Tipping in Greece: how much should you leave?
At restaurants, in taxis, at hotels and for guides: how much it is customary to tip in Greece, whether service is included in the bill, and whether you can tip by card.
- In Greece tipping is a custom, not a legal requirement. At restaurants people round up or leave 5% to 10% for good service.
- A service charge is generally not added to the bill. If the bill says service is included, there is no need to add more.
- Taxi drivers don't expect a tip, but rounding up is common. Taxis must accept card payment and give a receipt.
No need to leave 12% to 15% as in Israel. Rounding up or 5% to 10% in cash for good service is what is usual in Greece.
In short
There is no legal obligation to tip in Greece. It is a custom showing appreciation for good service, and amounts are lower than Israelis are used to. We have gathered the usual practices from local travel guides, plus the official rules on card payment. We checked this information on 3 October 2026.
Quick table
| Where | What is usual |
|---|---|
| Taverna / simple restaurant | Round up, or 5%–10% |
| Good restaurant | About 10% |
| Fine dining | 10%–15% |
| Café with table service | Round up, or a few coins |
| Takeaway coffee / standing at the bar | Not expected |
| Taxi | Not expected. Rounding up to the nearest euro is common |
| Hotel housekeeping | €1–2 per night |
| Hotel porter | €1–2 per bag |
| Tour guide | Customary; amount up to you |
These are customs, not a price list. Bad service? You don't have to leave anything.
Restaurants and tavernas
- Service charge: generally a "service" line is not added to the bill. Some restaurants do include a service charge, so read the bill. If service is included, there is no need to add more.
- How much: in a simple taverna, round up or leave a few euros. For a big meal or excellent service, 10% is generous.
- Cash is better: leave the tip on the table or hand it to the waiter. That way it reaches them in full.
- Tipping by card: in many businesses the card terminal lets you add a tip, but not in all. If not, tip in cash.
- Israelis, note: an "American-style" 15%–20% tip is not needed and can even feel awkward.
Cafés and bars
- With table service, round up or leave a few coins.
- When ordering at the counter or for takeaway, no tip is expected.
Taxis
- A tip is not required. Rounding up to the nearest euro is common, or add a little for help with luggage.
- Paying by card: in Greece taxis must have a card terminal, accept card payment and give a receipt. A sticker on the rear door says so, and drivers who don't comply face a fine.
- From Athens airport to the centre there is a fixed fare. All the details.
Hotels and apartments
- Housekeeping: €1–2 per night, which you can leave at the end of your stay.
- Porter: €1–2 per bag.
- Concierge: only if they helped with something special.
Tour guides and drivers
On a guided tour it is customary to tip the guide at the end, especially on a private or full-day tour. On "free tours" you pay at the end what the tour was worth to you. It is also usual to leave something for the driver on a day tour.
Useful phrases
- Το λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ (to logariasmó, parakaló) – the bill, please.
- Κρατήστε τα ρέστα (kratíste ta résta) – keep the change.
- More phrases: Greek phrasebook. And on food: Greek cuisine for Israelis.
FAQ
How much do you tip at a restaurant in Greece?
There is no fixed amount. In a simple taverna, round up or leave 5%–10%; in a good restaurant, about 10%. If service is already included in the bill, there is no need to add more.
Is service included in the bill in Greece?
Usually not, and a service charge is not added automatically. Some restaurants do include a service charge, so read the bill.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Greece?
You don't need to. Rounding up to the nearest euro is common. Taxis must accept card payment and give a receipt.
Can you tip by credit card in Greece?
In many businesses the card terminal lets you add a tip, but not in all. Waiters usually prefer cash.
Information checked on 3 October 2026. These are common customs, not law, and you can always decide based on the service you received.
