Greece Currency: Euros, Cards, Cash and What to Expect

Greece uses the euro, the same money as the rest of the euro area. In cities and tourist areas, Visa and Mastercard get you through most of the day. In the countryside and on smaller islands, euros in your pocket make life easier. A little planning on both fronts keeps fees low.

What currency does Greece use?

Greece uses the euro, code EUR, and you'll see the € symbol on prices. Each euro is divided into 100 cents.

Everyday euro banknotes start at 5 and go up through 10, 20, 50 and 100.

Greece began using euro notes and coins on 1 January 2002, together with the other euro area countries that made the switch at that time. The euro replaced the drachma at 340.75 drachmas to the euro. On 28 February 2002 the drachma, Greece's national currency since 1833, stopped being legal tender.

Can you use your American credit or debit card in Greece?

Many shops, hotels and restaurants take cards, and contactless payment is the norm. Mastercard and Visa are the safest bets. American Express and Diners Club work in fewer places, so pack a second card from another network.

Before you leave, ask your bank what each purchase and withdrawal in Greece will cost, because hidden foreign fees are common. Then watch the screen when you pay. A card terminal or ATM may offer to charge you in dollars. Decline and choose euros. The dollar option often carries a markup, and paying in the local currency usually gets you the better rate.

Where do you get euros, and how do ATMs work?

ATMs are easy to find in Greek cities, and larger, more touristy destinations usually have at least one. Very remote islands are another story, and you may have to travel to find a machine. Withdraw what you need before you head somewhere small.

Each withdrawal can carry transaction fees and exchange costs, and some ATM operators add their own fee or set limits. Banks differ in what they charge, so it helps to ask yours before the trip.

Skip the exchange desks at airports and hotels when you can. They often mark up their rates and may add hidden fees. You can also order euros from home before you fly, so you land with cash for the first taxi. Wherever you buy, look up the mid-market rate online first so you know what a fair deal looks like.

How much cash should you carry?

That depends on how you travel. If you booked a hotel with all-inclusive or full board and plan to stay at the resort, you will need little cash for food and drinks. Food and drink are covered. If you'll be out exploring, set aside euros for:

• Taxis, buses and ferry tickets
• Snacks and drinks
• Meals in local bars and restaurants, which are a big part of Greece's food culture
• Tips for service staff
• Boat trips, scuba diving and other activities
• Rooms, if you're island-hopping without a booking

Officers can also ask arriving travelers for proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket or other evidence of departure, so keep a bank card and your onward booking handy.

How do you pay for doctors and public transportation in Greece?

Private hospitals in Greece usually want proof of adequate insurance or cash before admitting a patient, and many care providers expect to be paid in cash. Travel insurance and a cash reserve set aside for emergencies both belong in your money plan.

On buses, trains and the metro, riding without a ticket, with the wrong ticket, or without validating it can bring a fine of up to 60 times the basic fare. Buy the right ticket and validate it before you ride.

Is it safe to carry cash in Greece?

Greece is generally safe, though petty crime is common in popular tourist locations. Pickpockets and purse-snatchers work the busy sites and public transportation, especially the metro, so keep your wallet zipped away. Thieves also break into rental cars looking for passports, valuables and luggage, so it is wise to keep money and documents with you rather than in the car.

Consider carrying just the cash and cards you expect to use for the day, and lock up the rest. Greece expects visitors to carry a passport or other photo ID at all times, so keep yours on you in a secure inside pocket.