For travellers venturing to Greece, understanding the local tipping culture can enhance your experience, allowing you to show appreciation for exceptional service while respecting the nuances of Greek customs. Here’s a simplified guide to tipping in Greece, ensuring you’re prepared for every situation, from dining out to exploring the ancient wonders.

Understanding Greek Currency

Greece's official currency is the euro, with banknotes ranging from €5 to €500 and coins from 1 to 2 euros and 5 to 50 cents. While euros are predominantly used, some tourist areas might accept dollars. It's advisable to carry euros for seamless transactions throughout your visit.

• Currency Used: Euros (€)
• Denominations: Notes range from €5 to €500; coins include €1 and €2, and 5 to 50 cents.
• Other Currencies: Primarily, euros are accepted, though dollars might be taken in some tourist areas.

Credit Card Use

Debit and credit cards are frequently utilised in Greece's urban and tourist areas, making transactions convenient. However, it's wise to carry cash when exploring rural or less touristy locations, as access to ATMs and card acceptance might be limited.

• Widely Accepted: In major cities & tourist spots, carrying cash is advised for rural areas.
• ATM Availability: Common outside of rural areas.

Tipping Customs in Greece

Tipping in Greece is a gesture of appreciation, not a compulsory act. It's common in the service industry, where tipping reflects satisfaction with the service provided. The amount varies by service, from rounding up the bill in taxis and cafes to leaving a 5-10% tip in restaurants.

Dining Out

At Greek tavernas and restaurants, tipping is customary for good service. A few euros on top of the bill or rounding up is standard in casual settings, while more upscale establishments might include a service charge, in which case additional tipping is optional.

• Tavernas: A tip of a few euros is typical for good service. For a €27 bill, rounding up to €30 is expected.
• Restaurants: Check the bill for service charges (5-15%). If none is added, a 10% tip is customary. Handing the tip directly to the waiter ensures they receive it.

Bars and Cafés

Tipping at bars and cafes in Greece is not expected, but leaving spare change or rounding up the bill is a polite way to show appreciation for good service, especially if you've received special attention or stayed for an extended period.

• Not Expected: Though rounding up or leaving spare, change is appreciated. A few euros left on the table can make a difference for extended stays or group drinks.

Accommodation

For hotel services, tipping is a sign of gratitude for personal assistance. €1 per bag for porters, a daily tip for housekeeping, and a discretionary tip for concierge services or room service reflect an appreciation for their efforts in enhancing your stay.

• Porters: €1 per bag is generous.
• Housekeeping: €1 per day, left in a visible spot.
• Concierge: Direct tipping for special assistance.
• Room Service: A €1 coin shows appreciation for the convenience.

Taxis and Private Drivers

Tipping taxi drivers or private drivers in Greece is not mandatory, but rounding up the fare or tipping up to 10% is appreciated for exceptional service, making navigation more accessible for visitors.

• Not Required: Rounding up to the nearest euro is a kind gesture; 5-10% of the fare for exceptional service.

Tours

Tipping tour guides, especially for free walking tours, is crucial as it often constitutes their primary income. For paid tours, a tip of 10-15% of the tour cost is generous, reflecting the value and enjoyment of the experience.

• Free Walking Tours: Guides rely on tips, so €5 per person for an hour-long tour is a good start; more for extended tours.
• Paid Tours: 10-15% of the tour cost, depending on the quality of the experience.
• Group Tours: €2 to €5 per person.
• Private Tours: €15 to €20 for the guide; a smaller amount for the driver is considerate.

Special Services

For services like food delivery, a small tip is a kind gesture, acknowledging the convenience and effort provided. When paying electronically, consider leaving a cash tip to ensure it goes directly to the service staff.

• Food Delivery: A euro for small orders; more for larger groups.
• POS (Point Of Sale) Systems: Tipping through electronic payment may not directly reach the service staff; cash tips are preferred for personal acknowledgement.

Tips for Tipping

• Carry Small Notes and Coins: Keeping a variety of small denominations on hand makes it easy to leave tips.
• Wear the Heaviest Shoes: To save space and weight in your luggage, wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane.
• Consider Laundry Options: Packing light with plans to wash clothes can free up space for souvenirs.

Final Thoughts

While tipping in Greece is more about showing gratitude than following a strict protocol, this guide provides a framework to help you easily navigate various scenarios. Whether enjoying a meal at a quaint taverna or exploring ancient ruins with a knowledgeable guide, your tips can reflect your appreciation for the warm hospitality Greece is known for.

FAQS

Is tipping mandatory in Greece?

No, tipping is not mandatory in Greece. However, it is a common practice and greatly appreciated by service providers, whose wages are often relatively low. Leaving a tip is considered a gesture of good manners and shows appreciation for good service.

What is the tipping % in Greece?

Although no set amount is appropriate to tip, 10% is an excellent place to start. 

Is it okay to tip in euros or only in local currency?

Yes, It is okay to tip in euros in Greece since it is a part of the EU Union. This ensures the service provider receives the total value and avoids exchange rate hassles.

Should I use cash or a card for tips?

Cash is usually accepted for tips, so keep some on hand. You can add a gratuity to your bill using a credit card, but we still advise paying with cash to ensure the server gets it.