Major tourist areas in Greece, like Athens and Thessaloniki, are mostly cash-free and will accept credit and debit cards and contactless payments.
People Also Ask
Major tourist areas in Greece, like Athens and Thessaloniki, are mostly cash-free and will accept credit and debit cards and contactless payments. Plastic money is widely accepted in Greece, and the exchange rates are rather favorable.
Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, stores and restaurants located in the main resorts but if you are travelling to more remote villages then you are advised to take some cash with you. Banks in Greece are usually open 8am - 2:30pm Monday to Thursday and 8am - 2pm on Friday.
Many visitors opt to use a credit or debit card for travel money in Greece. In the past, finding businesses that accept credit cards was challenging, but the Greek government actively encouraged businesses to accept cards, so you no longer need to withdraw money.
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.
There is not a strong tradition of tipping in Greece, particularly among the locals, but it's become expected that tourists leave a small tip while travelling through the country. In restaurants it's common to leave a cash tip for whoever is looking after you – 10–15 per cent is standard.
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.
You can use the euro in 20 EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. Discover more about the euro, which countries use it and the exchange rates.
The most widely accepted cards are MasterCard and VISA. You might have some trouble using a Diners Club or American Express credit card in certain places, as these mean a higher commission for local businesses. According to local legislation, in order to use a credit card, you'll have to have a chip-and-PIN card.
While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors. It's also wise to carry an emergency fund with enough cash for a few days, just in case your card gets lost or stolen.
But if you pay in euros, you'll get a rotten exchange rate. Ideally, if you're in a non-euro country for more than a few hours, head to the ATM and use local currency instead. Use your credit card to get cash only in emergencies.
How much money will you need for your trip to Greece? You should plan to spend around €155 ($164) per day on your vacation in Greece, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, €40 ($42) on meals for one day and €30 ($32) on local transportation.
Credit card transaction fees are typically higher than debit cards. Shops may charge a fee, and banks may charge a conversion fee for the payment. If the merchant hasn't displayed fee notices, travelers should inquire with the staff. Credit cards may be subject to ghost charges or temporary holds.
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.
Don't forget to tip your tour guides!D.'s in Greek history. On a group tour, tip 5-10 Euros per day (even the free tours). On a private tour, give your tour guide 20 Euros per day.