{"id":33265,"date":"2024-12-17T23:11:35","date_gmt":"2024-12-17T21:11:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecloudkeys.com\/?page_id=33265"},"modified":"2025-09-11T02:19:22","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T23:19:22","slug":"cash-in-greece","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thecloudkeys.com\/en\/travel\/money\/cash-in-greece\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel – 1Essentials – Money – Cash"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row margin_bottom=”100px”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=””]Greece Travel<\/a> > Money<\/a> >[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″]

How much cash to carry around in Athens and in Greece<\/span><\/h2>[vc_column_text css=””]Carrying small amounts of cash when traveling is generally wise, however in Europe cards are widely accepted as a method of payment when buying goods and services. Greece has delayed enabling mandatory credit card processing for all retail stores, restaurants and other places travelers use.<\/p>\n

Recent government legislation has introduced\u00a0 credit card payments<\/a> as mandatory across a vast majority of services. These include accommodation<\/a>, taxis<\/a>, restaurants and everything that you might need to make payment for. This is the case both in Athens<\/a>, the Mainland and the Islands.<\/p>\n

Only for some rural and remote areas and islands cash is the recommended method of payment. In such areas connectivity issues with card terminals is an issue.<\/p>\n

Cloudkeys always recommends not<\/em> carrying large amounts of cash with you. You can do everything with a credit card. Just convert small amounts from your local currency to euros for extra security or in case of an emergency.<\/p>\n

Government cash regulations<\/h2>\n

Transactions of more than 500 euros in cash are prohibited for any Greek business.<\/p>\n

These are only possible by performing a bank transfer or paying with a debit or credit card.<\/p>\n

Airport or other transport terminal cash restrictions<\/h3>\n

Any amount of cash or cash equivalents such as travelers checks over 10,000 euros must be declared to customs upon arrival or before your departure from the country.<\/p>\n

This is an EU-wide regulation that also applies to travelers visiting Greece.<\/p>\n

Many shops still prefer cash<\/h2>\n

Due to the high credit card processing fees, some smaller shops, taxi drivers and generally service providers who work as individuals and not part of a big business do prefer and will value cash payments, often offering some discounts.<\/p>\n

Credit-card processing can cost merchants up to 5% of the total transaction, so you can imagine that this is very expensive for them. If you plan to use an American Express, keep in mind these are the most expensive credit cards to process in Greece.<\/p>\n

However, you are absolutely entitled to use a credit card to pay. These are just some of our recommendations as we know the heavy credit card processing fees are having a very negative impact to these businesses.<\/p>\n

How much cash will you need in Athens?<\/h2>\n

Technically, you do not need any cash. You might consider having some euros on you should you need it. The “popular” cash activities among travelers and holidaymakers include:<\/p>\n

Accommodation<\/strong>
\nShort-term stays at city apartments<\/a> or hotels do accept cash payments. It is best advised to book these in advance from your home country before visiting Greece, so that you don’t have to carry large amounts of cash with you.<\/p>\n

Tipping
\n<\/strong>Generally if you want to tip members of staff at restaurants, hotels or other businesses, it is highly advisable to do it in cash as this almost ensures that the staff is paid with your tip and not shared with the business owner. Refer to our tipping guide<\/a> for more on giving tips.<\/p>\n

Flea markets and open-air markets<\/strong>
\nEven though these businesses and professionals are required to offer credit card payments as an option to customers and travelers, you might get the best deals in cash.<\/p>\n

Coffee, beverages and daytime snacks<\/strong>
\nCoffee and snacks are relatively inexpensive and available from small local shops mini-kiosks around Greece. During hot summer days, hydrating with plenty of water is mandatory. You may want to consider paying cash for these.<\/p>\n

Taxis and transport services
\n<\/strong>Any kind of transport service is legally obligated to accept credit cards. However if you do enjoy the service, the vehicle is clean, the ride stress free and the driver is friendly you might want to consider rewarding them with a cash payment. Please note that transfers from the Airport or the Ports are overall more expensive than short city rides.<\/p>\n

For up to three days stay<\/h3>\n

You will not need more than 50-80 euros in cash, and that is a very generous amount of cash to carry with you.<\/p>\n

For weekly stays<\/h3>\n

Up to 100 euros should be more than enough in Athens and popular islands.<\/p>\n

The above recommendations are valid when traveling as a couple or as a family.<\/p>\n

Best Greece travel tip about using cash<\/h2>\n

When you go out shopping or even at restaurants, you can negotiate a lower price for using cash.<\/p>\n

In essence, due to heavy credit card processing fees, cash can still be king in some cases. Especially if the transaction you are trying to negotiate is over 30-50 euros.<\/p>\n

Currency exchange shops<\/h2>\n

At all airports in Greece travelers can exchange cash from their local currency into euros. It is highly recommended to avoid high currency exchange rates at these places and opt for local stores at your destination city.<\/p>\n

Read our currency exchange travel guide<\/a> for more tips.<\/p>\n

Currency exchange rates at ATM cash points<\/h2>\n

On a final note, if you arrive cashless in Athens, you may consider withdrawing some cash from your bank account or your credit card using an ATM cash machine<\/a>. Just mind the following considerations to avoid getting overcharged in Greece:<\/p>\n