What are restaurant prices like in Greece?
Should you leave a tip?
What is the cost of living in Athens?
In Greece, unless prices are regulated by the law, they are displayed. Even for the smallest shop there is the obligation to label the product and mark clearly his price. In case of packaged food or beverage prices per kg or per liter must also be marked so the consumer can compare.
Prices in Greece are shown always including all kind of taxes (sales tax, municipal tax etc) and service charge.
Shopping
Greece and Athens is an emerging market for luxury goods but items are wide-ranging. Year-round, you can enjoy great offers and promotions in stores, and 2 times a year, the Sales (ekptoseis in Greek) are an opportunity to shop for goods at cut-rate prices.
The most central and popular shopping spot in Athens is Ermou Street. For international luxury brands, jewelry and Haute Couture, the district of Kolonaki and the famous Voukourestiou St. are the correct places to visit. The Monastiraki flea market is full of tourist memorabilia and leather accessories. If your are looking for thrift and vintage shopping, head to the neighborhoods of Exarcheia and Kypseli, the hubs of alternative culture.
Asking for a deal while shopping in Athens
Asking for a deal can be scary, but it's such a great way to save some money! It doesn't cost you anything, it takes no time or effort (maybe just a little bravery) to simply ask for something and you get a discount on something that you would've paid full price for! In Greece price negotiating is actually part of the culture.
1) Just Ask – If you're not a super outgoing person who can easily ask for things, then this one may be a little hard for you. But it's okay! Really, the worst thing they can do is tell you “no.” As long as you keep that in mind, there's really no reason that you shouldn't ask for a discount.
2) Be Polite – Be genuine and make them want to give you a discount.
3) Ask for a Manager – A normal salesperson or employee probably won't be able to give you a discount. If they tell you no, don't fret! Just ask to speak to a manager because they're more likely to give you a deal.
4) Be Firm and Persistent – Be confident in your way of asking. Say, "Will you give me 10% off my purchase since I'm buying two pairs of pants? That would help me afford this and be able to buy both" rather than "Do you think I'd maybe be able to get a little discount? If it's OK with you?" Be firm!
5) Negotiate – If they keep saying no, ask something like "what do I need to do to get this to $___?" Let them lay the rules and it just may work!
Restaurants
Restaurant prices always include taxes and service. There are set menus to choose from, often available at lunch times, different menu choices or à la carte. Sea food and fish food can be expensive. Small fishes (like sardines, gavros etc) are much cheaper and delicious! Please also note that some plates that are sold by kg, especially big fishes or lamb meat (lamb chops).
In bars and cafes, prices of drinks are required to be displayed inside. It’s handy to know that the prices do not vary depending on whether you stand at the bar (where they are the lowest), or at a table inside or on the terrace.
Tipping
Tipping is a common practice in Greece, especially in the hospitality industry. It is a way to show appreciation for good service. Tipping rules are not complicated, just follow this guide-lines:
- Always carry some cash and change to make tipping easy.
- Don’t drop coins of different currencies on the table as your servers are unlikely to be able to easily exchange or use them.
Tipping in hotels
- you are not expected or required to tip anyone in the hotel you stay in. However, it is considered the polite thing to do and will probably earn you dividends with the staff!
- a coin or two, or even a 5 euros bill is reasonable tip for the porter that carries your luggage to your room and to your car.
- leave a tip for the cleaning service on your bedside table, though in many establishments it may not be considered a tip, and the coins will be left there. This varies so if you want to make sure ask the concierge how to tip your cleaning service.
Tipping in restaurants
- you are not obligated to tip nor will you be asked for a tip
- tipping is a «thank you» gesture to your server.
- a good tip is about 5 – 10% of your bill. Just leave it on your table with your bill as you leave.
Politeness and "thank you" is also a tip
Tipping is extremely appreciated but the real currency here is appreciation. Speaking to your server in a polite way, saying “thank you” and “please”, giving them a smile, and acknowledging them can go a long way even if you don’t tip.
AthensToolKit prices research on June 2023
Athenstoolkit.com made a market research (Athens, June 2023 ) and here are our findings for some everyday consumer products:
- 1 full-price museum admission: €4 to €25
- 1 bottle of water (0.5 L) €0.50
- 1 bottle of water (1.5 L) €1 to €1.50
- 1 sandwich: around €6
- 1 pizza: between €8 and €12
- 1 small coffee: around €2
- 1 full meal (starter, main dish, dessert, not including drinks): between €15 and €30 depending on the area. In most taverns and restaurants local deserts (or fruits in the summer) are graciously offered and are bring to your table even if you dont ask for!
- bread (1kg): €2-€4
- fresh milk (1 L): €1.50-€4
- feta cheese (1kg): €8.50-€19
- beer (0.330 L) in a cafe: around €3 - €6
- 1 seat at the cinema: €8 - €11
