The Basics: Currency in Greece
Greece is part of the Eurozone, and its official currency is the Euro (€). The currency code is EUR. All your transactions, whether cash or card, will be in Euros.
The Greek ATM Landscape: The Good, The Bad, and The Costly
Finding an ATM in Greece is easy. Finding one that won't drain your bank account with exorbitant fees is the real challenge. Here’s the breakdown every nomad needs to know.
The Best ATMs to Use: Stick to the Big Four
For the lowest fees and fairest exchange rates, always seek out ATMs attached directly to a major Greek bank. These are your trusted options:
Alpha Bank
Piraeus Bank
National Bank of Greece (NBG)
Eurobank
Piraeus Bank and Alpha Bank are particularly widespread, with a strong presence on both the mainland and the islands. By using these banks, you'll typically face a standard, transparent withdrawal fee (more on that below) and avoid the poor conversion rates of independent ATM providers.
The ATM to Avoid at All Costs: Euronet
You will see bright blue and yellow Euronet ATMs everywhere, especially at airports, ferry ports, and prime tourist streets. They are conveniently placed for a reason: they are financial traps. Euronet is notorious for its combination of high withdrawal fees and abysmal exchange rates, a practice known as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). Under no circumstances should you use a Euronet ATM. Walk an extra five minutes to find a real bank ATM—it will always be worth it.
Understanding ATM Fees & Withdrawal Limits
Let's be clear: withdrawing cash from a Greek ATM with a foreign card is almost never free. Expect a local ATM operator fee for every transaction.
Typical Fees: Most Greek bank ATMs charge a withdrawal fee ranging from €1.80 to €2.50 per transaction. This is in addition to any fees your home bank may charge.
Withdrawal Limits: The maximum you can typically withdraw in a single transaction is between €600 and €900. If you need more, you'll have to perform multiple withdrawals, incurring a fee each time.
Getting Larger Amounts: If you need to withdraw a significant amount of cash (e.g., for a rental deposit), don't do it at an ATM. Go inside a trusted bank branch during opening hours with your passport and card to make a larger withdrawal over the counter.
Note Denominations: Most ATMs dispense €50 notes. Getting smaller bills can be a challenge. Break larger notes by buying something small at a supermarket or convenience store.
Cash vs. Card: A Nomad's Payment Strategy in Greece
Greece has a modern payment infrastructure, and you can get by with your card in most situations. However, being a cash-only society in certain contexts is still very much a reality.
When to Use Card: Card payments (including contactless and Apple/Google Pay) are standard in restaurants, bars, supermarkets, for booking ferries and flights, and at most shops in cities and popular tourist destinations like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos.
When to Use Cash: Always carry some cash (we recommend at least €20-€50) for smaller purchases. You'll need it for bakeries, street food like gyros, corner kiosks (periptero), and small family-run tavernas, especially in rural areas or on less-developed islands. Some smaller islands may have limited ATM availability, so it pays to plan ahead.
Pro Tips for Using Foreign Cards
Your international debit and credit cards will work fine, but follow these rules to optimize your spending:
The Golden Rule of Payments: When you pay with your card or withdraw from an ATM, you may be asked if you want to be charged in your home currency (e.g., USD, GBP) or the local currency (EUR). ALWAYS choose the local currency (EUR). Choosing your home currency activates DCC, which uses a terrible exchange rate set by the machine's operator, not your bank.
Bring Backups: Carry at least two cards, preferably one VISA and one Mastercard. While both are widely accepted, having a backup protects you if one network is temporarily down or your primary card is lost or blocked.
Forget AMEX: American Express is not widely accepted in Greece outside of major international hotel chains and high-end restaurants. Don't rely on it as your primary card.
Your Arrival Strategy: Avoid Airport ATMs
Airport ATMs are almost exclusively the high-fee Euronet machines. Don't make your first financial transaction in Greece a costly mistake. It's not necessary to get Euros before you travel; you'll get a poor rate in your home country.
Instead, pay for your initial taxi or airport transfer with a card (most accept them). If you've pre-booked a service like Welcome Pickups, you can even ask your driver to make a quick stop at a trusted bank ATM (like Alpha Bank or Piraeus) on the way to your accommodation. Once you're in the city center, you'll have plenty of good banking options.
