Money, Currency and Payments
💶 Currency:
- Official Currency: Euro (€)
- Estimated Exchange Rate: 1€ ≈ 4₪ (check current rates)
💳 Payment Methods:
Credit Cards:
- ✅ Accepted in most tourist locations
- ✅ Visa and Mastercard are the most common
- ⚠️ Small/remote shops - sometimes cash only
- 💡 There is sometimes a minimum (10-15€) for credit cards
Cash:
- Always recommended to carry some cash
- Markets, small taverns, parking areas - mostly cash only
- 50-100€ in cash will suffice for a normal day
🏧 ATMs:
- Available everywhere - cities, villages, airports
- Fees: 2-5€ per withdrawal
- Local Banks: Alpha Bank, Eurobank, Piraeus Bank
- 💡 Withdraw larger amounts to save on fees
💸 Tips:
- Restaurants: 5-10% (not mandatory but appreciated)
- Taxis: round up or 1-2€
- Hotels: 1-2€ for housekeeping, 2-5€ for bellhops
- Tour Guides: 5-10€ for the guide
💰 Currency Exchange:
- Best exchange rate: ATM withdrawal
- Avoid exchanging at the airport (poor rate)
- Avoid "Dynamic Currency Conversion" - always choose to pay in Euros!
📱 Digital Payments:
- Apple Pay / Google Pay - work in most places
- PayPal - less common
- Local payment apps are not relevant to tourists
🛡️ Security:
- Keep cards in a safe place
- Write down emergency numbers for your bank
- Use inner pockets or a money belt
- Do not exchange money on the street