Currently in Greece. Ordered in a restaurant and shortly after before the food even arrived the waiter brought us this metal cup with a bill in it, how does this work? Is this for tips? Are we supposed to just leave the money in it?
Currently in Greece. Ordered in a restaurant and shortly after before the food even arrived the waiter brought us this metal cup with a bill in it, how does this work? Is this for tips? Are we supposed to just leave the money in it?
40 comments
No it’s so it doesn’t get wet or be taken by the wind.
It’s the receipt,you don’t have to leave anything in it, it’s only there to let you know how much you’ll need to pay for what you ordered.
I have not seen this before but businesses must provide a receipt or you don’t have to pay. Also they can be in trouble with the authorities.
Perhaps this is to ensure it’s not lost or overlooked?
Thats the receipt mate. There is no mandatory tip in Greece, and in general even if we tip we dont tip as much as the US. Your bill is 29 euros, leave 30 and its fine. When you wanna pay the bill, just call the waitress and tell her we want to pay.
They put the receipt in that metal cup so it won’t get lost or destroyed. Pay as you would pay normally.
It’s just the paper holder.
Thanks for all of the responses!
Just keep it there in case of inspection from the tax authorities
Fyi, they leave the receipt on the table so they avoid being penalized by the authorities. In general anything you have on your table must be recorded on that receipt otherwise they can be accused of not paying VAT. You don’t have to pay in advance and the tip is optional.
By the greek law the stores that serve food, coffee etc have to bring the receipt when they bring the stuff you’ve ordered.
When you’re ready to leave you call the waiter/waitress and pay… The tip is not mandatory in Greece but its nice to leave a tip.
There is no “rule” for a specific percentage if you decide to leave a tip.
by law they are forced to give a bill whenever you order something. This is normal. The cup is to keep the receipt safe until you pay (but they also keep a copy of the receipt so even if you lose it’s OK).
If you want to leave a tip what I suggest is: 1 Euro per person (minimum). So, if you are two persons you can leave 2 euros (but this is minimum sometimes I leave more if I have a fun time and I am still intoxicated)
Tip: In order to pay for your food it is mandatory (official law) to provide you a receipt, if they fail to do so you have every legal right to leave without paying.
Don’t keep the change , you filthy animal.
Hahahahahah.
Its a more “sophisticated “way and discreet. And practical
Pay and give your tip to the waitress or waiter. Foreigners should give some tips. I always do. So should you. They get surprised cause nio e leaves tips in Greece.
It means you need to buy AMC stock asap
It’s so the receipt won’t go flying, they either bring it in a small metal/glass cup or under your glass / plate
Hahahaha
Just to not lose the receipt
They add extra receipts as you order things. Don’t feel rushed, you’re not being rushed. The receipts will not blow away. You can leave your money (and tip if you want) in the little can or you usually can pay via touch less credit card.
Its just because of the law , every shop have this metal circle think cause its cheap and protect the receipt from being lost , leave tips if you can afford that , typical is 1 or 2 euros or just 10-15% perhaps what you order and how much you loved the service – food etc (i was waiter)
I’m also in Greece atm and the majority do the same thing.
As everyone said it is not for tips it is for the whatever they explained it is , i usually leave tips in it because the waiter picks it up anyway , in general whenever u tip make sure it goes to the hands of your server and not on the total of your bill
O a free cup!!!
It’s for the tax police. It’s a law in Greece. If the tax police come in and there are items on the table that aren’t accounted for in receipts than the business can be fined. It’s so all items get rang in and therefore recorded for taxes.
Yes, it’s for paying the bill and any tips. When you give it back make sure you say to the waiter ‘Mitsotaki gamiese’, which means ‘thanks, everything was great’.
Yeah “cash transactions” were a huge issue in Greece. A lot of money was being collected but not reported/paid taxes on, so now restaurants and shops have to practically staple the receipt to your forehead so they don’t get in deep shit with the government.
it is used as an ashtray sometimes too in places where smoking is forbbidden
Έρχονται εδώ για καυλαντα δεν εξηγείται αλλιώς
The greek tax agency does regular checks on owners of restaurants.
If the receipt has not been issued, they get a fine. They put the receipt in that metal cup so it won’t get lost and as proof of complying with taxation in case of a random control.
Pay at the end before you leave. If you wish, give a tip. It is very common to leave like 1 euro.
They are required to leave a receipt every time you order. So you will just keep getting receipts as you order more things. When you ask to pay, they will usually add it up for you and you pay with card or cash.
Where are you from? Asking for a stereotype.
Also, you eat the cup.
Nope just there for the paper
They’re required to get you the receipt as you order – It’s just there to look nice.
I always leave a tip as I know some waiters only make 20 a day.
It’s perfectly edible, you can mix it with ouzo and drink it as a shot !
The tip is not mandatory but the waiter would appreciate some coin
In GR, the waitress usually brings the receipt AFTER you finish your food and ask for the bill, but in rare occasions they do it from the very start just like in the picture you posted. This is nothing to worry about though. Quite the contrary, actually. It means that the shop owner is honest and doesn’t evade taxes.
Tax evasion is quite common among Greek restaurants, kiosks and small businesses, especially during summer.
As an ex waiter i can confirm this is a metal can