Greek Traditions Community

When I am dining out in Greece...who pays?

1 - 14 of 14 Posts
ssherie_

ssherie_

Active member
I am under the impression that Greeks don't really split the bill...so when I'm hanging out with my Greek friends in Greece what on earth should I do? This is something I really don't understand as a Canadian
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
Don't stress, you won't even get a chance to see the bill. Greeks are very proud and very generous (filotimo). They would consider it an insult if you were to pay. If you ever see 2 Greeks arguing over the bill at a restaurant, it will be as to who should pay, not trying to get the other to pay but themselves to pay.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
You can offer to pay the bill, and you should try to pay - they won't let you though.

Whenever I'm out with my friends in Greece we argue about paying the bill. I'll take their cards and give the waiter/waitress my card instead...
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Hash, ssherie_ and Vangelis
ellinasgolfer0320 said:
You can offer to pay the bill, and you should try to pay - they won't let you though.

Whenever I'm out with my friends in Greece we argue about paying the bill. I'll take their cards and give the waiter/waitress my card instead...
Click to expand...
So always offer? And I guess that way you only end up paying sometimes. Everywhere else if I offer to pay, I'm always paying LOL
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
ssherie_ said:
So always offer? And I guess that way you only end up paying sometimes. Everywhere else if I offer to pay, I'm always paying LOL
Click to expand...
You don't have to always offer, but odds are that you won't be the one paying, especially if you're a guest - they'll find it offensive if they don't treat you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vangelis, Hash and tomipark
ellinasgolfer0320 said:
You don't have to always offer, but odds are that you won't be the one paying, especially if you're a guest - they'll find it offensive if they don't treat you.
Click to expand...
In cases where you're a guest or someone is older than you assume that you won't be paying. But it is polite to offer
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vangelis and Hash
Who pays?
The Germans and the French and the EU, not the Greeks
 
  • Haha
Reactions: daniel
That's right. If you ask to pay in cash, you won't get a receipt in many cases. This is because the owners don't want to pay taxes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash and redsoxdw_
ellinasgolfer0320 said:
That's right. If you ask to pay in cash, you won't get a receipt in many cases. This is because the owners don't want to pay taxes.
Click to expand...
Do you pay taxes? If you pay taxes then your not Greek
 
  • Like
Reactions: efhernandez_
I agree, you will argue about who will get to pay the bill! If that doesn't happen, just carry around Euros and throw some cash down that you want to pay... then other people will chip in.
 
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

What Does Philotimo Mean to You?

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the word, or really, the concept, of philotimo. It’s one of those Greek words that just doesn’t translate neatly into English. I was recently trying to explain it to a non-Greek friend, and I realized how difficult it is to put into words!

I ended up talking about ideas like honor, dignity, courage, generosity, and doing the right thing because it’s simply the right thing to do. I even used some historical examples, including the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae and the spirit of Ochi Day, to try to explain the sense of duty and selflessness that I associate with philotimo.

But I know the concept can also show up in much smaller, everyday ways. How would you explain philotimo to someone unfamiliar with Greek culture? What does the word mean to you personally?

Do younger generations still follow traditional Greek customs?

Lately I’ve been wondering how much traditional Greek culture is still being carried forward by younger generations, both in Greece and in the diaspora.

I’m not talking only about the big holidays or major family events, but the smaller everyday things too — name days, church traditions, hospitality, family meals, fasting periods, village festivals, coffee rituals, respect for elders, even certain sayings and customs. Do younger Greeks still actively participate in these traditions, or do they mostly happen because parents and grandparents keep them going?

I imagine the answer probably depends a lot on location, family, and lifestyle. Someone growing up in a village might have a different experience than someone in Athens or abroad. I’d love to hear from people of different ages, which traditions have stayed strong, which ones are fading, and are there any that younger generations are bringing back in new ways?

Greek Traditions from Childhood?

I’d love to hear everyone’s memories of Greek traditions from childhood, especially the small everyday things that may not even seem unusual until you look back on them later.

For me, some of the strongest memories are tied to food, church, family gatherings, name days, holiday preparations, and the feeling of constantly having people around. Even certain sounds and smells immediately bring everything back.

I’m also curious how traditions differed depending on region or family background. Did your family keep strong village customs? Were there things your grandparents insisted on doing a certain way? Any traditions connected to Easter, Christmas, weddings, coffee, hospitality, music, or food?

For me, we ate a family-oriented Sunday meal where everyone go together after church. That was a big part of things for me.

How was your experience using a virtual concierge at a luxury resort?

Booked a fancy resort for a once-in-a-blue-moon getaway, and they keep hyping up this “virtual concierge” thing like it’s the next big miracle. I’m kinda torn. Part of me loves the idea of ditching phone calls, but part of me worries it’ll feel cold or glitchy, like talking to a chat bot instead of a real human who actually cares if my room smells weird or if I need extra towels. If you’ve used one before, was it helpful or just marketing fluff? I’m trying to figure out if I should trust it or just stick to the front desk.

What are your favorite name day traditions?

I’ve always loved the tradition of celebrating name days. In my family, they’re just as meaningful as birthdays, and sometimes even more fun because they bring everyone together in a different way.

When a big name day comes around, especially one that several family members share, we often turn it into a full family gathering. For example, on a name day like Nick/Nikolas, where there might be multiple people celebrating, it becomes almost like a mini family holiday. Someone hosts, there’s plenty of food, and everyone comes by to wish the celebrants “chronia polla.”

I also like the simplicity of the tradition. Even if there isn’t a big gathering, people still call or send messages to acknowledge the day.

Do you celebrate name days in your family? And are there certain ones that turn into larger celebrations because several people share the name?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top