Can you use American cash in Greece?

Establishments in Greece do not accept U.S. dollars as a form of payment. You will need Greek currency for cash transactions in Greece. In places that do accept physical U.S. dollars, such as hotels, using them may result in very unfavorable exchange rates or additional fees.



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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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Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip. Some tourists feel like they just have to have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

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If you prefer dealing in cash, then by all means get some euros out before your trip. But actually, you'll find that debit and credit cards are widely accepted in most European cities. Paying by card can be easier and more convenient, without the potential security risk of carrying cash around you.

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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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Despite problems in the Greek economy, it's still on the expensive side to travel to Greece. Budget travelers should plan on $50 a day, while mid-range to luxury travelers can expect to pay between $150 to $350 a day, or higher if you plan to visit more than one of its 200 islands. All prices are in US dollars.

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Lunch and beverages Main dish at a normally-priced restaurant: € 8 ( US$ 8.50) - € 13 ( US$ 13.80). Desserts: € 3.50 ( US$ 3.70) - € 5 ( US$ 5.30). Dinner for two in a restaurant: € 40 ( US$ 42.30) (without wine).

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Budget-Friendly Travel Planning Past travelers have spent, on average, €40 ($43) on meals for one day and €30 ($32) on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Greece for a couple is €148 ($159). So, a trip to Greece for two people for one week costs on average €2,173 ($2,330).

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Banks and credit unions are generally the best places to exchange currency, with reasonable exchange rates and the lowest fees.

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In Athens and many other parts of Greece, the water is safe to drink. However, because of various concerns regarding supply and infrastructure, it's popular on both the islands and the mainland to buy bottled water rather than drinking straight from the tap.

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So, how much does it cost to go to Greece? Based on my estimates, your Greece costs will be about $4,455 per person for two weeks. Remember, this estimate is based on visiting the most popular islands (Santorini and Mykonos), which are also the most expensive.

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It all depends on where you're going and what you plan to do during your trip. As you can see from our travel costs table above, some European cities are cheaper or more expensive than others. As a general rule, though, it's a good idea to budget at least $100 a day for your vacation.

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