All over the years, Greece has been thought of as one of the most often visited lands in the planet. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to determine why. It is the birthplace of lots of myths of gods and heroes that we are familiar with in our literature classes. It is a place of many old structures such as the Parthenon, the Acropolis, and the Erectheum. It is a place full of natural wonders that are still untouched by man.
Just like any other tourist, you might feel obligated to give a tip to servers during your stay in the fine world class hotels in Greece. Or you might feel obligated to offer a token of appreciation to the waiter who unfailingly served you at the restaurant where you had your dinner.
Although tipping in Greece is not compulsory, it is still an excellent gesture to give tips to workers who have made your experience an enjoyable one. Take heed of these points when it comes to tipping in Greece.
1. Many accommodations do not require you to give tips for the services being offered. Nevertheless, you can offer a tip to the staff when they carry your luggage to your room or when they deliver room service. Before doing this, inquire the front desk about the tipping policy of the establishment where you are staying.
2. Just like in hotels, you are not required to tip in restaurants. Nevertheless, it is a common practice for the establishment to round up the amount paid, especially if you pay in cash. For instance, if you are billed 13.30 Euros for your dinner, the restaurant personnel will round it up to 14 Euros. Of course, you might wish to give a tip the waiter for superb service. Merely place the money on your table and tell the waiter to keep the change.
3. In restaurants that are frequented by tourists, you might notice a “service” fee added to the total amount. In general, the service fee is around 10 to 20 percent of what you need to pay. In this case, you are not required to tip; the service charge includes that “tip.” Traditional or local restaurants do not levy any service charge.
4. If you ride a taxi, you must know that taxi drivers are not expecting to receive tips. Yet, they won’t turn down the opportunity to have additional cash either. Plus, note that most charge for carrying your baggage. Realize that this is not a tip. It is an official charge.
Whether you are spending romantic holidays to Cyprus with Travel Republic, Greece, or other countries in the European Union and in the Mediterranean, it is useful to know a bit about the tipping culture of the region you are in.
