How to pay for things in Greece?

2/13/2018 7:56:11 PM

Having been to Greece myself many times, most recently 6 months ago on a 17-day 9 island trip, I can confirm you will be fine almost everywhere with any major credit card (MasterCard, Visa etc.)

I’m not sure if it’s an option in the US, but here in the UK we have prepaid travel cards where you can load money onto the card and use it as you would any debit or credit card. Many of these are specifically aimed at travelling abroad so have no currency exchange fees. They are also more secure as you can only lose what you’ve loaded onto the card. If this isn’t an option then just find a credit card provider who offers the best exchange rate for Euros and sign up.

Depending on your travel plans I would also budget perhaps €50 per day between you in cash (up to a maximum of €500) for your trip. Use cards whenever possible (meals, car hire, ferry tickets all usually accept card payment) and keep cash back for incidentals (taxis, drinks in bars, bus fares).

If you get near the end of your trip and find you have a surplus of cash, start using it more and aim to spend the last €20 at the airport before you fly home – it’s rarely worth changing currency back as you’ll get a much poorer rate than you paid for.

As the other answers have mentioned, when paying by card always opt to pay in Euro and let your card issuer handle the conversion.

Most importantly of all, have a great trip! Greece is a superb country and I’m sure you will love it.

2/13/2018 12:24:59 PM

Two things to add to the answer by Max.

You need to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) when it is offered. So if they ask you whether you want to pay by card in euros or in your own currency you should answer euros. The rate you obtain from your own card issuer is usually better than that offered by the provider of DCC.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_currency_conversion

At times of economic uncertainty they may become reluctant to take cards. This is often euphemistically stated as the card machine being broken. So when you go out for your evening meal either check it is working before ordering or be sure to take enough cash with you to cover the likely bill. Sadly the Greek economy is not the most flourishing one so this can be an issue if you are not prepared.

2/12/2018 8:22:58 PM

It’s unfortunate you have pre-ordered Euros. USA banks offer terrible rates of exchange. What you need to do is investigate the foreign currency fees of your various credit and debit cards, almost all of which will work in Greece. Even Discover is accepted (look for Diners Club logo). However the fee will vary from 0 to 3%. Use the cards with the best rate just as you would in the States.

Debit cards will work in ATMs. The issue of fees charged by the ATM operators is complex. Several other forums say that Greek banks do not charge for ATM use.

2/13/2018 10:47:12 AM

Pay as you normally do at home.

  • Have some cash with you when you land in Greece for small immediate purchases (tourist things, taxi…), I’d say, 200, 300 euros per person.
  • Pay with credit card for larger purchases (hotel, restaurants, train/boat reservations…).
  • ATM are (should be) available pretty much everywhere to get cash. Prefer using Bank ATM over “no-name” ones, look for “Cirrus” or “Plus” logo on your debit/credit card and ATM machine.

YMMV in regards to smaller restaurants or smaller stores, they might not accept credit cards or debit cards.

Both MasterCard and Visa are widely recognized in Greece, you should not have problem with either of them.

Be certain to contact your credit card provider that you will be traveling to Greece; this will remove/reduce the risk of your card be blocked.

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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