Dining Out: Tipping in Greek Restaurants and Taverns
One of the most common situations where tipping might arise is when dining out at restaurants or taverns. In Greece, it’s important to understand that the concept of service charge or tip is a bit different than in other countries.
The Basics
When you dine at a restaurant in Greece, you may notice that a service charge is not always included in your bill. If it is, it's typically labeled as "service charge" or "service" and usually accounts for 10% to 15% of the total bill. However, this is more common in high-end restaurants or in tourist areas. In many smaller, family-run establishments or traditional taverns, a service charge may not be included, and in these cases, leaving a tip is at your discretion.
How Much Should You Tip?
If you’re satisfied with the service, a tip of around 5% to 10% of the total bill is generally sufficient. For instance, if your meal costs €50, leaving an additional €2.50 to €5 is considered appropriate. In more casual settings, rounding up the bill to the nearest euro is also common and appreciated. For instance, if your bill comes to €27.80, rounding up to €30 is a nice gesture.
When to Tip
In Greece, tipping is usually done when paying the bill, either by leaving the tip on the table or handing it directly to the waiter or waitress. It’s important to note that tipping in Greece is more of a token of appreciation rather than an obligation, so while it is appreciated, it’s not necessarily expected.
Tipping in Cafés and Bars
Greece is famous for its vibrant café culture and lively bars, where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy coffee, drinks, and good company. But what’s the tipping protocol in these settings?
Cafés
When ordering coffee or snacks at a café, tipping is not expected, but it’s always appreciated. If you’re simply grabbing a quick coffee to go, leaving small change or rounding up the bill is a polite gesture. For example, if your coffee costs €2.70, you might round up to €3.
Bars and Nightlife
In bars, the tipping etiquette is similar to that of restaurants. If you’re ordering drinks at a bar, it’s common to round up the bill or leave a small tip, especially if you receive table service. If you’re just ordering at the bar counter, tipping isn’t expected, but you can leave a euro or two if you feel inclined. In more upscale or touristy bars, a tip of 5% to 10% of the total bill is appropriate if you’ve received excellent service.
Tipping in Hotels
Hotels in Greece, especially in tourist areas, are accustomed to receiving tips from guests, but the amount and circumstances can vary depending on the service provided.
Bellhops and Porters
If a bellhop or porter assists you with your luggage, it’s customary to tip them. A tip of €1 to €2 per bag is standard, though you may give more if you have heavy or numerous bags.
Housekeeping
For housekeeping staff, leaving a small tip at the end of your stay is a kind gesture. Around €1 to €2 per day is typical, and it’s best to leave the tip on the pillow or in an envelope with a note indicating it’s for housekeeping.
Concierge
If the hotel concierge goes out of their way to help you with reservations, recommendations, or other services, a tip of €5 to €10 is a nice way to show your appreciation.
Tipping for Transportation Services
Transportation services, including taxis, ride-hailing services, and tours, also have their own tipping norms in Greece.
Taxis
Tipping taxi drivers in Greece is not obligatory, but it’s becoming more common, especially in tourist areas. Most locals round up the fare to the nearest euro or add a small tip if the driver has been particularly helpful or friendly. For example, if your taxi fare is €9.50, you might round it up to €10. If the driver helps with your luggage or offers valuable information during the ride, you could add a bit more, like €1 to €2.
Ride-Hailing Services
With the rise of ride-hailing services like Uber and local equivalents, tipping etiquette is similar to that of taxis. A small tip of €1 to €2 is appreciated, but not expected.
Guided Tours
If you take a guided tour in Greece, tipping your tour guide is a thoughtful way to express your gratitude, especially if the tour was particularly informative or enjoyable. A tip of €5 to €10 per person for a half-day tour or €10 to €20 per person for a full-day tour is common. If there’s also a driver, it’s customary to tip them separately, usually around €5 to €10, depending on the length of the tour.
Tipping in Salons and Spas
If you visit a salon or spa in Greece, tipping the staff who provide services like haircuts, massages, or manicures is generally expected.
Hairdressers and Beauticians
A tip of 5% to 10% of the total bill is standard for hairdressers and beauticians. For example, if your haircut costs €30, a tip of €2 to €3 is appropriate.
Massage Therapists and Spa Staff
For massage therapists or other spa services, tipping around 10% of the total cost is a nice gesture. If your massage costs €50, leaving a tip of €5 is appreciated.
Final Thoughts on Tipping in Greece
In Greece, tipping is more of a discretionary practice rather than an obligation. While it’s not as ingrained in the culture as in other countries, such as the United States, it’s always a welcome gesture. When in doubt, err on the side of generosity, especially if you’ve received exceptional service. However, don’t stress too much about it; Greeks are known for their hospitality and won’t be offended if you forget to tip or if your tip is modest. The key is to be polite, express your gratitude, and enjoy your time in this beautiful country.
