Tip Currency Preference and Euro Exchange from USD

It’s not helpful to give people dollars in Europe. They can’t be spent here and whoever receives them will have to pay commission to have them changed up. I know in some countries with unstable currencies people do like to take dollars, but that is not applicable to Europe.

will locals be offended if I tip in US dollars?

I think so - how would a bartender in Chicago react if you tipped them in Euros?

Just get cash from an ATM in Greece

Thank you! Euros it is.

Personally I like having cash in the pocket when I land. Generally it is a hundred euro left over from the previous trip. If not, I will buy a hundred from the local exchange at the airport. After that am totally dependent on bank owned ATM in the city. The local ATM will always give the best exchange rate. And it is easy to control that amount of euro you have when you use the local ATMs.

Withdraw a few euros from a Greek ATM, go get a beer or two, or a coffee, or anything cheap, pay in cash with a €10 or €20 bill, and you'll have enough change for tips.

Tipping is not mandatory in Greece, and service is always included in the bill.

Some tourist restaurants have realized that Americans want to add tips like in the States and are equipped with CC terminals with tip options. It's kind of a scam. (The waiter will give you a big smile.)

Tipping, say, 10% is fine if you appreciate the service. You can leave it on the table in cash after paying by credit card. For example, €3 or €4 for a total meal of €36.

If you don't want to tip, don't.

I would avoid tipping in dollars, it could be considered rude or even contemptuous, this is Greece not Somalia.

Appreciate the tips to use the local ATMs. Thank you both.