Kardamena.org

The season in Kos runs from May until the end of October.  Virtually all the bars, restaurants and clubs need staff during the busy summer period.  They are usually ran by the owning family and hire on average 5 - 10 summer workers at any one time depending on the size of the business.

The Foriegn Office states that “you are required to have a health certificate/licence issued by the local authorities to work in such bars, clubs and restaurants. Failure to have such a certificate is punishable by a fine and or imprisonment.”   This isnt enforced in Kos however.

A British passport holder may stay as a visitor for three months. For longer stays ‘officially’,  you will need to apply for a residence permit, again, this is never enforced.  Some workers should may wish to spend a night in Turkey to stay legal if they intend working for longer than 3 months.

Don’t expect to be paid well - you are doing this for the ‘life experience’ - well, that’s what you told your folks.  Most workers are bar reps; if you are going to try to get this sort of work you should barter with the managers and sell yourself (tell them how great you are going to be for them) you could get a few extra euros that way!  Expect to be offered a trial to begin with, especially if you haven’t worked in the village before. Pay is usually between €25 and €30 a night for bar reps, PR’s and waiters.  You’ll get more cash if it’s you bringing the punters in. A top PR can make €45 per day  Expect to work at least 6 hours per day.

Other jobs are available but are more scarce, but these will tend to pay a little better.

Whatever you decide, GET THERE EARLY so you can have a bit of a holiday while you are waiting for the tourists and you get to source out the best accomodation at the best prices.  Expect to pay between €200 and €250 per month.  Your employer will most likely be able to help you get some accommodation.  If you’ve booked a holiday that should take the pressure off finding somewhere to stay for a week or two!

Expect to be paid nightly, that way you know where you stand and you get the money you have worked for,  some bosses may keep cash back for you to help you at the end of the season with your flight home.  Only do this when you have confidence in the employer (ask other workers) or you are sure you will stay that long, as it may forfeit the money/flight if you leave.

It’s not as scary as you think and you would become settled quickly. You make loads of friends, there’s a great workers community with parties and BBQ’s etc.

There’s no age limit.  16+ to work. you may need a bit of experience in some bars, once you get yourself known, most workers can pick and choose their work.

I will add an honest warning though, please take on board that you will be in a foreign country, respect the Greeks and they will respect you. It does get very hot July/Aug and it can become tiring and the hours can be long, you have ya ups and downs like all jobs, Pace yourself, dont hammer it everynight, otherwise your kidneys will soon fall out of your bum. Some of the greek bosses (as in all jobs) can take advantage of you being wet behind the ears, dont stand for it, have ya say, if your not happy, go and work for someone else. Always take advice before you agree to anything.

It sure as hell beats being at home and you get to meet great people, get drunk, have a laugh and get paid for it.

Thanks to Geordie Paul for his help with this article!