Currency in Greece: Euros, ATMs & Money Tips (2026)

The currency of Greece is 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 joined the eurozone in 2001 and switched to euro notes and coins in 2002, replacing its long-standing national currency, the drachma, which had been in use in one form or another for over 2,500 years. Getting to grips with Greece currency before you travel makes budgeting easier and helps you avoid unnecessary fees — and a 2025 change to ATM charges has made withdrawing cash noticeably cheaper for visitors.

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.

As a full member of the eurozone, Greece has no separate national currency of its own — the euro is the country's currency for every transaction, from a coffee in Athens to a ferry ticket in the Cyclades. The only currency used in Greece is the euro, so there's no regional or island money to worry about wherever your trip takes you.

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

When it comes to Greece money in day-to-day use, a mix of cards and cash works best. 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.

Card acceptance has also become more of a legal requirement in recent years. Businesses across a wide range of sectors are now obliged to offer card payment, and as of the end of 2025 those that must have a card terminal also have to accept IRIS — Greece's instant bank-to-bank payment system. IRIS is used mainly by Greek residents rather than visitors, but the wider push means you'll find working card terminals in more places than you would have a few years ago.

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. For very large purchases it's worth knowing that Greek law caps cash payments at 500 euros per transaction — anything above that must be paid electronically — but that's a limit few travellers will ever bump into.

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 an informal 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 on 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.

There's good news on fees. Since 11 August 2025, Greece has abolished the local withdrawal surcharge at ATMs operated by Greek banks, so cash withdrawals from a genuine bank ATM no longer carry that operator fee — a change that applies to visitors too, not just locals. It's worth remembering that your own home bank may still add its own foreign-transaction or withdrawal fee, so it pays to use a card that doesn't. As of 2026, a Greek bank ATM is comfortably the cheapest way to get euros on the ground.

Standalone machines are a different story. Independent, non-bank ATMs — the blue-and-yellow Euronet machines and similar operators you'll spot in tourist areas — are now capped at a 1.50 euro operator fee under the same reform, but that isn't the real cost. These machines aggressively push "dynamic currency conversion", offering to charge you in your home currency at an exchange rate that can be marked up by 10% or more. Wherever possible, walk on to a proper bank ATM instead.

On that note, whatever machine you use, always decline dynamic currency conversion. If an ATM asks whether you'd like to be charged in your home currency rather than euros, choose euros every time. The conversion rate the machine offers is almost always worse than the one your own bank will apply. The same is true at card terminals in shops and restaurants — pay in euros, not in pounds or dollars.

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, or simply withdraw euros from a Greek bank ATM when you arrive. Your home bank or a dedicated currency exchange service will typically offer better value than 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.

Money on the Greek Islands: What to Know Before You Sail

Island-hopping changes the money equation. The busy hubs and the quiet islands are two different worlds, and the smart move is to sort your cash on the mainland or on a larger island before you catch a ferry somewhere smaller. Athens is the natural place to start — withdraw what you need from a bank ATM in the city before you head to Piraeus or Rafina, rather than relying on the machines at the ports in peak season.

Ferry tickets themselves are usually best paid for in advance online or at the port ticket office, where cards are accepted; but onboard kiosks, harbour tavernas, and the taxi or bus at the other end are far more likely to want cash. If you're weighing up routes and operators, our overview of the best ferry companies for Greek island-hopping and our guide to ferry trips in Greece are good places to plan from.

Card acceptance and ATM availability vary a lot from island to island. The larger, well-touristed islands are card-friendly and have plenty of machines, while the small Cyclades and remote outposts can be almost entirely cash-based. We've covered the money situation island by island:

• Currency in Crete — Greece's largest island, with plentiful ATMs in Heraklion and Chania but cash still king in the villages and on KTEL buses.
• Currency in Santorini — a premium destination where cards are widely taken, but small tavernas and remote spots still expect cash.
• Currency in Mykonos — good card coverage in town and at the beach clubs, with plenty of ATMs.
• Currency in Rhodes — the Dodecanese's biggest island, well set up for cards and cash alike.
• Currency in Kos — another Dodecanese hub with easy access to euros in the main town.
• Currency in Corfu — the Ionian's main island, with ATMs across Corfu Town and the resorts.
• Currency in Zante — well covered for cards and ATMs in Zakynthos Town and the southern resorts.

Wherever you're headed, the golden rule holds: withdraw enough euros before boarding a ferry to a smaller or quieter island, because you can't count on finding a working ATM — or one with cash left in it — at the other end.

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.
• Use a Greek bank ATM rather than a standalone machine. Since August 2025, bank ATMs no longer add a local withdrawal fee, while non-bank machines like Euronet still push poor exchange rates through dynamic currency conversion.
• 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.
• Tell your bank you're travelling. Letting your card provider know you'll be spending in Greece reduces the chance of a payment being blocked as suspected fraud.

Currency in Greece FAQ

What currency does Greece use?

Greece uses the euro (EUR). It has been the official currency since Greece joined the eurozone in 2001, with euro notes and coins entering circulation in 2002. So what is the currency of Greece in practice? The euro, full stop — 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.

Does Greece use the euro?

Yes. Greece uses the euro and has done since joining the eurozone in 2001. It is the only legal currency for payments across the whole country, mainland and islands alike, so there's no need to carry any other currency for spending. If you already hold euros from another eurozone country, they'll work in Greece with no exchange needed.

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.

Are ATM withdrawals free in Greece?

At Greek bank ATMs, largely yes. Since 11 August 2025, banks in Greece have not charged a local withdrawal surcharge on cash machine withdrawals, and this applies to foreign cards too. Your own home bank may still charge its own foreign-transaction fee, so use a fee-free travel card where you can. Standalone, non-bank ATMs (such as Euronet) are capped at a 1.50 euro operator fee but tend to offer poor exchange rates through dynamic currency conversion — stick to bank ATMs and always choose to be charged in euros.

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 a bank 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 a Greek bank ATM 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 the euro, with the exchange rate at conversion fixed at 340.75 drachmas to one euro.

Related: Currency in Crete | Currency in Santorini | Currency in Rhodes | Currency in Corfu