Tipping in Greece - How Much Is It and When to Do It - A Practical Guide for Travelers

Give 5-10% at full-service restaurants, and round up to the nearest euro at casual spots. In Greece, tipping signals appreciation rather than obligation. Carry denominations of euros for tips: coins for beach tavernas and deck crews, notes for a table service, and a small amount for a quick return to the table after service. Plan a tip-friendly budget before you sit so generosity stays natural.

For hotel staff, tip 1-2 euros per bag for porters and 1-2 euros per day for housekeepers. For a standout concierge, 5-10 euros is common; give it directly or leave it with a short note. If you can't meet in person, coordinate via skype with the concierge to arrange timing for services.

Guides and tours: tip 5-10 euros per person for a half-day city tour; 10-20 euros per person for a full-day or private guide. For taxi rides or local drivers, round up to the nearest euro, or add 2-5 euros for longer trips. Hour-long experiences deserve proportional tips, reflecting the effort and engagement a tourist receives.

Tip at the right moment: hand the tip to the person at the end of service, or leave it on the table when you return to the deck or bar. In cities with white stucco facades and coastal streets, concierges across hotels appreciate a clear signal of thanks. If a concierge goes above and beyond–booking a table, arranging a kitchen visit, or securing tickets–increase the amount to show appreciation and plan a smooth return visit for your next trip.

Before you travel, plan how tipping will look on your itinerary. Keep a wallet with denominations of 1, 2, 5, and 10 euros, and consider tips for beach staff, cooks in hotel kitchens, and concierges across locales like rhenia and elia. If you return, message the local team again to learn current norms and tips that improve your experience in these cities for future travels.

Restaurant and café tipping: amounts, service inclusion, and timing

Tip 5–10% of the bill for casual meals; if a service charge is included, add 0–5% only for noteworthy service, or simply thank the staff.

Check the bill for a line item labeled "fees" or "service charge." If a service charge (often around 10%) is included, you can skip a larger tip, or leave a small cash amount for the crew that served you there. Cash tips transfer directly to the person who helped you, which is especially appreciated onsite at Greek restaurants along the town streets or near the entrance of a hotel restaurant.

1. Casual cafés and breakfast spots
   • Seating and table service: tip €1–€2 per person for coffee or a light bite; if you sit and are served, add 5–10% of the bill.
   • Takeaway or counter service: no tip expected beyond a polite thank-you; in busy hours by the pool or beside the beds at a resort, a small €1–€2 gesture is fine if service was friendly.
2. Restaurants in town and stylish dining spots
   • Without a service charge: 5–10% of the bill is typical, rising to 10–15% for seafood or Greek specialties when service is attentive.
   • With a service charge: add 0–5% for good service; for exceptional care from the crew, consider a larger tip to acknowledge the effort.
   • In Mykonos and other popular destinations, a tip toward the higher end (10–15%) reflects the pace, crowds, and size of the dining experience.
3. Seafood and upscale venues
   • 10–15% is common for fine dining or seafood meals, especially when the waiter or sommelier goes beyond standard expectations.
   • If the bill shows a high service fee, reserve the option to add a modest cash tip for the specific crew member who assisted you, rather than rounding up the card total.
4. Groups and visitors planning lunches or long lunches
   • For large parties, tip 10% or a bit more if the service is smooth across the table; consider €2–€5 per person for a relaxed lunch while you’re planning your day.
   • In busy hours, a visible, polite appreciation (handing the tip to the waiter with a smile) makes the return visit more likely along the stylish streets of the town.
5. Where and how to tip, timing and method
   • Tip at the end of the meal, after you’ve paid or when you settle the bill; if you pay by card, you can add a tip on the receipt or hand cash directly