Corfu is a beautiful Greek island that attracts many tourists every year. If you are planning to visit Corfu, you might be wondering how to tip in different situations and what is the appropriate amount to leave as a gratuity. Tipping is a way of showing appreciation and gratitude for good service, but it can also be confusing and stressful if you don’t know the local customs and expectations.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the tipping etiquette in Corfu and give you some tips on how to tip in various scenarios, such as restaurants, cafes, bars, taxis, tours, hotels, sailing trips and more. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about tipping in Greece and Corfu. By the end of this post, you will have a clear idea of how to tip in Corfu and enjoy your vacation without any worries.
Tipping Customs and Being Polite in Greece
Before we dive into the specific situations where you might want to tip in Corfu, let’s talk about the general tipping culture and manners in Greece. Tipping is not mandatory or expected in Greece, as service workers are paid and insured regardless of any tip. In fact, many Greeks don’t tip at all, or just leave the small change. However, foreign visitors have imported the custom of tipping to tourist resorts, so it is quite common to see tips being left by travelers in places that cater to tourists.
Tipping in Greece is seen as a gesture of good taste and courtesy, especially if you received something for free, such as a jug of wine or a dessert at the end of a meal. It is also a way of showing your satisfaction and appreciation for the service you received. Tipping in Greece involves leaving a small and appropriate amount of cash directly with the person who provided the service. It is not expected by that person, and no one will feel underappreciated if you don’t tip.
It is wise to always have some coins on you when you are out and about in Greece, as tipping with cards is not possible. You can also ask for change if you don’t have the exact amount you want to tip. When tipping, be discreet and polite, and don’t make a big deal out of it. A simple thank you or efharisto (ευχαριστώ) will suffice.
Tipping in Greek Restaurants
One of the most common situations where you might want to tip in Corfu is when you dine at a restaurant. Restaurants in Greece offer a variety of cuisines and levels of service, from casual tavernas to fine dining establishments. Depending on the type of restaurant you choose, there might be different expectations and practices regarding tipping.
At most restaurants in Greece, especially those with a large tourist clientele, you will not receive the bill until you specifically request it. You can do so by saying logariasmo parakalo (λογαριασμό παρακαλώ), which means “the bill please”. As with any service you are paying for, check the bill for any obvious errors or discrepancies.
Some restaurants in Greece that offer a high level of service and creativity in food production and presentation may include a service charge on the bill. This is usually around 10% of the total amount, and it should be clearly stated on the menu or the bill. If there is a service charge included, you don’t need to tip anything extra, unless you want to reward exceptional service or show your appreciation for something extra that was offered to you.
If there is no service charge included on the bill, then it is up to you whether you want to tip or not. As we mentioned before, tipping is not obligatory or expected in Greece, but it is customary in tourist areas and appreciated by the staff. A good rule of thumb is to round up the bill or leave 10-15% of the total amount as a tip. You should leave the cash tip for the waiter on the same tray containing your bill, and maybe a little something on the table for the busser who sets and clears the table.
Another thing to note is that some restaurants in Greece charge a cover fee called kouver (κουβερ), which covers the cost of bread and non-bottled water that are served upon arrival. This fee cannot be removed from the bill, even if you don’t eat the bread or drink the water. It is usually around one euro per person, and it should be indicated on the menu or the bill. If you don’t want to pay the cover fee, you can inform the staff before ordering and decline the bread and water.
Tipping at Cafes and Bars in Greece
Another common situation where you might want to tip in Corfu is when you visit a cafe or a bar. Cafes and bars in Greece are popular places to enjoy a coffee, a drink, a snack or a light meal. They are also great places to relax, socialize and watch the world go by.
Tipping at cafes and bars in Greece is not expected or required, but it is a nice gesture to show your appreciation for the service and the quality of the products. You can simply round up the bill or leave some small change on the table or the counter. If your drinks cost 9.50 euros, for example, you can give 10 euros and say “keep the change”. If they cost 10 euros, you don’t need to add anything extra. If you have a few rounds of drinks, you can leave a few euros on the table when you leave.
A typical tip at a cafe or a bar in Greece is around 5-10% of the total amount, depending on how satisfied you are with the service and the atmosphere. You don’t need to tip more than that, unless you received something special or complimentary, such as a free shot or a dessert.
Tipping Your Taxi Driver or Private Driver in Greece
If you need to get around Corfu by taxi or private driver, you might also want to know how to tip them. Taxis and private drivers in Greece are convenient and affordable ways to travel from one place to another, especially if you don’t have your own car or don’t want to deal with public transportation.
Taxi drivers and private drivers in Greece expect tips from tourists, as they provide a valuable service and often act as guides and sources of information. A typical tip for a taxi driver or a private driver in Greece is around 10% of the fare, or more if they helped you with your luggage, waited for you, took you to a remote location or gave you some useful tips or recommendations.
You can tip your taxi driver or private driver in cash at the end of the ride, or add it to the fare if you are paying by card. You can also round up the fare or tell them to keep the change if you don’t have the exact amount. For example, if your fare is 18 euros, you can give 20 euros and say “that’s fine”. If your fare is 20 euros, you can give 22 euros and say “thank you”.
Some things to keep in mind when taking a taxi or a private driver in Greece are that passengers are expected to pay for tolls and any road fees, and that there might be an official charge for handling your luggage added to your fare. You can check the official rates and charges on the website of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (https://www.yme.gr/en/taxi/).
Tour Guide Tipping – How to Tip Tour Guides in Greece
If you want to explore Corfu and learn more about its history, culture and attractions, you might want to join a tour with a professional guide. Tours in Greece can be organized by travel agencies, hotels or independent operators, and they can range from half-day city tours to full-day excursions to nearby islands or mainland destinations.
Tour guides in Greece are knowledgeable and passionate about their work, and they often go above and beyond to make your experience memorable and enjoyable. Tipping tour guides in Greece is not mandatory or expected, but it is highly appreciated and recommended as a way of showing your gratitude and recognition for their service.
A typical tip for a tour guide in Greece is around 10-15% of the tour cost per person, depending on how long and how informative the tour was. You can tip your tour guide in cash at the end of the tour, preferably in an envelope or a small bag. You can also write them a thank-you note or give them a small gift from your home country if you want to make it more personal.
If your tour includes other services such as transportation, entrance fees, meals or activities, you might also want to tip those who provided them. For example, you can tip your bus driver around 5% of the tour cost per person, your waiter around 10% of the meal cost per person, your activity instructor around 10-15% of the activity cost per person, etc. You can tip them directly in cash at the end of each service.
How to Tip in a Hotel
If you are staying at a hotel in Corfu, you
