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.
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While cash used to dominate the Greek market, new laws require most Greek businesses to accept credit cards. However, cash payments are still extremely common, particularly among smaller businesses such as convenience stores.
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.
Therefore, you do not necessarily need to exchange money before traveling to Greece if you plan on using your card for most transactions. Just make sure that your credit card waives international card transaction fees, otherwise, those fees will add on very quickly.
Fees for using ATMs in GreeceSome ATMs may charge foreign cardholders an administrative fee for using their machine. This can be between €2-€3.50. It is better to withdraw a couple of hundred euros at once so that you don't have to keep incurring more charges.
How much money will you need for your trip to Greece? You should plan to spend around €155 ($166) 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 ($43) on meals for one day and €30 ($32) on local transportation.
You hardly need any cash at all. You can use your credit or debit card wherever there is a PoS (point of sale) machine. Your card needs to be on the Mastercard or VISA international network to function. (Most businesses in Italy refuse Amex and Diners because they charge too much commission.)
Is 500 euro enough in Greece? Rent excluded, the average living expenses for a single person in Greece is around €600 per month. If you're a university student, you'll need about €500 monthly. Whereas a family of four might need about €2,000 per month.
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.
Budget-Friendly Travel PlanningYou should plan to spend around €155 ($166) 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 ($43) on meals for one day and €30 ($32) on local transportation.
Most shops and restaurants on Santorini accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases like bottled water and snacks. ATMs are easy to find in all of Santorini's main towns. Most restaurants in Santorini, like Marinera in Fira, accept credit cards.
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.
Leave whatever you feel comfortable with on the table; if you are in an elegant restaurant and had the meal of a life-time, leave 5-10% (preferably in coins or cash). Tipping is to reward a good meal and great service. The same tipping etiquette can be practiced for other services in Italy.
If you ask locals “Do you tip in Italy?”, they'll explain that while they sometimes leave a small tip, it's generally not necessary. In Italy, gratuity (or una mancia, pronounced oo-nah MAN-chah) is considered a bonus for exceptional service. And it's not often that you'll find a tip jar at a register.
If you make smart choices, it is possible to spend a week in Greece for under 400-500 euro per person. But if you are interested in luxury hotels or upmarket restaurants, the average cost can easily jump to over 1,500 or 2,000 euro.
Greek cuisine and restaurants are usually straightforward and still largely affordable – typically €12–20 per person for a substantial meal with house wine. Even when preparation is basic, raw materials are usually wholesome and fresh.
The best way to get euros in Greece is via an ATM or to exchange American dollars for euros before arriving. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Greece, but it's important to be cautious of bank fees and to confirm that a business accepts cards before ordering.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Greece, but it's important to be cautious of bank fees and to confirm that a business accepts cards before ordering.