Can you haggle in Greece?

Haggling in Greece is generally not standard practice in shops, but it is acceptable and often expected in specific, informal settings like flea markets (e.g., Monastiraki in Athens), antique shops, and with independent vendors, especially when buying multiple items. While fixed prices are the norm elsewhere, you can politely ask for a better price for cash payments.

Is it normal to haggle in Greece?

Haggling is not cool

While bargaining used to be acceptable, it's a lot less so today. Unless you're clean sweeping a store, you're not really expected to shoot numbers back and forth. Obviously, if the price seems ridiculous, do speak out.

How to negotiate in Greece?

For Greeks, saving face or avoiding others to lose respect for them is paramount. Causing embarrassment to another person is detrimental to business negotiation. Therefore, the importance of understanding their culture and diplomatic tact is a must. Politeness is crucial to avoid any conflict with them.

Are prices cheaper in Greece?

Cost of Living: Greece's cost of living is generally lower than in Western Europe but higher than in some Eastern European countries. Major cities and popular tourist destinations are usually more expensive than rural areas.

Is it rude not to tip in Greece?

Tipping in Greece is not obligatory but is generally seen as a polite way to show people appreciation for good or exceptional service.

COMING UP-5 tips on how to negotiate in Greece

Is 10% tip insulting?

Yes, in the U.S., a 10% tip is often considered low and potentially insulting for standard sit-down restaurant service, where 15-20% is the norm, but it can be acceptable for mediocre service or in regions where tipping culture differs (like parts of Europe). The perception depends heavily on location, service quality, and the type of establishment, with fine dining expecting more and takeaway sometimes expecting less, but a 10% tip generally signals dissatisfaction with service in America. 

What is worth buying in Greece?

Olive oil, olives and products made from olive oil like soaps, shampoos, body lotions and more have become the most popular item for tourists since worry-beads and there are a number of shops selling them in the Plaka and Monastiraki. Evonon at 124 Adrianou call themselves a traditional Greek Products shop.

Is Greece expensive for Indian tourists?

The Greece trip cost from India typically ranges from ₹1.4 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per person, depending on your travel preferences. With its blue-domed churches, historic landmarks, and sunny beaches, Greece is a destination that offers unmatched beauty and cultural richness.

How much money do I need for 7 days in Greece?

A 7-day solo trip will cost between $1,225 and $1,785 (€1,060 – €1,545) when you stay within your budget. A trip in the middle range can be about $1,855 to $3,190 (€1,605 – €2,759). A high-end trip can be from $3,430 to $7,550 (€2,967 – €6,530).

What is the 70 30 rule in negotiation?

The 70/30 rule in negotiation is a guideline to listen 70% of the time and talk only 30%, focusing on understanding the other party's needs, motivations, and priorities through active listening and open-ended questions, which builds trust, reduces misunderstandings, and fosters collaborative solutions, making the other person feel heard and valued. This approach shifts the focus from simply stating your position to uncovering insights that lead to mutually beneficial agreements. 

What does +30 mean in Greece?

The country code for Greece is +30. That means anytime you're dialing a Greek number from outside the country, including from the UK, you'll need to include 30 after the international dialing prefix. This code signals that your call is headed to Greece.

Can you haggle in Athens flea market?

Bargaining is a common practice at Athens flea markets. Visitors often wonder if prices are negotiable and how to approach haggling with the vendors. It's useful to be aware that negotiation is expected and to approach it with a friendly and respectful attitude.

How do Greeks negotiate?

During initial negotiations, the Greeks often play their cards close to the chest. Pace of Negotiation – Expect negotiations to be slow and protracted, and be prepared to make several trips if necessary to achieve your objectives. Initial exchanges that precede the bargaining stage of the negotiation may be lengthy.

Is 1000 euros enough for a month in Greece?

In larger cities like Athens, a single person needs around €1,180 per month for basic living costs. In more affordable cities, the amount does not exceed €1,000.

Is Greece welcoming to Indians?

Greece is preparing to welcome a surge of Indian tourists with customized menus, larger rooms, and Indian chefs as direct flights between Athens and Indian cities are set to begin. Wyndham Hotels is adapting its Greek properties to cater to Indian preferences, recognizing India's growing outbound travel market.

Is 7 days in Greece enough?

Explore 39 trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to Greece. Seven days in Greece is enough time to cover a few of the country's highlights, whether you're looking for a relaxing island escape, to explore ancient ruins, or for a taste of the Greek culture and way of life.

How much does a typical meal cost in Greece?

Lunch and beverages

Main dish at a normally-priced restaurant: € 8 ( US$ 9.30) - € 13 ( US$ 15.12). Desserts: € 3.50 ( US$ 4.07) - € 5 ( US$ 5.81). Dinner for two in a restaurant: € 40 ( US$ 46.53) (without wine).

What can I bring back from Greece?

Different Greek islands often specialize in different products. Sifnos is great for ceramics, Crete has good honey, Santorini may have good wine – buy according to regional specialties when possible. Don't look down on grocery stores, these can be great places for authentic Greece souvenirs.

Is shopping in Greece cheap for clothes?

Because of the economy in Greece many shops are selling clothing for very low prices. In some cases much lower than cost because if you have to pay the rent, the gas and electric bills or your taxes, having a lot of inventory and no cash is impractical.

What jewelry is Greece famous for?

Traditional Greek jewelry often features motifs inspired by Greek mythology, nature, and geometric patterns. Symbols such as the evil eye, the Greek key, and the olive branch are commonly found in Greek jewelry, each carrying its own unique meaning and significance.

What is overtipping?

overtipped; overtipping. transitive + intransitive. : to tip (someone) too much : to give (someone) a larger gratuity than is normal or expected. He overtipped the waiter. She always overtips.

Who should you not tip?

Fast food or store counter transactions

Etiquette experts agree: no tip is expected at fast-food restaurants' counters or drive-thrus. The employees manning these stations are salaried workers and the service of getting your meal to you quickly is built into menu prices.

How much of a tip do you leave for $100?

Typically $25, if it's a place that has multiple people participating in waiting on you(food, runners, tipped out bartenders, bussers) I usually go to about 30% to make sure my my server doesn't lose money by having to pay out other people.