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:

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?

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.

Best Christening Gifts for a Close Friend's Child?

What are some good christening gifts for the child of a close friend?

It’s been quite a while since I’ve been to a Greek christening, and the last one I attended was for a relative, so I’m realizing I’m not completely sure what is considered appropriate these days.

Since this is the child of a close friend, I’d like to give something a little more meaningful than just a standard gift, but I also don’t want to overdo it. Are religious gifts like an icon, cross, or children’s Bible still common? Would money, jewelry, or something personalized be appropriate?

I’d also be interested to know whether there are certain gifts that are traditionally given by family members or the godparents that I should avoid duplicating.

What have you given for christenings recently, especially when the child belonged to a close friend? I’d love some ideas that feel thoughtful and appropriate.

How did your family spend summers in Greece?

I’m curious how many of you spent summers in Greece growing up.

My experience was a little different. My parents both worked full time, so we never packed up and spent entire summers in Greece the way some Greek families did. But I had friends and cousins who seemed to disappear every June and come back just before school started, full of stories about village life, island beaches, family gatherings, and adventures with cousins.

I always found those stories fascinating and sometimes wished I had experienced that myself.

For those of you who did spend summers in Greece, what was it like? Did you stay in a village, a city, or on an island? What did your typical days look like? Are there any traditions, memories, or experiences that still stand out to you today? I'd love to hear your stories!

Anyone here struggle with outpatient rehab not being enough?

I’m curious if anyone else has been through this. I’ve been trying to get sober for a while now and started with a standard outpatient program because it seemed easier to balance with work and daily life. At first it felt okay, but after a couple weeks I noticed I was slipping back into old habits way faster than I expected.
It kinda feels like once the session is over, you’re just thrown back into the same environment with very little structure or support. I’m starting to wonder if outpatient is just too “light” for some people, especially if relapse has already happened before.
Has anyone here switched from regular outpatient to something more structured like IOP or medication-assisted treatment? Did it actually make a difference, or was it just more time in treatment with the same results?
Would really appreciate hearing real experiences — good or bad.
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