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-   -   Tipping drivers in Greece (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/tipping-drivers-in-greece-640129/)

hawaiimoon05 Aug 18th, 2006 10:26 AM

Tipping drivers in Greece
 
Hi everyone,

Quick question - we arranged all of our hotels and transportation through Fantasy Travel. Paid a package price for the whole deal. Should we tip the people taking us to and from the hotels?

Thanks!

Eleni Aug 18th, 2006 10:32 AM

Do you normally tip people in this situation? If so, why not in Greece? If not, that is your choice. As for me, I tip drivers, people who help me with my luggage, maids, etc.

hawaiimoon05 Aug 18th, 2006 10:50 AM

I would normally tip taxi drivers, but considering that the drivers are employed by the travel agency, I wasn't sure if it would be a different situation. Similarly, we have someone meeting us at the airport with our tickets and travel documents. I wouldn't assume that we would tip them although they are certianly providing a service...

Budman Aug 18th, 2006 10:59 AM

The drivers are paid by the travel agency, but if they help you with your luggage, I would tip them a few Euro. First determine if they did something for you, the amount of effort, then tip accordingly. ((b))

hawaiimoon05 Aug 18th, 2006 11:04 AM

Thanks Budman! I guess we probably would have ended up doing so, but you never know sometimes about whether offering to tip is inappropriate. I know some people say it never is, but I've certainly been in situations where it is not expected/customary.

Weadles Aug 18th, 2006 11:14 AM

I agree with Budman's advice. We just got back from Greece a few weeks ago, and while tipping does not seem to be customary, certainly a few extra Euros or so is very appreciated.

Eleni Aug 18th, 2006 11:59 AM

Tipping in Greece is not inappropriate.

milliebz Aug 18th, 2006 12:00 PM

Hawaiimoon05
Hope to see a trip report from you when you back!

hawaiimoon05 Aug 23rd, 2006 07:59 AM

I certainly will, milliebz!

Eleni - I wasn't asking if it were appropriate to tip in Greece, I was asking if it was appropriate to tip someone who works for a travel agency.

Eleni Aug 23rd, 2006 12:04 PM

I understand, hawaiimoon. I think of the people you are describing the same as airport shuttle drivers in the US, or taxi drivers anywhere. They may get their primary salary from someone else (or directly from me in the case of taxi drivers), but when they help me with my bags or make my trip easier, I tip them no matter what country I am in. Plus, although Fantasy Travel may have arranged your transportation, I highly doubt whether the people providing the transportation are direct employees of Fantasy Travel. As I said, I would tip them. But hey, tipping is totally voluntary, no matter the country!!!


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