Bargaining and tipping

Most shops have fixed prices, so bargaining isn’t a regular feature of tourist life. It is worth negotiating over rooms – especially off season – or for vehicle rental, especially for longer periods, but it’s best not to be aggressive about it; ask if they have a cheaper room, for example, rather than demanding a lower price. Tipping is not essential anywhere, though taxi drivers generally expect it from tourists and most service staff are very poorly paid. Restaurant bills incorporate a service charge; if you want to tip, rounding up the bill is usually sufficient.

Smoking also deserves a mention. Greeks are the heaviest smokers in Europe, and although legally you’re not allowed to smoke indoors in restaurants, bars or public offices, in practice the law is almost universally disregarded. Effective no-smoking areas are very rare indeed.