Currency in Greece: Euros, ATMs and Money Tips

Greece uses the euro (EUR), the same currency shared across most of the European Union. Whether you're planning a trip to Athens, hopping between the Greek islands, or exploring the Peloponnese, you'll be spending euros throughout. Greece adopted the euro in 2001, replacing its long-standing national currency, the drachma, which had been in use for over 2,500 years. Understanding the currency in Greece before you travel makes budgeting easier and helps you avoid unnecessary fees.

The Euro in Greece

The greek currency — the euro — comes in both coins and banknotes. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros, though the 200 and 500 notes are rarely seen in everyday transactions and some businesses won't accept them. Coins come in 1 and 2 euro denominations, plus cents: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents.

Each eurozone country mints its own coin designs on one side, so Greek euro coins feature national symbols like the owl of Athens and images from Greek mythology. They're legal tender across all eurozone countries, so any euros you have left over from another European trip will work fine in Greece.

Prices in Greece are generally reasonable by Western European standards, though tourist hotspots like Santorini and Mykonos command a significant premium. Budget for higher prices in August, when demand peaks across the islands.

Cash vs Cards in Greece

Card payments are widely accepted across Greece, particularly in hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets, and tourist-facing shops. Visa and Mastercard are universally recognised. American Express has more limited acceptance, so carry a backup card if that's your primary.

That said, cash is still genuinely useful — and sometimes essential. Small tavernas, local kiosks (periptera), street food vendors, and smaller family-run shops often prefer or require cash. Ferries and local buses on smaller islands may be cash-only. Markets, parking, and church entrance fees almost always require cash.

On the more remote Greek islands, don't assume card payments will work. Some smaller islands have limited infrastructure, and even where cards are nominally accepted, connectivity issues can cause transactions to fail. Arriving on a small island with no cash is a stressful situation worth avoiding. A rough rule: in any town big enough to have a proper restaurant strip, cards will probably work. In small villages and harbours, assume cash only.

The minimum card payment amount varies by business. Many places in Greece set a minimum of 5-10 euros for card transactions, so carry some coins and small notes for incidentals.

ATMs and Banks in Greece

ATMs (known locally as ΑΤΜ or just "cash machines") are widely available in cities, major tourist areas, airports, and ferry ports. On popular islands like Corfu, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos, you'll find ATMs in most towns. On smaller, quieter islands, there may only be one ATM in the whole island — and it can run out of cash during peak summer season.

The main Greek banks — Piraeus Bank, National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, and Eurobank — all operate ATMs that accept foreign cards on the Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and Cirrus networks.

Foreign card fees are worth knowing about. Greek ATMs charge a flat fee for foreign card withdrawals — typically around 2.60 EUR per transaction, though this varies by bank and ATM operator. On top of that, your home bank may charge its own foreign transaction or withdrawal fee. To minimise costs, withdraw larger amounts less frequently rather than making multiple small withdrawals. Withdrawing 200-300 euros in one go costs the same fee as withdrawing 40 euros.

Some ATMs offer "dynamic currency conversion" — they'll ask if you want to be charged in your home currency rather than euros. Always decline this and choose to be charged in euros. The conversion rate offered by the ATM is almost always worse than what your bank will apply.

Bank branches are generally open Monday to Friday, roughly 08:00 to 14:30. They're closed on weekends and Greek public holidays, which are numerous. Don't rely on a bank visit for currency exchange if you're travelling on a long weekend.

Currency Exchange in Greece

If you need to exchange foreign currency into euros once you're in Greece, you have a few options. Airports have exchange offices (bureaux de change) at arrivals — convenient, but the rates are usually poor. Use them only if you need a small amount of cash on arrival and can't wait.

Banks offer more competitive rates, but the process can be slow and you'll need your passport. Exchange offices in tourist areas can be quick and reasonable, but rates vary significantly — always check the rate and any commission before handing over cash.

For most travellers, the practical advice is to sort your currency before you leave home. Your home bank or a dedicated currency exchange service will typically offer better rates than anything you'll find at a Greek airport or tourist-area exchange desk.

If you want to avoid exchange fees altogether, services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut are excellent options. Both offer debit cards that let you spend in euros at close to the mid-market exchange rate with minimal fees. Revolut in particular is popular with frequent travellers and handles ATM withdrawals abroad well, up to a monthly free limit. These are worth setting up before your trip — they work across Greece including the islands.

Tips for Managing Money in Greece

• Withdraw cash before boarding a ferry to a smaller island. ATM availability is unpredictable on less-visited islands, and running out of cash mid-trip is genuinely inconvenient.
• Always have small change. Greek shopkeepers and taxi drivers often struggle to break large notes, and handing over a 50-euro note for a 3-euro coffee will not make you popular.
• Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card terminals. Always choose to pay in euros and let your bank handle the conversion.
• Set up a Wise or Revolut card before you travel. The savings on fees over a two-week trip can be meaningful.
• Keep some cash in a separate location from your main wallet. Ferry travel and island-hopping increases the chance of losing a bag or wallet — having a backup stash matters.
• Check your bank's foreign transaction fees before you travel. Some banks charge 2-3% on every card transaction abroad. If yours does, it's worth getting a travel card that doesn't.

Currency in Greece FAQ

What currency does Greece use?

Greece uses the euro (EUR). It has been the official currency since 2001, when Greece joined the Eurozone. All prices, transactions, and bank accounts in Greece operate in euros. If you're travelling from outside the Eurozone, you'll need to exchange your currency for euros before or during your trip.

Do I need euros in Greece?

Yes. While cards are accepted in many places, euros in cash are essential for smaller shops, local transport, markets, and travel to smaller islands. Even in well-touristed areas, you'll regularly encounter situations where cash is either required or strongly preferred. Always arrive with at least some euros in your wallet.

Can I use US dollars or British pounds in Greece?

No. Greece does not accept US dollars or British pounds as payment for goods and services. You cannot pay with foreign currency directly — you need euros. US dollars and British pounds can be exchanged for euros at banks, exchange offices, or some hotels, but you'll get a better rate using an ATM or a service like Wise rather than exchanging physical cash.

Is it better to exchange money before going to Greece?

Generally, yes. Airport exchange desks in Greece offer poor rates. Your home bank or a currency specialist will usually give you a better deal. Alternatively, use an ATM in Greece to withdraw euros directly, or use a Wise or Revolut card to spend at the mid-market rate. The worst option is exchanging cash at a tourist-area exchange booth without checking the rate first.

Do Greek islands accept cards?

It depends on the island. Popular islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Rhodes, and Crete have good card acceptance in restaurants, hotels, and shops. Smaller, less-touristed islands are much more cash-dependent. On remote islands, you may find a single ATM that occasionally runs out of cash. As a rule, the smaller and quieter the island, the more you should rely on cash. Always withdraw euros before boarding a ferry to a small island.

What was the old Greek currency?

Before the euro, what money did they use in Greece? The answer is the drachma (Greek: δραχμή). The drachma was one of the world's oldest currencies, with roots going back to ancient Greece more than 2,500 years ago. In its modern form, the drachma was the official Greek currency from 1832 until 2001, when Greece adopted the euro as part of joining the Eurozone. The exchange rate at conversion was fixed at 340.75 drachmas to one euro.