Tipping in Greece: How Much, When & Who

Not sure how much to tip in Greece? This practical guide covers restaurants, taxis, hotels and more — so you tip right every time.

Tipping in Greece is optional, not obligatory — but it is genuinely appreciated. Unlike in the US, you won't cause offence by skipping a tip, but given the economic pressures on local wages, leaving a little extra goes a long way. As a rule of thumb, 5–10% in restaurants is customary for good service, while elsewhere a simple round-up or small cash gesture is all that's expected.

Tipping at a Glance

Restaurants & Cafés

Greece has a relaxed dining culture, and tipping reflects that — it's appreciated but never demanded. A tip of 5–10% for good service is the norm at sit-down restaurants. Before you tip, check your bill: some establishments include a service charge (marked as 'servizio' or similar), in which case tipping on top is entirely optional.

• •Leave cash directly on the table when you leave — tips added by card often don't make it to your server.
• •Rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros is perfectly acceptable at casual tavernas.
• •At cafés, leaving your small change behind is a common and appreciated gesture.
• •If a service charge is already included, you're under no obligation to add more — though you certainly can.
• •For exceptional service at a fine dining restaurant, up to 10% is a fair and generous amount.

Taxis & Rideshare

Athenian taxis run on meters, and tipping is not expected — but rounding up to the nearest euro is a common and easy courtesy. If your fare comes to €7.40, handing over €8 and telling the driver to keep the change is entirely sufficient. There's no pressure to do more. Uber operates in Greece in limited areas; the same rounding-up approach applies if you're paying in cash. For card-based rides, a tip isn't expected at all, and most drivers won't mention it.

Hotels, Tours & Other Services

• •Hotel porters: tip €1–2 per bag, handed directly to the porter when they deliver your luggage.
• •Housekeeping: €1–2 per night is a thoughtful gesture — leave it on the pillow daily rather than as a lump sum at checkout, so it reaches the right person.
• •Tour guides: for a half-day group tour, €2–3 per person is appropriate; for a full-day or private tour, €5 or more per person is a fair acknowledgement of good service.
• •Spa and wellness treatments: a tip isn't standard, but €2–5 for exceptional service at a hotel spa is well-received.
• •Beach chair and sunbed attendants: a euro or two if they've been attentive is a nice touch, especially at busy resort beaches.

How to Tip in Greece

Cash is king when it comes to tipping in Greece. Even when you pay a restaurant bill by card, the tip rarely flows through to the individual server — so always carry small euro notes and coins for this purpose. The most natural way to tip at a restaurant is to leave the cash on the table as you get up to leave, or to tell the server 'keep the change' when they bring back your change. For hotels and tours, hand tips directly to the individual rather than leaving them at a front desk. There's no need for an envelope or ceremony — a simple, direct handover is completely normal and appreciated.