Greece
Currency in Greece: what to use and how to exchange
Greece uses the euro (EUR, €). Pay by card almost everywhere, including tavernas and ferries; carry €30–50 in cash for small islands, kiosks, taxis and tips. Withdraw from bank ATMs (not Euronet) and choose to be charged in euro, not your home currency. Exchange cash only if you arrive with notes.
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GuideGreece
Key facts
- Currency
- Euro (EUR, €); 100 cents = €1
- Card acceptancecheck
- Widely accepted in cities and tourist areas; cash still useful on small islands and at kiosks
- Best way to get cash
- Bank ATM in Greece, charged in euro
- Avoid
- Independent ATMs (Euronet) and 'convert to your home currency' at the terminal
- Cash to carrycheck
- €30–50 per person for small purchases, taxis and tips
- Tipping
- Not required; round up or leave 5–10% for good service
- Cards acceptedcheck
- Visa and Mastercard almost everywhere; Amex less so
Details
Greece has used the euro since 2002, so there is no separate Greek currency and no exchange-rate puzzle between Athens, Thessaloniki and the islands. Prices are quoted in euro, and the same notes and coins work in every other eurozone country you may pass through.
Cards do most of the work. Supermarkets, hotels, ferry operators, museums and most restaurants take Visa and Mastercard, and contactless is normal. Amex is accepted less often. Small family tavernas, kiosks (periptera), rural bus drivers and some island taxis may still prefer cash, so keep a modest float.
For cash, use an ATM at a bank branch. Greek banks such as Alpha, Eurobank, Piraeus and National Bank charge a local fee that varies by bank and card, and your own bank may add more; the machine will show the fee before you confirm. Independent machines, especially Euronet, often charge more and offer a worse rate. If the screen asks whether to charge you in euro or your home currency, always pick euro — the conversion at the machine is usually the worse deal.
Currency exchange offices exist in Athens, Thessaloniki and the bigger islands, but rates vary and commissions can be hidden in the spread. If you arrive with cash to change, compare two or three offices or a bank branch before handing over notes. Do not change money at the airport unless you need a small amount for transport.
Greece is a card-first country now, but the practical rule for a trip is simple: pay by card where you can, keep €30–50 in cash for the small stuff, and never let a terminal or ATM choose your home currency.
Summary table
Use this as a quick reference before you travel and while you are there.
| Item | What to do | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (EUR, €) | Same as other eurozone countries |
| Cards | Visa, Mastercard, contactless | Amex less widely accepted (check) |
| Cash | €30–50 per person | Small islands, kiosks, taxis, tips (check) |
| ATM | Bank ATM, charged in euro | Decline conversion to your home currency |
| Avoid | Euronet and airport exchange | Higher fees and worse rates |
| Tipping | Round up or 5–10% | Not required |
| Emergency | 112 | 100 police · 166 ambulance |
Tips
Tell your bank you are travelling if it still requires it, and check its foreign-transaction fee before you go; a no-fee card saves more than any exchange office.
Keep two cards from different networks in separate bags. If one is blocked or lost, the other still works.
On small islands, withdraw enough cash for a few days at once — ATMs can run out in high season and may be far apart.
Ask for the receipt when paying by card, and check the amount in euro before you tap.
If you are splitting bills with friends, a payment app or cash is easier than multiple card taps.
- Check your card's foreign-transaction fee before departure
- Carry two cards from different networks
- Withdraw enough cash for a few days on small islands
- Always choose euro, not your home currency, at the terminal
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Greece?
The euro (EUR, €). Greece has used it since 2002, so the same notes and coins work in Athens, the islands and every other eurozone country.
Where is the best place to exchange money in Greece?
A bank ATM, charged in euro, is usually the cheapest way to get cash. If you arrive with notes, compare two or three exchange offices or a bank branch in Athens or Thessaloniki; avoid airport exchange unless you need a small amount for transport.
Is it better to bring cash or use a card in Greece?
Use a card for most payments — hotels, ferries, museums and most restaurants take Visa or Mastercard. Bring or withdraw €30–50 in cash for kiosks, small island businesses, taxis and tips.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialEuropean Central Bank – Euro
- officialBank of Greece
- officialVisit Greece (official tourism site)
- secondaryWikivoyage – Greece