Are things cheaper in the Greek islands as a result of the economic instability?

Why would the Greek prefer USD (or whatever currency) over their own EUR? The news coverage in the USofA might have given you a different view, but Greece is not a developing country with some fancy currency.

Hello jelpern, Yes, I'm sure you may get good deals to travel to Greece. I know that Aegean Airlines has 20 to 40 % sales on their flights to Greece. But what I would do is when I got there, tip heavily the people who serve you: waiters (tresses) cabbies, maids, etc. So yes, do visit. Take advantage of the opportunities but please give back. Have a good trip.

what I would do is when I got there, tip heavily the people who serve you: waiters (tresses) cabbies, maids, etc. So yes, do visit. Take advantage of the opportunities but please give back. Have a good trip.

I like your way of thinking!

I was in Athens, Milos, Folegandros and Santorini over the last 2 weeks and all places seemed busy with business as usual and large numbers of tourists. The average tourist might not even be aware of the financial crisis while travelling in Greece. We noticed a slight increase in bus fare on Milos when the tax went up (don't know for sure this was due to tax increase rather than an annual increase) and an increase in the proportion of the tax on the restaurant bill - since prices on menus include tax there was no increase in price to the consumer unless a business decides to put their prices up but restaurants will also want to remain competititive so most didn't seem to be rushing to pass the tax rise onto customers. All the hotels we stayed at on the islands were fully booked.

In spite of what anyone may opine, Tipping well when it is deserved is not catering to children begging. While it is true that people in Greece may not be laying in the street half emaciated and dying of hunger, this does not mean that they are doing well economically. Some may, of course: the usual ones. But the Greeks and the Spanish who are suffering extreme economic times are proud people. No, you will not see them begging in the street, and yes, many well-educated intellectual young people are working as waiters or cab drivers and there is nothing wrong with carefully tipping well in a way so as not to injure their pride.

My grandmother once said to an uncle. "When you go out into the street, dab a few breadcrumbs by your mouth to show you have eaten. Do not in any way show to anyone that you have not eaten. Hold your head up. Times will change." And they do. Perhaps a little too proud but nonetheless. Assuming that people are not in trouble because, "we see a few crumbs by their chin," can be construed as arrogance if we try to take advantage of their present situation.
Conversely, if someone is rude or unprofessional in their service, then ok. Don't tip as well.

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