Money in Greece: euro, cash or card, ATMs and exchange (2026)

What currency does Greece use?

Greece uses the euro (€), like most EU countries. There is no separate Greek currency, and the same notes and coins work in Italy, Cyprus and the rest of the eurozone. Today's euro–shekel rate is shown on the side of our site.

Cash or card?

In Greece you can pay by card almost everywhere: supermarkets, restaurants, shops, hotels and petrol stations. By law most businesses must have a card terminal, taxis included. Paying by phone (Apple Pay and Google Pay) is very common.

Still, carry a little cash:

• Small tavernas, kiosks and market stalls, especially in villages and on islands.
• Tips for waiters, drivers and housekeeping. Everything you need is in our guide to tipping in Greece.
• When the terminal "isn't working", which happens now and then in small businesses.

For large payments to a business, such as rent or an expensive purchase, pay by card or transfer. Greece limits cash payments in large transactions, and the authorities enforce it strictly.

Using an Israeli credit card in Greece

• Foreign transaction fee: most Israeli credit cards charge a fee on foreign-currency purchases. Check with your card company or bank, and consider a card without foreign transaction fees or a prepaid travel card.
• "Pay in shekels?" When a card machine or ATM offers to charge you in shekels instead of euros, decline and choose euros. The machine's conversion (DCC) is almost always at a worse rate.
• Tell your card company: if your card blocks foreign transactions, let them know before you fly.
• Two cards: take at least two cards from different companies, in case one is blocked or lost.

ATMs in Greece: what do they cost?

There are ATMs in every town and on every tourist island. Greek bank ATMs (Piraeus, Eurobank, Alpha, National Bank) are usually the most reliable. Private-operator ATMs, mostly in tourist areas, often charge more. For a foreign card the ATM fee is usually €2–4 per withdrawal, and the machine shows it before you confirm. On top of that, your Israeli card company charges its own withdrawal fee.

Tips:

• Withdraw a larger amount once instead of many small withdrawals.
• Many ATMs cap a single withdrawal at a few hundred euros.
• As in shops, when offered conversion to shekels, choose euros.

Should I exchange shekels in Greece?

No. Shekels are almost impossible to exchange in Greece, and those who do give a poor rate. If you want cash in advance, buy euros in Israel at a bank or an exchange office with a good rate. Airport and hotel rates are usually worse. Most travellers manage with a few euros from home, a credit card and ATM withdrawals as needed.

How much cash should I take to Greece?

There is no single right amount. For a normal holiday, most families manage with a few hundred euros in cash for the week and pay for the rest by card. On small islands and in villages, take a little more cash.

If you enter or leave the EU with €10,000 or more in cash, you must declare it to customs. In Greece the declaration is made online, and failing to declare can lead to a fine.

VAT refund on shopping

On larger purchases in shops that take part in Tax Free schemes, you can get part of the VAT back at the airport. How it works is in our guide to VAT refunds in Greece.

FAQ

What currency does Greece use? The euro (€), the same currency as most EU countries.

Can I pay by card everywhere in Greece? Almost everywhere, including most taxis. Still carry some cash for small tavernas, markets and tips.

Should I exchange shekels in Greece? No. Shekels are rarely exchanged in Greece, and the rate is poor. Exchange in Israel or withdraw euros from an ATM in Greece.

How much does it cost to withdraw cash from an ATM in Greece? For a foreign card usually €2–4 per withdrawal, plus your Israeli card company's fee. When offered conversion to shekels, choose euros.

How much cash can I bring into Greece? There is no cap, but from €10,000 upwards you must declare it to customs.