Whether you’re island-hopping or exploring ancient ruins, knowing how to pay in Greece can save you time, stress, and unnecessary fees. While Greece is part of the Eurozone and modern in many ways, it still has its own quirks when it comes to money, tipping, and transactions.
Here’s everything you need to know about using cash, cards, mobile payments, and ATMs—plus smart tips to avoid common mistakes.
Currency in Greece: The Euro (€)
Greece uses the euro (EUR), just like most other EU countries.
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Coins: €0.01 to €2
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Notes: €5 to €500
💡 Tip: Try to carry small denominations—some small shops, taxis, and kiosks may not accept large bills.
Credit & Debit Cards: Widely Accepted (But Not Everywhere)
You can use Visa and Mastercard almost everywhere, especially in:
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Hotels, restaurants, cafes
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Supermarkets and chain stores
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Ferry booking offices
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Car rentals
However, cash is still king in smaller villages, family-run tavernas, and certain kiosks or street markets.
💡 Always carry some cash—especially on islands or in remote areas.
Mobile Payments: Available, But Not Universal
Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile wallets are accepted in larger cities and tourist hubs, but don’t rely on them everywhere.
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Many stores still prefer cards or cash
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Some older card terminals don’t support mobile tap payments
💡 Always have a physical card as backup.
Withdrawing Cash in Greece: What You Need to Know
ATMs are widespread in cities, airports, ports, and most tourist areas.
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Foreign cards are accepted at most machines
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Withdrawals often incur a local ATM fee (€2–3 per transaction)
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Some machines may offer currency conversion—always decline this and choose to be charged in euros
💡 Avoid standalone ATMs near tourist zones. Stick to machines operated by Greek banks (e.g., Alpha Bank, Eurobank, Piraeus, National Bank of Greece).
Tipping Culture in Greece
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Round up or leave a small amount depending on service:
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Cafés: Round up to the nearest euro or leave €0.50–1
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Restaurants: 5–10% for good service
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Taxi drivers: Round up or add €1–2
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Hotel staff: A few euros for housekeeping or porters
💡 Tipping in cash is preferred—even when you pay the main bill by card. Learn more about tipping in Greece.
Cash-Only Situations
While Greece has modernized rapidly, a few situations are still cash-preferred or cash-only:
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Street vendors and food stalls
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Remote tavernas or beach bars
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Some intercity buses or local taxis
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Public toilets (typically €0.50)
💡 In rural Greece or small islands, power outages and slow networks can also make card machines unreliable. Always have a small stash of cash.
Do You Need to Ask for a Receipt?
Yes! In Greece, it’s your legal right to receive a receipt—always ask for one.
If a business claims they can’t issue one, politely insist or consider not paying.
💡 Receipts help prevent tax evasion—and protect you as a customer.
Final Word: Pay Smart, Travel Smart
In short:
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Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash
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ATMs are easy to find, but watch for fees
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Tipping is casual, not obligatory
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Receipts are your right—and important
By mixing modern tools with a little old-school cash, you’ll enjoy smooth spending across Greece—whether you’re sipping freddo espresso in Athens or buying olives at a village market.
