Just ahead of my next holiday to Greece - I wondered if any members may have any views or advice on tipping - particularly in Tavernas - bars - taxi drivers and such. Being a regular visitor to Greece - I should have sussed this out by now, but often I think to myself - too much ? too little ? not at all (heaven forbid !) So any input would be appreciated - particularly this post may just be helpful for those new to visiting Greece ( sorry I dont mean to be patronising ) I am sure this topic has been discussed before - but can't find any posts as yet - I asked this question to one of my European language tutor's some years ago, he was greek, and his asnwer - He tips at the beginning so as to get extra special service - Odd ?? any comment would be appreciated.
Message posted by becky on 03 June 2005 at 8:01pm - IP Logged
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We were always told when visiting Greece that a tip is not expected in Greek tavernas, but always leave a few euros if we have had good service and nice food (which is mostly always the case!) As you say, we never know how mush is too much, or too little, but whatever we leave it is always appreciated and we know that we can expect good service on our return to that particular taverna!
I have found this site that may be of interest, although it doesn't seem to go into too much detail on amounts
Message posted by Bob and Wendy (Uncle Bob) on 03 June 2005 at 9:14pm - IP Logged
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Bob and Wendy
Like Becky we use 10% as our guide, for most things like tavernas and taxis, in a bar I leave the small change each round, if running a tab it becomes more complex but 10% is a nice rounf figure, and easy to equate, but 5% would not be frowned on.
In bars and tavernas that one uses regularly, a free drink or carafe of wine happens frequently, and it seems mean to me not to tip, especially as the tips are usually shared with all the staff, including the hard-working back room boys and girls.
Bob.
Message posted by Sailor on 03 June 2005 at 10:08pm - IP Logged
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Sailor
I agree, usually about 10%. Sometimes if we have a whole table bill in a restaurant, we will add on €10 or so, plus round it up. At the end of the evening, I usually leave any loose change on the table.
As Bob says, you can always guarantee good service next time, above and beyond the usual good service, if you see what I mean.
Taxis normally the same.
In all cases, it is not expected, but always very much appreciated.
Regards.
Message posted by Trace (Profile Location Assistant) on 04 June 2005 at 1:36pm - IP Logged
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Hi Everybody this is going off subject slightly but still about tipping
I remember one night after a lovely meal in the Three Brothers Resturant in Kassiopi paying the bill for ten of us...I then put five cents in the waiters top pocket and said to him "This tip is for you for the excellent service". He did not bat a eye lid...we all sat there just looking at him thinking he was going give me the five cents back..but he just smiled and said "Thankyou sir i'am glad you all enjoyed the meal"...The joke was on me then..But we did tip him properly and everyone of us put €5 each on the table for him for being a such a gentleman
Bruce
Message posted by NatalieDonnan (Forum SuperModel) on 06 June 2005 at 11:25am - IP Logged
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I usually give a tip of 10% in the tavernas in Corfu, but as lots of you have said the waiters don't expect it and are very appreciative of it (and Bruce's story proves that!). We also give the cleaning lady at the A & A a little bit extra as she is so nice and goes out of her way to be really helpful (and sneaked us extra towels and pillows!)
I am yet to find an ignorant Greek person.
Message posted by Trace (Profile Location Assistant) on 06 June 2005 at 11:28am - IP Logged
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We usually tip around 10% of the bill, and we usually leave around 10 euros for the cleaning lady when we leave. Unfortunately, Ian always uses the opportunity of using his least funny joke (and believe me, it has a lot of competition). When I say to him - what are you leaving them as a tip? He always says - Dont eat yellow snow. Groan Groan - its all right for you lot you dont have to live with him!
Message posted by Simon on 07 June 2005 at 12:44am - IP Logged
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Thanks for that Bruce - It was on P2 until now - sure your not related to Paul Daniells ???
Message posted by Watson on 09 June 2005 at 12:21pm - IP Logged
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Watson
We usually leave around a 10% tip. With the meals not being very expensive anyway and the food being really good (well at least 90%+ of the time) we often leave more.
Neil.
Message posted by falcon on 10 June 2005 at 10:06am - IP Logged
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falcon
Like most of the replies indicate we always leave around 10% and I must say we have never ever had bad service in a greek resturant or taverna, never had to spend ages trying to attract a waiter's attention and after only one visit are always welcomed back like a long lost friend. I notice that most only refer to tipping waiters and taxi drivers, I always make a point of tipping the accomadation staff, pool bar staff, receptionists, cleaners etc. who also work really hard, always have a cheery smile and even if their english is limited try to have a chat. Their friendliness always contributes to us having a great holiday.
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