Currency & Payment

Greece uses the euro (EUR, symbol EUR), so travellers from other eurozone countries need no currency exchange. Notes come in 5 to 500 euros and coins from 1 cent to 2 euros. Prices are shown in euros everywhere. Keep some small notes and coins for kiosks, buses, small tavernas and tips, especially on smaller islands where change can be scarce.

If you need to change non-euro cash, banks and licensed exchange offices in cities and at the airport offer the best rates. Compare rates and check commissions before exchanging, and avoid changing large sums at hotels or tourist-strip kiosks. For most visitors, withdrawing euros from ATMs or paying by card gives better value than carrying lots of cash to exchange.

Card payments are widely accepted in Greece, especially in cities, hotels, restaurants and larger shops, with Visa and Mastercard the most common and contactless standard. On small islands, at village tavernas, kiosks and street stalls, cash is still handy and sometimes the only option. Carry a card plus some euro cash, and tell your bank you are travelling to avoid blocks.

ATMs are easy to find in cities, at the airport and in most tourist towns, though smaller islands may have only one or two that can run empty in peak season. Prefer machines attached to bank branches for safety and better terms. Always decline the machine's currency conversion and choose to be charged in euros to get a fairer rate. Check your bank's foreign withdrawal fees.

Contactless and mobile payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay work at most card terminals in cities, hotels, supermarkets and chain venues, so a phone or smartwatch is often enough. Coverage is thinner on small islands and at small family-run tavernas or stalls, where cash remains king. Set up your wallet before you travel and keep a physical card and some euros as backup.

Tipping in Greece is appreciated but relaxed. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving around 5 to 10 percent is common if you are happy with the service, though a service charge may already be included. Leave a euro or two for cafe staff, round up taxi fares and tip hotel porters or housekeeping a small amount. Cash tips are preferred, especially on smaller islands.

Greece offers good value compared with much of western Europe, though popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos are pricier in peak summer. A coffee costs a few euros, a casual taverna meal is affordable, and a gyros makes a very cheap lunch. Prices rise with the season and location, so travelling in spring or autumn and eating where locals do keeps costs down.

Non-EU residents can usually claim a VAT refund on eligible purchases above a minimum spend from participating shops. Ask for a tax-free form at the till, keep your receipts, and get the form validated by customs at the airport before you check in your goods. Refunds can be paid via a refund operator, sometimes with a fee. EU residents are not eligible, and rules and thresholds can change.