping Taxi Drivers In Greece
Do you tip a cab driver in Greece? Tipping in taxis isn’t expected or required, but if you want to do so, you can round up to the nearest euro and tell the driver you don’t want the change. The maximum tip in a taxi is 5-10% of the final fare amount.
This applies to taxis you hail off the street and if you have a private driver that you pre-booked.
TIP: Some taxi drivers will try to take advantage of tourists with inflated prices, so consider using the BEAT taxi app. BEAT drivers use standard fares; some provide complimentary services like water and sweets. You may notice an extra fee of 0.50 euro cents for lots of baggage handling or pick-up from congested areas like train stations, but these are well marked on the app.
How To Tip Your Tour Guide In Greece
Tour guides are another group you may choose to tip if you enjoyed the tour they gave you.
If you take one of the many free tours you’ll find in Greece, you should know that the guide is unpaid. So, the tour is tip-based. Meaning you need to tip your guide!
Plan to tip around 5 euros per person for a 1-hour tour and 10-15 euros per person for multiple-hour tours.
For the types of tours you pay for, a good tour guide, a tip is around 10-15% of the tour price, but the final choice is really up to you as there are no hard rules here, and they will be grateful for any tip you give them. Should you feel that the tour was quite expensive and you can’t afford anything more, there will be no hard feelings if you can’t leave a tip.
When you’re taking a tour as a group, it’s common practice to tip about 2 to 5 euros per person.
On private tours, consider tipping your guide 15 or 20 euros.
Always remember that if there is both a guide and a driver, they both should receive a gratuity. A modest tip for the drive will be okay if you leave one to the group tour leader.
Greek Tipping FAQs
When it comes to tipping in Greece, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Is it rude to tip in Greece?
Oh no! Tip as much as you want, as often as you wish. Tipping in Greece is indeed not deemed rude and is always welcomed with a smile.
Is it rude if I forget to tip in Greece or choose not to leave a tip?
No – it is not rude, as most locals and Europeans do not consistently tip. It is always solely at your discretion in Greece.
What currency should I use for a tip in Greece?
The local currency you’ll need to use is the euro.
Should I tip my tour guide in Greece?
Yes, it is customary to tip your tour guide in Greece as a sign of appreciation for their services.
Can I tip in cash on hand while traveling in Greece?
Yes, it is recommended to tip in cash, as some places might not accept card payments for tips.
How much should I tip for table service in restaurants in Greece?
An appropriate amount to tip for table service in Greece is around 5-10% of the bill, depending on your satisfaction with the service.
Is there a service charge included in my bill in Greece?
In Greece, it is common for restaurants to include a service charge, but it is still customary to leave an additional small tip if you are satisfied with the service.
Do I need to worry about tipping etiquette when visiting Greece?
While tipping is appreciated in Greece, it is not always expected. However, leaving a small tip can make someone’s day and show your appreciation for the service.
Do I need to tip in Greece?
Tipping is appreciated in Greece but not mandatory. It is a common practice to leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation for good service.
Are there service charges included in restaurants in Greece?
In Greece, service charges are not typically included in the bill at restaurants. Tipping is usually done separately as a gratuity for the service provided.
Should I use cash or a card for tips?
Tips are generally given in cash, so have some on hand. If you pay with a card, you may have the option to add the tip to your bill, but we still recommend cash so you know your server receives it.
What is the tipping % in Greece?
There’s no exact amount you should tip, but 10% is a good starting point.
Should I tip at all-inclusive resorts in Greece?
Tipping the housecleaning and waiting for staff at these establishments is not required. However, it is a token of appreciation for their hard work.
What is the tipping etiquette for housekeeping staff in Greece?
It is common to leave a small tip for housekeeping staff in Greece, usually one or two euros per day. Leaving the tip daily ensures that the person who cleans your room receives it.
Is it better to tip in cash or by card when traveling to Greece?
While some places may accept tips by card, it is generally preferred to tip in cash in Greece. Cash is more convenient for the recipient and allows you to tip directly and discreetly.
Should I tip extra for exceptional service in Greece?
If you receive exceptional service in Greece, it is a nice gesture to go above and beyond the standard tip. You can round up the bill or leave a larger amount to show your appreciation.
What are some local customs regarding tipping in Greece?
In Greece, tipping is a way to show gratitude for good service. While it is not mandatory, leaving a small tip is a common practice and can make someone’s day.
hese establishments is not required. However, it is a token of appreciation for their hard work.
You are wrong about tips in Greece. 10% to 15% is proper in a restaurant. The waiter never receives the addition tax for service.
Tour Guides with a group should get 5 euros a day per person in the group if they are staying with the group during an entire tour.
Hmm…I can’t find the BEAT app for taxis.