Is it better to use card or cash in Greece?

Its stunning beaches and unique islands makes a vacation to Greece a trip to paradise. Though Greece has a cash-preferred economy, credit and debit cards are accepted as well. A credit card that saves on foreign transaction fees is a good card to bring along.



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Plastic money is widely accepted in Greece, and the exchange rates are rather favorable. Still, it would be best if you carried some cash, as many street vendors, artists, and small cafes only accept cash, while also cash is the preferred method of tipping in Greece.

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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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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.

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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.

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Greece uses the euro as its currency, and businesses only accept Euros for payment. It's a good idea to carry some Greece currency for cash transactions, especially in remote areas. The best way to get euros in Greece is via an ATM or to exchange American dollars for euros before arriving.

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The best way to get Euros in Greece is via an ATM or to exchange American dollars for Euros before you arrive. The exchange rate is more favorable, and the process is more convenient.

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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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While you'll always need some cash, using a credit card for your spending needs can significantly simplify overseas travel. You won't really have to deal with converting currency and, armed with the right credit card, you won't pay unnecessary foreign transaction fees.

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Tip in the local currency Whenever you tip during your trip to Greece it is important to use the local currency, that is - Euros. Otherwise you'll leave your service providers with cash they can't use without paying high fees on currency exchange.

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Buy currency before you travel.
Doing so gives you time to shop around for the best rate. Plus, when you arrive, you won't have to immediately find a bank or currency exchange. Do some research ahead of time to see if US dollars are widely accepted at places you plan to go to.

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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.

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Paying with cash in Greece Always have an emergency supply of cash and a back-up card you can use over the counter in case of emergencies. Tip: While there is no limit to the amount of cash you can bring into Greece, you must declare anything over 10,000 euros.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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