Santorini is one of the most popular and beautiful destinations in Greece and the world. The stunning caldera views, the whitewashed villages, the volcanic beaches and the romantic sunsets attract millions of visitors every year. But how much should you tip when you are enjoying the hospitality and services of this amazing island?
Tipping in Santorini, as well as in the rest of Greece, is optional but often customary and expected. The amount of the tip you wish to leave is up to you and depends on the quality of service, the type of establishment and your personal preference. However, there are some general guidelines and etiquette rules that can help you tip appropriately and avoid any awkward situations.
In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about tipping in Santorini, from restaurants and cafes to hotels and taxis. We will also answer some frequently asked questions and give you some tips on how to make your tipping experience easier and more pleasant.
Tipping at Restaurants and Tavernas in Santorini
One of the best things about visiting Santorini is tasting the delicious local cuisine. Whether you choose a traditional taverna or a fancy restaurant, you will find a variety of dishes made with fresh ingredients, such as seafood, tomatoes, fava beans, cheese and wine.
But how much should you tip after enjoying a meal in Santorini? There is no set percentage or rule for tipping at restaurants and tavernas in Santorini. Most Greeks would just leave a couple of euros on the table or round up the bill to the nearest whole number. For example, if your bill comes to 27 or 28 euros, you could simply round it up to 30. If your meal cost was 35 euros, you could leave up to 40 euros in total, especially if you had great table service or you had some wine or dessert on the house.
Of course, if you are impressed by the service provided by the waiter and the quality of the food, you can tip as much as you like. However, keep in mind that tipping more than 10% is not very common and might be considered excessive or even offensive by some people.
Some restaurants and tavernas may include a service charge or a cover charge on your bill. This has nothing to do with tipping – it is a small charge that covers bread, water or other items that are brought to your table without being ordered. The service charge or cover charge should be clearly stated on the menu or on a sign at the entrance of the establishment. If you are not sure what it is or if it is already included in your bill, you can always ask your waiter for clarification.
If you pay by card, you can add a tip to your debit/credit card or leave some cash on the table. However, cash tips are always preferred as they go directly to the staff and not to the owner or manager of the establishment.
Tipping at Cafes and Bars in Santorini
Santorini has plenty of cafes and bars where you can enjoy a coffee, a drink or a snack while admiring the views or socializing with friends. Tipping at cafes and bars in Santorini is not as common or expected as in restaurants and tavernas, but it is always appreciated if you had great service.
If you had a coffee at a cafe in Santorini, you could round up to the nearest euro or just drop a few coins in the tip jar by the till. For example, if your coffee cost 2.50 euros, you could pay 3 euros and leave the change. If you had more than one coffee or other items, you could leave up to 10% of your bill as a tip.
If you had a drink at a bar in Santorini, tipping is even less common but still nice if you want to show your appreciation. You could leave 1 or 2 euros per drink or round up your bill to the nearest whole number. For example, if your drink cost 7 euros, you could pay 8 euros and leave the change.
Tipping at Hotels in Santorini
Santorini has a wide range of accommodation options for every budget and taste. You can find luxury hotels with private pools and jacuzzis, boutique hotels with charming decor and views, budget hotels with basic amenities and friendly staff, or even Airbnb apartments and villas with more privacy and space.
But how much should you tip at hotels in Santorini? Tipping at hotels in Santorini is not mandatory but it is a nice way to thank the staff for their hard work and service. Here are some suggested amounts for tipping at hotels in Santorini:
- Porters: 1 or 2 euros per bag or suitcase. If you are staying at a hotel with many stairs or steep slopes, you might want to tip more as carrying luggage can be quite challenging.
- Housekeeping: 1 or 2 euros per day or 5 to 10 euros at the end of your stay. You can leave the tip on your bed or on a table with a note saying “Thank you”.
- Concierge: 5 to 10 euros for arranging a tour, a reservation, a transfer or any other special request. You can tip at the end of your stay or after each service.
- Reception: No tip expected unless they went above and beyond to help you with something.
If you pay by card, you can add a tip to your debit/credit card or leave some cash in an envelope at the reception. However, cash tips are always preferred as they go directly to the staff and not to the hotel owner or manager.
Tipping at Taxis and Transfers in Santorini
Santorini has a limited number of taxis and they can be hard to find during peak season or at night. The taxi fare is calculated by a meter and it depends on the distance, the time of day and the number of passengers. You can also book a taxi in advance or use an app like Beat to find one more easily.
Tipping at taxis in Santorini is not required but it is polite and appreciated. You can round up your fare to the nearest whole number or leave up to 10% of your bill as a tip. For example, if your fare was 12 euros, you could pay 13 or 14 euros and leave the change. If your fare was 25 euros, you could pay 27 or 28 euros as a tip.
If you book a transfer from the airport or the port to your hotel or vice versa, tipping is more common and expected. You can tip 5 to 10 euros per person or up to 20% of your bill as a tip. For example, if your transfer cost was 40 euros, you could pay 45 or 50 euros as a tip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tipping in Santorini
Here are some common questions and answers about tipping in Santorini:
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Do I need to tip in cash or can I use my card?
Cash tips are always preferred as they go directly to the staff and not to the owner or manager of the establishment. If you pay by card, you can add a tip to your debit/credit card but it might not reach the staff or it might be taxed. -
What currency should I use for tipping in Santorini?
You should use euros for tipping in Santorini as it is the official currency of Greece. You can exchange your money at banks, ATMs, exchange offices or hotels, but avoid using foreign currency as it might not be accepted or it might have a poor exchange rate. -
What if I don’t have any change for tipping in Santorini?
If you don’t have any change for tipping in Santorini, you can ask for some at the establishment where you are paying or at a nearby shop or kiosk. You can also use an app like Revolut or Transferwise to send money online without any fees. -
What if I am not happy with the service in Santorini?
If you are not happy with the service in Santorini, you are not obliged to leave a tip. However, instead of leaving nothing, you might want to leave a small amount (like 50 cents) to show that you didn’t forget to tip but that you were dissatisfied with the service. You can also speak to the manager or owner of the establishment and explain your complaint politely and constructively. -
What if I am traveling with a group in Santorini?
If you are traveling with a group in Santorini, you might want to split the bill and the tip among yourselves. You can use an app like Splitwise or Tricount to calculate how much each person owes and avoid any confusion or arguments.
Tips on How to Tip in Santorini
Tipping
