Tipping in Greece: How Much Is it and When to Do it

Tipping in Greece can sometimes be a bit tricky for travelers, as tipping customs differ widely across the globe. This guide offers a clear overview of tipping practices in Greece, with specific advice on how much to tip for various services and insights into local etiquette. With the information we’re going to provide you, you will know how much you should tip and when to do it, when visiting Greece. Of course, tipping is an express of gratitude to the local service providers who help make your stay in this beautiful country memorable. So, feel free to tip about the services given, but keep our information in mind.

Do you tip in Greece and how does tipping work

Tipping in Greece is generally appreciated. But, unlike other countries, like the United States, it is not something that is expected. It does not have a mandatory character. It is more of an expression of thanking someone because of their services, rather than a strict obligation. However, despite not being expected, tips are always welcomed in Greece, and the price of your tipping may differ based on the type of service and the location.

While the amounts are usually modest, tipping is a valued gesture, especially in tourist areas. However, Greeks themselves don’t usually tip as much as tourists might be used to, and tips are typically more casual, such as rounding up a bill or leaving a few coins for small services. Our advice is that visitors should leave a tip, especially when they receive friendly or helpful service, but there is no pressure or obligation to tip.

As we already mentioned, tipping practices can also vary by location. If you visit a big city, like Athens or Thessaloniki, or an island that is a popular tourist destination, like Santorini or Mykonos, it is very common to tip. Also, people working in these areas are used to receiving tips. The reason for this is that in these areas, businesses are more accustomed to visitors from cultures where tipping is standard, and tips are more likely to be expected. On the other hand, if you visit a smaller town and rural areas, like some villages in Epirus or in the Peloponnese, it is not so common for the locals to expect tips. But of course, they receive it warmly when offered.

Who and When You Should Tip

In Greece, tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service, but it’s not mandatory. The following guidelines provide an overview of tipping practices for different services to help you navigate the Greek tipping culture confidently.

Cab drivers

It is pretty common for people visiting Greece to wonder whether they should tip cab drivers. It’s customary to round up the fare when taking a taxi in Greece. If you solo travel, for short rides, a tip of €1-€2 is generally sufficient. On the other hand, for longer trips or if you travel with other people and the driver provides exceptional service (such as helping with bags or offering local tips), a tip of 5-10% of the fare is appreciated. If the driver goes out of their way to ensure a comfortable ride, it’s nice to show gratitude with a little extra.  

Tour Guide

Another industry that people do wonder how much they should tip, is the tour guides. If it is a custom tour, that lasts 1 hour, then you should tip around €15 per person. If it’s more than an hour, then consider tipping around €20-€25 per person.  On the other hand, if it is a paid tour, then a tip of 20%-25% of the tour price is appropriate. For free tours and group tours, a modest tip of €2 to €5 per participant is customary. Keep in mind that the tip should reflect the quality of service provided.

Another important tip is that you should keep in mind that, when tipping in Greece, always use the local currency and adjust the amount based on the quality of service. And again it is not expected, but it is a gesture that shows your gratitude for the good services provided.  By following these guidelines, you will demonstrate your appreciation to the service providers and enhance your experience in Greece.

How much does it cost to go to Greece? See our budget guide.

Hotel

You have no tipping requirements in hotels, even in the luxurious ones. If you feel inclined to tip the staff let it be out of respect for their work. 

Porters /concierges

At hotels, porters who help with your luggage typically expect a tip of €1-€2 per bag. If the porter provides additional services, such as delivering bags to your room or helping with special requests, you may want to increase the tip to €3-€5. For concierges, if they assist with special arrangements (like booking reservations or securing hard-to-get tickets), tipping between €5 and €10 is a thoughtful gesture.

Cleaners

Housekeeping staff typically don’t expect tips but will certainly appreciate them. A tip of €1-€2 per night is a nice way to show appreciation for the cleanliness and comfort of your room. If you’re staying for an extended period or if the service is exceptional, you can leave a larger tip, such as €5 at the end of your stay.

Restaurants / bars

When looking for Greek food you visit a taverna or restaurant, unlike many Western Countries, tipping is generally not included in the bill. So if you feel satisfied with the food and the service, it would be appreciated if you tip. A normal amount of tipping in Greek restaurants is for a lunch or a dinner, rounding up the bill or adding 5-10% is standard. If it is a special or more formal event, then consider tipping around 10-15% of the total bill. 

If you visit a bar or a club, it is very common to leave €1 per drink. Or if you don’t pay each drink separately, and you pay when leaving, you can round up the bill or tip a few euros extra, especially if the bartender provides excellent service.

Discover the best 5 bars of the Aegean islands. 

Others

For other services, such as hairdressers, masseuses, or spa staff, a small tip of around 5-10% is a polite way to show appreciation. Similarly, for street vendors or casual service providers, rounding up to the nearest euro is a simple and appreciated gesture.

Read also: Is it safe to travel to Greece? 

Cash or credit card for tipping in Greece

When tipping in Greece, cash is generally preferred over credit cards, especially for smaller service transactions. However, if you don’t have cash with you then most of the time it is completely normal to tip with a card. You might find it difficult not only to tip, but also to pay with a credit card for a taxi. Besides that, you can tip both with cash and card to all other sectors. Choosing tipping with cash is a more direct and personal way to show appreciation. Let’s take a closer look at why cash is preferred, situations when credit card tips may be accepted, and practical tips on managing cash for tipping during your stay in Greece.

Why Cash is Preferred for Tipping in Greece

Cash is preferred for tipping in Greece because it is more direct. For example, when eating in a restaurant, it is better to tip the waiter by cash, than leaving extra money via credit card. In that way you have a connection with your waiter, and you are sure that this person is going to receive your tip. Moreover, they receive the money without delays or the potential for processing fees that may come with card payments. The same applies to service workers, such as cab drivers, porters, and restaurant staff. All these people prefer cash because they can access it immediately and potentially avoid sharing it with their employer, which can sometimes happen when tips are included on a credit card.

All these things apply for big cities and tourist islands. When you visit a smaller area, then it is not uncommon for smaller businesses not to have card readers. So cash is expected not only for tipping, but also for paying. Local, family-owned restaurants, cafes, and small tour operators often operate on a cash basis, so it’s wise to have cash on hand in case tipping situations arise in these settings.

First time in Greece? That’s what you need to know. 

Situations When Credit Card Tips Are Acceptable

Although cash is the norm for tipping, certain situations make it possible to leave a tip by credit card. In larger cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, many mid-to-high-end restaurants and hotels accept credit cards and may give you the option to add a tip to the bill when paying by card. This option is particularly useful if you’ve had an exceptional dining experience and would like to add a larger tip to the total. However, keep in mind that some Greek restaurants may pool tips collected via credit card payments and divide them among all staff, so if you’d prefer to give a tip directly to your server, cash is still the best choice.

It’s worth noting that credit card tips may not always go directly to the staff member who served you, depending on the establishment’s policies. Additionally, Greek businesses incur transaction fees for credit card payments, and for smaller tips, some businesses may discourage credit card tipping.

Practical Tips for Managing Cash Tipping in Greece

To avoid difficulties when tipping in Greece, it’s a good idea to carry small denominations of cash for quick, convenient tipping. Here are some tips for handling cash for tipping in Greece:

1. Plan for Cash Withdrawals: ATMs are widely available in Greek cities and tourist areas, making it easy to withdraw euros. Try to withdraw enough cash to cover several days’ expenses, including tipping, especially if you plan to visit more rural areas where ATMs may be less common.
2. Keep Small Bills Handy: Small denominations (€5, €10, and coins) are most convenient for tipping purposes. Many tips in Greece, such as rounding up a bill at a café or giving a euro or two to hotel staff, don’t require large amounts. Having smaller bills ensures you can easily leave a tip without needing change.
3. Know When Cash is Expected: Familiarize yourself with the specific tipping expectations in Greece, so you know when cash is expected. For instance, most taxi drivers, porters, and casual restaurants generally prefer cash, while fine dining establishments may be more accustomed to credit card tipping.

In general, cash is the most practical way of tipping for most of the services in Greece. And locals do prefer it over cash. Follow the advice given and carry some cash on you for this reason. There’s no need to have a large amount of coins, but as you think you are going to need to round up a bill. Of course if you tip with a credit or a debit card, it will also be appreciated, but using cash is the best way to ensure your tip directly benefits the person who helped you, making your gesture of gratitude all the more meaningful.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, tipping in Greece is not mandatory. However, if you want to show your gratitude over good services provided, then tipping is a nice gesture. The most common places that you can tip are a hotel, a restaurant, a bar, a cab driver, and a tour guide. When tipping in Greece, it is customary to leave between 10% and 15% of the bill or to round it up. However, if the service is exceptional, one might consider tipping as much as 20%. It is preferable to tip in cash.  The reason why is that the people get the foul amount of the tip. Moreover, in some occasions, as in taxis, there may not be card machines available. For that reason you should always have some cash on you. But keep in mind that if you decide to tip and you don’t have cash, then don’t hesitate to tip via card.