All About Money in Greece: Credit Cards, Banks, ATMs, and Currency

Currency in Greece

Euro is the Local Currency

Greece has been part of the Eurozone since January 1st, 2002, and the official currency is the euro (€).  The euro comes in both notes and coins:

• Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500 (though the €500 note is rare)
• Coins: €1 and €2 coins, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50-cent denominations

It is highly recommended to always carry at least some cash with you at all times while traveling in Greece. 20-50 euros per person for a couple of days is more than enough.

Banks in Greece

Major Banks and Opening Hours

Greece has several major banks, including:

• Alpha Bank
• Eurobank
• National Bank of Greece
• Piraeus Bank

These banks have branches in all major cities, with opening hours typically from 8 AM to 2 PM, Monday to Friday. Note that banks are closed on public holidays.

Essential Money Tips for Greece

Greece may be part of the Eurozone, but everyday money habits here still carry a local flavor, shaped by tradition, geography, and a touch of Mediterranean unpredictability. To make your trip smooth (and avoid those “cash only” surprises), here’s what you should know:

Cash is King

In villages, islands, and family-run tavernas, cash remains the preferred method of payment. Always keep some Euros handy—especially in rural or off-the-beaten-path spots—where card machines can be unreliable or non-existent.

ATMs & Access

You’ll find ATMs everywhere in big cities like Athens, but they’re fewer and farther between on smaller islands. During peak summer months, machines can even run out of cash due to high tourist demand. Plan ahead and withdraw what you need before heading into remote areas.

Cards in Cities

In Athens, Thessaloniki, and other major urban centers, credit cards are widely accepted. Visa and Mastercard work best, while American Express and Discover are less common. Still, don’t be surprised if a local taverna’s card processing terminal suddenly “goes on strike”—cash will save the day.

Pay Major Expenses Prior to Your Arrival

Expenditures like accommodation, domestic Greece flights, ferry tickets and car rentals can blow your daily credit card or international usage limits and leave you and your loved ones stranded for no reason. These costs are better to be paid off in advance from your home country to avoid any problems with your local bank.

Local Norms

Money etiquette matters here. Small tips are appreciated in cafés and restaurants, and asking for a receipt is standard practice. These little details help you blend in and avoid awkward moments.

Seasonal Surprises

Summer brings crowds—and with them, quirks like minimum charges for card payments or cash-strapped ATMs. In winter, on the other hand, fewer visitors mean things run at a slower, more relaxed pace, but you should still carry cash for family-owned businesses.

A Note on the Real Economic Environment of Greece

Greece’s recent economic challenges have reinforced its reliance on cash, particularly outside tourist hotspots. Travelers who come prepared with both cash and cards find themselves the most flexible.

Pro Tip: Always carry a mix of cash and cards, withdraw in advance when traveling to smaller islands, and expect seasonal quirks in how businesses handle money. With a little preparation, your financial interactions in Greece will be as smooth as your first sip of ouzo by the sea.

Avoid (or at least minimize) cash exchange to save money

When traveling in Greece, it’s smart to minimize cash exchanges to save both time and money. Exchanging cash at airports, ports, or tourist hotspots often comes with high fees and poor exchange rates. Instead, use ATMs to withdraw euros directly, and always choose the option to be charged in local currency to avoid extra conversion fees.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas, offering a convenient and secure way to manage your expenses. By cutting down on cash exchanges, you can stretch your travel budget further and spend more time enjoying your trip!

One essential money tip:

When paying by credit card, always opt to pay in the local currency to avoid expensive currency exchange fees. Find more tips on using credit cards in Greece.

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