Tipping at Athens port?

[phabric]

I have asked on the Europe Board.

In Florida, we tip the dock porters. In England, you do not tip the porters.

 

We will on the Sky on Sunday cruising from Athens.

 

Do you tip the dock porters?  If so, how much?

[Hlitner]

Just an observation, but the folks that work at ports "know the drill" and react according to the customer.  So if they sense (easy to do by just looking at your clothes and listening to you speak) that you are from North America they will expect nice tips (especially from Americans who tend to be "very" generous).  If they detect a European language or accent they will expect little to no tip and are content.  If they hear an Aussie accent they expect no tip and are also fine.  It is the same in hotels, restaurants, etc.  Many Europeans have happily accepted  that North Americans are willing to part with their Euros and they are generally happy to accept those Euros.   Or course when they are later at a bar enjoying a drink they will joke with their friends about the foolish Americans who quickly give away their money.  By the way, if you tip in parts of Asia that is just considered rude behavior. 

 

What is really amazing is how some Americans deal with European restaurants.  In some countries (such as Italy and France ) it is relatively common to include a service charge in the bill.  This is usually disclosed (in fine print) somewhere on the menu and the service charge ("service compris" in France and "servizio incluso" in Italy) and can vary (usually somewhere between 10-15%).  It is also not uncommon in Italy for them to add a "Coperto" or even an extra entertainment fee...especially at tourist-trap cafes/restaurants. But Americans, many having this "guilt tip" mentality  will leave an additional 15 - 20% on top of the Service Charge.  This would be like tipping twice here in North America and makes little sense.  We have long advised International travelers to do a little pre-trip research (easy to do online) about the tipping culture in countries they are visiting and adapt to the local culture instead of insisting that locals accept our own culture (The Ugly American Syndrome).

 

Hank

[paradiselivin1]

We always research for that reason as well and follow the norm. Easy enough to check it out online.