zante Holiday - Tipping

The official currency in Zante, or Zakynthos as it is known, is the Euro. All services in Greece expect a small tip – it is usual to leave change for the taxi, or porter services and cloakroom attendants. The distance from the airport is only 4 miles, and the return fare is less than 55 Euros. It is also customary to tip hairdressers.

As it is impossible to escape the delicious attractions of the Greek cuisine, which includes the fresh seafood and wonderful wines, it is advisable to know the customary tipping that is part of the experience. Most hotels have a 10-15% service tax to the bill as do most local tavernas. If not, it is expected to leave the equivalent amount. In many local restaurants, owners and family members are seen preparing and serving food in.

Waiters usually receive part of the takings as service reward, so there is no need to tip especially, unless the service is unusually extraordinary. In some deluxe restaurants, waiters may expect up to 20% of the bill, but the custom of one’s own country can be followed as well. Similarly, drinks at cafes are paid by rounding up to the nearest Euro, which resolves the crisis of how much leave as a tip.

Many Zante hotels include breakfast in the room at the normal rate, so it is standard practice to add something while paying the bill. For example, the visitor may choose to pay 30 Euro for a 28.60 bill, if the service is satisfactory. It is considered proper etiquette to leave such tips on the table, or the server can be informed that the change is not expected to be returned.

If the Zante holiday includes a cruise on a sailboat, then the skipper and the crew expect a tip, which should be considered while budgeting. Tipping is normally about 10 to 15 percent of the cost of the cruise, which can sometimes add significantly to the overall cost. Charters need an experienced captain and crew, and it is important to bear in mind that their skills and time are offered to make the vacation thoroughly enjoyable. A pleasant and helpful crew can double up as a guide, and make all the difference in the vacation. They can also take you to other offbeat and little known destinations. Crews usually expect a gratuity, which is approximately 30 to 40 percent of their income.

The Ionians are a friendly people displaying typical Greek attitude of life, laughter and sunshine with centuries of tradition. Though tipping is a personal attitude, it can make difference to the people who make their living from services rendered to the tourists.