Posted by 💶 How much is customary?
“How much do you tip in Greece?” – many tourists ask themselves this question as soon as they eat at a taverna or take a taxi for the first time.
Because Greece isn’t Germany: Here, tipping is appreciated, but not mandatory.
Greeks are happy to receive recognition, but they don’t expect fixed percentages.
In this article, you’ll learn:
how much is customary to tip in tavernas, hotels, and taxis,
what Greeks themselves tip,
and how to pay politely and appropriately on vacation – without giving too much or too little.
1. Basic principle: Tipping is voluntary, but appreciated
In Greece, tipping is a friendly gesture of appreciation, not automatic.
Prices in restaurants and hotels are usually fairly calculated – the staff receives regular wages, though often only minimum wage.
Therefore:
💡 Tipping is not mandatory, but a sign of respect.
Those who received friendly service leave a tip – those who were dissatisfied simply don’t.
No one takes offense if no tip is given – but everyone genuinely appreciates a few extra euros.
2. How much is tipping customary in Greece?
| Area | Typical height | Example / Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant / Tavern | 5–10 % | Common with good service, but not mandatory. |
| Cafe / Bar | Round up (e.g. €3.50 → €4) | Tips are usually given in cash on the table. |
| Hotel (room cleaning) | 1–2 € per day | It’s best to place it on your pillow every day. |
| Porter / Luggage service | 1–2 € per suitcase | Small amounts, no longer expected |
| taxi | Round up (e.g. €7.40 → €8) | No percentage rule, just round it up. |
| Hairdresser / Beauty salon | 5–10 % | As in Germany |
| Delivery service / delivery person | 1–2 € | A small gesture is enough |
| Guided tours / Excursions | 2–5 € per person | Especially common with good guides |
| Boat trips / Day trips | 5–10 % | It is usually collected in the tip jar. |
💡 Remember:
A friendly “Efcharistó” (thank you) is just as important as money.
Greeks place great value on personal recognition.
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3. Tipping in Restaurants or Taverns
In taverns and restaurants, tipping works a little differently than in Germany.
Here’s how to pay:
The bill usually arrives on a small plate or slip of paper.
You simply leave the money; the waiter takes it and brings back the change.
You leave the tip next to it or give it in cash as you leave.
👉 Tipping with a credit card is uncommon.
If you pay by card, give the tip in cash – otherwise, it often goes to the owner, not the waiter.
How much is appropriate?
In a tavern: 5–10%
For small amounts: simply round up to the nearest euro.
For very small bills (e.g., €8): €1 is perfectly sufficient.
If you eat at the same tavern regularly, the waiters will remember you – a tip will then have an even greater impact.
4. Tipping in Bars & Cafés
In Greece, a café is almost a second home – a place to meet friends, play backgammon, and linger.
Here, tipping is a small, friendly gesture, not obligatory.
In a café or bar: round up to the nearest euro.
For good service (e.g., table service): €0.50–1.
If you only order an espresso: a tip is more symbolic.
💡 Note:
In tourist areas (e.g., Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes Town), prices are higher – a 5–10% tip is expected there, as many international guests are accustomed to this.
5. Tipping at the Hotel
🧹 Room Cleaning
Cleaning staff in Greece earn little but work very thoroughly.
They especially appreciate a small tip:
€1–2 per day directly on the pillow or nightstand.
It’s better to tip daily than just once at check-out.
🧳 Porter or Porter
€1–2 per suitcase – depending on the hotel’s standard.
🍽️ Breakfast Service
If you’re regularly served by the same waiter: €2–3 per week is a nice gesture.
🏨 Reception
Only for exceptional assistance (e.g., ordering a taxi, resolving problems): €5 or a small token of appreciation.
See: Staying in Greece
6. Tipping Taxis & Transfers
Taxi drivers in Greece mostly work on a fixed fare – tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated.
Short trips: round up (e.g., €7.50 → €8)
Longer distances or airport transfers: €1–2 extra if the driver is helpful or friendly.
For fixed-price airport transfers: simply round up.
💡 Tip:
If the driver carries your luggage or helps you find your way around, a few extra euros are appreciated.
Public Transport Greece
7. Tipping on Excursions, Boat Trips & Guided Tours
On organized tours (e.g., boat trips, city tours, jeep safaris), tipping is customary but voluntary.
For the tour leader or guide: €2–5 per person.
For the bus driver or boatman: €1–2 extra.
If there’s a tip box, simply place your tip in it anonymously.
In Greece, tipping is a way of showing appreciation for kindness and dedication – many guides work seasonally and appreciate any gesture.
8. Tipping at the Hairdresser, Spa, or Massage
The rule of thumb here is 5–10% if you’re satisfied.
In many tourist areas (Crete, Corfu, Rhodes), salons cater to international clientele – tips are unspoken and expected.
💡 Tip:
At small, family-run businesses, it’s best to pay in cash, not by card.
9. Tipping at Rental Cars & Gas Stations
At gas stations in Greece, you’ll usually be served (no self-service).
If the attendant was friendly or even cleaned your window:
A tip of €0.50–€1 is polite.
Tipping isn’t customary at rental car companies themselves—at most, a small token of appreciation if someone is particularly helpful (e.g., with lost documents or breakdowns).
10. Differences Between the Mainland & the Islands
As with prices in general, there are also slight differences in tipping:
| region | Behavior / Expectation |
|---|---|
| Athens, Thessaloniki | City dwellers typically give 5–10%, and service is geared towards European standards. |
| Islands (Crete, Rhodes, Naxos) | Tourist staff are especially pleased – 10% is usual. |
| Small villages / Inland | Tipping is rarely expected, but highly appreciated. |
| Luxury locations (Mykonos, Santorini) | 10–15% is normal, but usually already included in the price. |
11. Service Charges & Hidden Costs
In Greece, tipping isn’t automatically included in the bill – but be careful:
Some restaurants in tourist areas write “Service included” or “Service 10%” on the bill.
→ In that case, no additional tip is necessary.
In many cases, you’ll see a “Cover charge” – usually €1 per person for bread, water, and cover charge.
→ This isn’t a tip, but a fixed fee.
💡 Tip:
If you’re unsure, ask politely:
“Is service included?” – almost all Greeks understand.
12. How Greeks Tip
Greeks are thrifty but respectful.
In everyday life, they usually only tip small amounts – tipping is a gesture, not an obligation.
At a café: €0.50
At a taverna: €1–2
At the hairdresser: €1–3
By taxi: round up
Tourists usually tip more, which is appreciated as long as it doesn’t seem excessive.
13. Typical Tipping Mistakes
Tip with a credit card.
→ Often it doesn’t reach the staff.
Leave small change lying around that looks like a tip.
→ It’s better to tip directly and say “Efcharistó” (Thank you).
Combine tipping with dissatisfaction.
→ If the service was bad, it’s better not to tip at all – this will be understood.
Tip too much.
→ 5–10% is perfectly sufficient; more is quickly considered excessive.
14. Language & Politeness: How to Say Thank You
Tips in Greece are also a form of social appreciation.
A simple “Efcharistó” – Thank you – is perfectly sufficient.
If you like, you can add:
“Efcharistó polí!” – Thank you very much!
“Na ‘ste kalá!” – “Stay healthy / All the best” (a friendly way of saying it).
A smile is more important than the amount of money.
15. Comparison: Tipping in Greece vs. Germany
| Area | Germany | Greece |
|---|---|---|
| restaurant | 10–15 % | 5–10 % |
| Cafe | 5–10 % | Round up |
| hotel | rarely | 1–2 € per day |
| taxi | 10 % | Round up |
| Barber | 10 % | 5–10 % |
| Tours | 5 €+ | 2–5 € |
You see: Greece is more relaxed – no pressure, but small gestures count.
16. Humorous Situations
Greeks take tips with humor.
Many taverna owners wave you off and say with a laugh:
“No, no, my friend – you already pay enough!”
If you leave a tip anyway, they thank you warmly.
Sometimes you’ll get a complimentary ouzo on your next visit – the most charming form of return tip.
17. Conclusion: Small Gesture, Big Impact
Tipping in Greece isn’t mandatory, but it’s a friendly tradition based on reciprocity.
Those who give kindly and respectfully usually receive twice the kindness in return.
Whether in a restaurant, a taxi, or a hotel – a euro here and there makes all the difference.
And saying “Efcharistó” (thank you) will quickly make you seem like a welcome guest in Greece.
👉 In short:
Tips in Greece aren’t large – but they mean a lot.