Short answer: Appreciated, not expected. Tipping in Greece is optional but appreciated, especially for waiters, taxi drivers and hotel staff. Around 5 to 10% is usual for good restaurant service, and rounding up is fine at casual tavernas. Tips are best left in cash.
Is service included?
Service is not usually added, though some restaurants include a gratuity, so check the bill. A small cover charge for bread and water may appear; it is not a tip.
How much to tip in Greece
| Who | Usual tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (sit-down) | 5 to 10% | Varies. The Athens city guide says 10 to 15% is fine; other guides say 5 to 10%, or rounding up at casual tavernas. |
| Cafes and bars | Round up | Not a strong custom. Leave a few coins or round up for table service. |
| Taxis and rideshare | Round up | Round up or add a couple of euros; 5 to 10% for long trips or extra help. |
| Hotel housekeeping | €1 per night | Optional. |
| Hotel porters | €1 to 2 per bag | Up to about €5 in total. |
| Tour guides | €2 to 5 per person | Per day on a group tour. Around €20 per person per day for a private tour. |
| Hairdressers and spas | About 10% | Not expected, but 10% is considerate if you are pleased. |
| Food delivery | Optional | Small tip or round up if you like; no firm custom. |
Amounts are in the local currency (EUR). They are common customs, not rules: tip more for great service and less where it was poor.
How to tip
Leave the tip in cash on the table or hand it to the server, even if you pay the bill by card. Tips added by card may not reach the person who served you, and card tips fall under tax rules above a yearly tax-free limit.
What to avoid
Do not mistake the bread and water cover charge for a tip.
Work out a tip
The tip calculator is set to Greece and the local currency: enter the bill, pick a percentage and split it between the table.
Tipping with no cash
When you have no local cash, ask whether a tip can go on the card. More and more guides, drivers and performers show a QR code instead: point your phone camera at it and you can tip by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay without installing anything. Workers in Greece can read how QR code tipping works in Greece.
Street performers
Tipping a busker is always optional. If you enjoy the show, a coin or a note in the case is the custom, and more performers now show a QR code so you can tip by card. Rules for buskers by city:
Sources
- Dos and Don'ts (This is Athens, official City of Athens visitor guide)
- How to Tip in Greece (SmarterTravel)
- Greece raises tax-free limit on electronic tips (To Vima)
Checked in October 2026 against the sources above. Customs change and vary between cities and venues.
Common questions
Is tipping expected in Greece?
Appreciated, not expected. Tipping in Greece is optional but appreciated, especially for waiters, taxi drivers and hotel staff. Around 5 to 10% is usual for good restaurant service, and rounding up is fine at casual tavernas. Tips are best left in cash.
How much should you tip at a restaurant in Greece?
5 to 10%. Varies. The Athens city guide says 10 to 15% is fine; other guides say 5 to 10%, or rounding up at casual tavernas.
Is a service charge added to the bill in Greece?
Service is not usually added, though some restaurants include a gratuity, so check the bill. A small cover charge for bread and water may appear; it is not a tip.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Greece?
Round up.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in Greece?
€1 per night.
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