Unlike in many European countries, tipping is already customary in Greece. It is still not obligatory, though, so do not feel pressured into leaving your server a generous tip. At present, there is no clear-cut set of rules regarding how much to tip. Moreover, some places already add gratuity to your bill, in which case it is okay not to tip anymore.

Where tipping is the norm, there are many standards in place. Nevertheless, remember to always keep tip cash with you. Tips charged to credit cards typically do not go to the employees themselves but to the establishments. Also, tip in the local currency so the worker does not have to go out of their way to convert your money and even get charged by their bank in the process.

Here are some things to remember when tipping in Greece. Find out who, where, and how much to tip.

Hotels

In hotels, tip the housekeeping staff if you like how your room was maintained throughout your stay. The average amount is 1 euro per night.

Bellhops are often tipped 1 to 2 euros for each bag. You can add more if you have several bags or your things are heavy, but there is no need to go over 5 euros as that is just excessive.

Doormen are paid well and rarely tipped for doing their expected tasks, like hailing cabs and helping with luggage. Hotel guests usually just tip these workers for exceptional work.

Transportation

Airport shuttle drivers are almost never tipped. However, many tourists do give them a little extra of around 1 or 2 euros for help with their luggage.

Cab drivers in Greece are not tipped much. Passengers generally just round up their fare to the nearest 1 euro. If the driver gave exceptional service (for example, recommendations, directions for traveling around the city, etc.), feel free to give a tip of 5% to 10% of your total fare.

If your taxi driver helps you with your luggage, expect a certain amount to be added to your fare automatically, so there is no need to tip if this is the added assistance offered.

Cafes and Restaurants

Dining places that do not have table service often place tip bowls or jars by the cash register or somewhere on their counters. You can put some loose change if you want to be nice, but it is not rude not to put any.

In cafes with table service and no built-in service charge, you can tip your server 5% to 10%. To tip the busser separately, leave their tip, usually a few coins, on the table. Make sure to ask first, though, because there are some restaurants and other dining places in Greece that do not allow tipping.

Bartenders are generally not tipped, and they never expect it. However, if you want to show gratitude for your bartender’s great service, you can just round up your bill to the nearest 1 euro and leave the change with them.

Particularly in restaurants located in remote places, tourists dining with Greek friends are expected to pay the tips completely. Native Greeks are not expected to chip in. Also, always thank the owners of small dining places before you leave.

Tour Guides

Tour guides in Greece are customarily tipped. If you are touring as part of a group, the polite amount is anywhere between 2 and 5 euros per day per head. If it is a private tour, the average tip amount is 20 euros per day.

Others

Other service workers who are often tipped in places outside of Greece are hairstylists, hairdressers, and spa service providers.

In Greece, you can tip your hairstylist if you are very satisfied with how your hair turned out. However, hairstylists never expect to be tipped.

Likewise, service providers in spas do not expect to be tipped. If you are very happy with the service you received and want to reward the employee, ask for an envelope at the front desk.

This category also includes attendants manning public toilets. These employees ensure sufficient supply in public bathroom stalls. Always tip these workers.

Tipping is more customary in Greece than in many other European countries. However, the general unspoken tipping rule holds: It is appreciated and may even be expected, but it is not mandated (that is, gratuity outside of the so-called service charge). So, when tipping in Greece, always reward great service, but always find that balance between custom and quality of service to remain reasonable.

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