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How do you catch a taxi in Greece?

First is to just wait on the side of a road for an unoccupied one to pass and raise your hand. This will signal them to stop in order to pick you up. Taxi are everywhere in Greece so this way works most of the time. The second way is to go to a square or central area where a lot of taxis always gather.



To catch a taxi in Greece, you have three primary options: street hailing, taxi ranks (piatsas), or mobile apps. In cities like Athens, you can signal a passing yellow taxi by raising your hand, but make sure the "Free" light on the roof is illuminated. A more reliable method is to head to a "piatsa"—a designated taxi rank found at major squares, ports, and transit hubs—where drivers wait in a queue. In 2026, the most efficient way is using apps like FREENOW (formerly Beat) or Uber (which primarily summons licensed taxis in Greece). Always ensure the meter is turned on at the start of the journey. Be aware that in Greek culture, it was historically common for drivers to pick up multiple passengers going in the same direction, though this practice has become rarer with the rise of digital booking and stricter regulations.

People Also Ask

  1. Kosmos: Website / Tel. 18300.
  2. Ikaros: Website / Tel. +30 210 515 2800.
  3. Enotita: Website / Tel. 18388.
  4. Hellas: Website / Tel. 18180.
  5. Taxiplon: Website / Tel. 18222.


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Aegean Taxi: Ride app is a local taxi and private transfer service in Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Rhodes and Athens, Greece.

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Payments can be made mainly in cash. The bulk of taxi drivers have POS machines and accept bank cards. However, this is not a rule. Thus, you should have euros with you (preferably small bills), as cab drivers usually don't give change from big banknotes.

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The average taxi ride costs between 4EUR and € 6 ( US$ 6.40). In other words, a taxi to get around the city center costs a little more than two metro tickets. Taxis are very easy to flag down, since there are over 12,000 vehicles in the city.

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Definitely yes, you can Uber in Athens. Moreover, if there is increased demand, or on rainy days, etc, Uber prices may be a bit increased. Finally, what you need to know is that there is only Uber TAXI in Athens.

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It really isn't standard to tip your cab driver in Greece unless you have had exceptional service. Typically, you can just round up the amount or give the driver an extra euro or two if you really want to. Sometimes this can be nice as a number of BEAT drivers really do go above and beyond.

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The cost of a taxi ride is not negotiable: Do not bargain in advance or during the ride. What is valid, is only the price shown on the meter.

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Until recently, cash was the most common payment method in Greece. However, credit cards have been on the rise over the last decade since the Greek government now requires most businesses to have a point-of-sale terminal. Credit and debit cards are now widely accepted, but cash is still preferred by some businesses.

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Greek taxis are different colors in different cities, so noticing what color they are when you first arrive is a good idea for when you need to find one later. Most taxis in Athens are yellow, in Thessaloniki they're dark blue with a white top, while in other places they may be crimson, red, and in many cases grey.

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Hello, I need a taxi to take me to <name the place>. I am at <give your address> They may ask when you need the taxi. If you're in the U.S., make sure you have plenty of time. They may also ask you when you need to be at the destination, especially if it's an airport.

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Greece taxis fares (2018)
  • The meter starts at 1.20€
  • Minimum rate (Athens/Thessaloniki) 3.16€
  • Minimum Rate (rest of Greece) 3.40€
  • Rate Per Km Within City Limits (Simple Rate) 0.68€
  • Rate Per Km Outside City Limits (Double Rate) 1,19€
  • Waiting Time Per Hour 10.85€
  • From the Ports, Railway & Bus Stations 1.07€


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Tipping is a common practice in Greece, especially in the hospitality industry. It is a way to show appreciation for good service. It's recommended to have cash on hand for tipping purposes. While some establishments accept credit cards, it's easier and more convenient to tip with cash, especially for smaller amounts.

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Generally, 10-15% is ok, not great, and 20-25% is a pretty nice tip. If you have exemplary service and want to tip more, you will certainly be appreciated. In Greece, that simply isn't the case. While some fine dining restaurants in Athens may add a 10% service charge, that is the exception, not the rule.

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Greece uses the euro as its currency, and businesses only accept Euros for payment. It's a good idea to carry some Greece currency for cash transactions, especially in remote areas. The best way to get euros in Greece is via an ATM or to exchange American dollars for euros before arriving.

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  1. Do accept a greeting with two kisses on the cheek. ...
  2. Do accept an invitation for a lunch or dinner at their home. ...
  3. Don't thrust the palm of your hand in front of someone's face, it is considered a very rude gesture, so don't attempt to do this even jokingly!


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Hello, I need a taxi to take me to <name the place>. I am at <give your address> They may ask when you need the taxi. If you're in the U.S., make sure you have plenty of time. They may also ask you when you need to be at the destination, especially if it's an airport.

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You can safely drink tap water in many areas of Greece,” she says. “This includes the big cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki, most of the mainland and certain islands. On smaller islands, such as Santorini, tap water is not always drinkable, so you should drink bottled water.

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Greek: “To logariasmo parakalo” After eating a delicious meal in Greece, you'll get your server's attention and ask for “To logariasmo parakalo” from your server. Both “logariasmo” and “parakalo” have the strongest accent on the last vowel, which sounds like the English word “oh.”

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Most drivers pay for the privilege of driving an agency cab. Your tips are all they make in salary. 15-20%. And if you're thinking of not tipping that much, please don't take a cab.

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