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What Currency Is Used In Greece – Money In Greece Guide For Tourists

Welcome to Greece, the land of ancient history, rich culture, and picturesque landscapes! As you gear up for your Greek adventure, have you been wondering, “what is the currency in Greece?”

If so, this guide will be essential to familiarize yourself with the Greek currency.

With several different payment options available in Greece, choosing the right one can be confusing for tourists. But don’t worry – our comprehensive guide will help you navigate through all the currency options like a pro. From euros to credit cards and ATMs, we’ve got you covered on everything related to money in Greece.

So please sit back and let us take you on an exciting journey of discovery as we explore what currency to use while traveling in Greece!

Overview Of The Currency Situation In Greece

Since Greece joined the eurozone in 2001, the euro (€) has been the official currency. Before that, the Greek Drachma (GRD) was used. Although the euro is the money for Greece, some businesses may show items priced in USD to attract tourists. 

What Is The Euro

The euro is the official currency in Greece and 20 other European countries. It was introduced in January 2002, replacing the Greek drachma. Greece is a eurozone (EZ) member, meaning it uses the euro as its sole currency.

Tourists visiting Greece should be aware that prices are typically quoted in euros. Many businesses will accept payment in other currencies, but they will often do so at an unfavorable exchange rate. Having some euros on hand is always best to avoid any problems.

ATMs are widely available throughout Greece and are the best way to get euros. Credit cards can also be used for purchases, but visitors should know that some smaller businesses may not accept them. Travelers’ cheques can be cashed at banks, but they are not as widely accepted as they once were, so we suggest you leave them at home.

What Denominations Of Euro Does Greece Use

There are seven denominations of euro coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50-cent coins, as well as 1 and 2 euro coins. Greece also uses euro banknotes which come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros.

What Banks Are Available In Greece

There are many different banks in Greece that tourists can use. The four largest banks in Greece are the following:

• National Bank of Greece
• Alpha Bank
• Eurobank
• Piraeus Bank

These banks have ATMs accepting foreign cards and offering international money transfers. They also offer a variety of other services, such as online banking and mobile banking. There are also many smaller regional banks in Greece that may be more convenient for tourists depending on their location.

Should You Use ATMs In Greece

If you are traveling to Greece, you may wonder if using ATMs is safe. The answer is yes; it is safe to use ATMs in Greece. However, there are a few things to remember when using them.

• First, make sure that the ATM is in a well-lit and safe area
• Second, only use ATMs that are affiliated with a bank or credit card company
• Third, be aware of your surroundings and protect your PIN when entering it into the machine
• Fourth, check your bank account statements regularly to ensure that there are no unauthorized withdrawals. If you notice any suspicious activity on your account, immediately report it to your bank.

Overall, using an ATM in Greece is safe if you take precautions and use common sense as you would when traveling to any country (or even your home country!).

Can You Use USD In Greece

Yes, you can use USD in Greece in some places, as sellers will hardly refuse a sale, but it is not the preferred Greek currency. The euro is the official currency of Greece and is the best currency to use when traveling to Greece. Even though you can sometimes pay with American Dollars, you will get an appalling exchange rate if you use them.

Cash Vs. Credit Card Abroad – Which Is Best

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether to use cash or credit cards abroad. The first is whether the country you’re visiting has ATM access and reliable banking infrastructure. Greece has both, so using a credit card isn’t an issue.

The second thing to consider is what kind of traveler you are. If you like to keep track of your spending and budget carefully, using a credit card can be an excellent way to do that. Your credit card statement lets you easily see how much you’ve spent in a day, week, or month.

If you’re the type of traveler who likes to splurge occasionally or doesn’t want to worry about carrying around a lot of cash, using a credit card can be a good option. Just be sure to pay off your balance in full each month so you don’t get hit with high-interest rates.

In general, both cash and credit cards have their pros and cons when traveling abroad. It depends on your preferences as to which is best for you.

Money In Greece – Cash, Cash Mooooooney

Greece is essentially a cash society, and though you will be able to use your cards in all the big cities and tourist sites, you should be aware that international credit and debit cards often charge overseas transaction fees for EACH transaction. These charges can quickly add up.

In more regional areas, it might even be difficult to find service without cash, or if you grab a coffee – you should pay cash and not charge it.

The biggest reason to use money in Greece is to bargain! You’ll get better prices when doing your souvenir shopping. 

Tips For Taking Your Credit Card Abroad

• When using your credit card abroad, be sure to inform your bank or credit card company of your travel plans. This will help them to identify any unusual activity on your account and avoid any potential issues with your account
• Be aware of the exchange rate when using your credit card abroad. This will help you to budget for your expenses and avoid any unexpected charges on your statement
• Use a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees. This will save you money on every purchase that you make while abroad
• Pay off your credit card balance in full each month to avoid paying interest on your purchases
• Keep track of all of your expenses while abroad so that you can stay within your budget

Money In Greece Conclusion

Remember, the euro is the official currency of Greece, and that debit cards are widely accepted in stores, restaurants, and hotels throughout the country.

So, that is it; now you know what is the currency of Greece – after all, it is important to know what currency in Greece to use while traveling in Greece to make sure you are prepared.