Currency in Greece: Top Money-Saving Tips for Stress-Free Travel in Greece This Summer

The currency used in Athens, Greece, is the Euro. The Euro is the official currency of Greece, and it has been in use since 2002, when Greece became a member of the European Union.

When you’re traveling to Athens, make sure to check the current exchange rate for the Euro, as it can fluctuate. You’ll find that many banks and exchange offices in Athens offer currency exchange services. I suggest choosing these options instead of hotels or airports since they might not give you the best rates.

When traveling to Athens, keep an eye on exchange rates and exchange your money at trustworthy places to get a fair deal.

Cool, Brief History of Athens Currency

Athens, the capital of Greece, has a long history of currency dating back to ancient times. The Athenian currency was known as the Greek drachma, the foremost currency in the 5th century BC. One drachma equaled 6 oboli, while 100 drachmas equaled 1 mine and 60 mine equaled 1 Attic talent.

In 449 BC, Athens implemented laws that forbade its allies from using currencies, weights, and measures other than the Athenian standard. This standardized currency across allied states, making the Athenian currency a big deal in the ancient Greek economy.

What Currency is Used in Athens?

The official currency of Athens and the rest of Greece is the Euro (EUR).

Euro

The Euro is the common currency used by 19 of the 27 European Union countries. Each Euro is divided into 100 cents. When exchanging money for Athens, look out for the currency code EUR. Once in Athens, the currency symbol € is used to show prices.

Coins and Notes

Coin denominations in Athens come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 Euro coins. Euro banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Euros.

In Athens, some businesses might not take big bills like 200 or 500 Euro notes. It’s uncommon, so having smaller bills and coins for everyday transactions is better.

Euros are widely accepted and easily exchanged at banks, exchange bureaus, and ATMs throughout the city.

Currency Exchange in Athens

What is the Current Exchange Rate?

As of today (October 2023), the Euro to US Dollar exchange rate is 1 EUR = 1.06 USD. Exchange rates are subject to change and may vary depending on the location and method of exchange. Walk around the city and check out the different rates to find the best one. Check here for the live exchange rates.

Banks

Most banks in Athens have currency exchange services for their customers. This is where you can find the best exchange rates. Some bigger ones are the National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, and Eurobank.

You might need to show some ID, and there could be some bank fees and a small commission involved. Banks also close very early in Greece, with many operating between 8am – 2pm, and closed on the weekends.

Currency Exchange Bureaus

Foreign exchange bureaus are like specialized stores where you can exchange currency. You can find these bureaus all over Athens, including at the Athens International Airport and Piraeus Port. Some popular ones in Athens are Kapachange and CAPITAL EXCHANGE.

Tip! I never exchange in airports as they always seem to have worse rates than when you get to town.

ATMs

You can find ATMs all over Athens, making getting cash in the local currency easy. Most ATMs accept popular credit and debit cards like Visa and Mastercard.

Remember that some ATMs might charge foreign transaction fees. Check with your bank about their fees before using an ATM in Athens.

For a lot of US Banks, foreign withdrawal fees are usually around $10 per transaction or about 5% of the withdrawal amount. Make sure you’re using a debit bank card because some credit cards have crazy high cash advance withdrawal fees, like a whopping 23%!

How much do things cost in Athens?

Athens is a popular tourist hotspot with tons of cool stuff to do and see and good food to eat. To take into account the cost of living into account and budget, here are some average prices in Athens:

Food and Drink

• Souvlaki (typical Greek dish of cooked meat): € 2 – € 3
• Main dish at a normally-priced restaurant: € 8 – € 13
• Desserts: € 3.50 – € 5
• Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range): € 7.45
• Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle): € 1.52
• Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle): € 2.32
• Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro): € 4.80
• 0.5L Bottle of Water: €0.50

Transportation

• One-way Ticket (Local Transport): € 1.20
• Monthly Pass (Regular Price): € 30.00
• Taxi Start (Normal Tariff): € 4.00
• Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff): € 1.45
• Metro ticket from Athens airport to the center of Athens and the port of Piraeus: € 8.00 – € 10.00

Attractions

• Entrance ticket for sightseeing: Various city historical sites are priced between €5 – €20, with many discounts for eligible groups. You can also get the combined ticket which gives you access to 7 archaeological sites, valid for 5 days.

Prices generally reach their peak in the summer, and popular tourist spots may be more expensive than in other parts of the city. Paying for private tour guide services will cost significantly more as only officially licensed guides may accompany you to the archaeological sites. But overall, Athens is more affordable than most other major European cities.

What is the best way to take money to Athens?

Cash

Exchange your foreign currency for Euros at banks, currency exchange offices, and ATMs. ATMs are widely available throughout the city as a convenient way to withdraw cash. If you’re bank charges exorbitant fees, I also use Western Union or Moneygram, which have services everywhere.

Travel Tip! If you plan on going to rural places around the Peloponnese or more remote islands like Amorgos or Samothraki, it’s good to carry cash on you as locals can much prefer it.

Credit and Debit Cards

Credit and debit cards are accepted pretty much everywhere in Athens, making it super convenient to pay for stuff. Most POS systems use contactless payments; you just tap, and its done. Also, remember to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any awkward situations with your card being declined.

Future of Athens Currency

As of 2023, the Euro remains the only legal tender in Greece, including Athens, and is not expected to introduce a new currency anytime soon. Plan to have enough cash on hand to cover your expenses in Euros.

Top Money Travel Tips for Athens

Here are some top money travel tips for Athens:

• Currency Exchange – Compare rates before converting your home currency into the Euro (EUR).
  
• Credit Cards – Although mostly accepted, it’s smart to have some cash on you, especially for small buys or emergencies. Visa and Mastercard are standard in Athens, but be careful as others like AMEX or Union Card may be less widely accepted.
  
• Withdrawal Fees – Some ATMs might charge withdrawal fees. Check with your bank before heading to Athens to see if they have any partnerships with local banks to avoid those pesky ATM fees.
  
• Tipping – Tipping is not mandatory in Athens, but leaving a small tip for good service is customary. A 5% – 10% tip is usually sufficient in restaurants and cafes, and rounding up to the nearest Euro is common for taxi rides. Some restaurants may charge a “cover charge” for bread or water, so check the menu or ask the server before ordering.
  
• Bargaining – Bargaining isn’t really a thing in Athens, but asking for better prices in some flea market areas is worth a shot. I always say, if there’s a price tag, the price is usually fixed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Athen’s Currency

Where is the best place to exchange currency in Athens, Greece?

It’s a good idea to exchange currency at banks or authorized exchange offices since they usually have the best rates. Avoid exchanging money at hotels or random Greek businesses as they tend to offer lower rates and additional fees.

What are the ATM exchange rates for euros in Greece?

ATM exchange rates for euros in Greece are usually similar to the official rates. Although, some banks might slap on extra fees for international transactions or currency conversion. The machine will usually be transparent about its fees upfront.

Does Greece only use the Euro as its currency?

Yes, Greece only uses the Euro as its official currency. It is not possible to use any other currency for transactions in Greece.

Can I use US dollars in Athens?

I’ve never seen any place that accepts US dollars, but using euros for all transactions in Athens is recommended. Using US dollars might lead to not-so-great exchange rates and extra fees.

Is Athens an expensive city to visit?

Athens can be an affordable destination for travelers on a budget. However, prices may vary depending on the season and the location. Summer will see peak pricing, especially when it comes to accommodation. Tourist areas and popular attractions may be more expensive than other areas.

What is the best way to pay in Athens?

Nowadays, almost all places accept credit or debit cards, but cash is still the go-to for small purchases. It’s always good to have cash on hand for tips, street vendors, or when the card machine decides to act up. I’ve only seen a “no cash” sign at a few Athens tram ticket machines.

Do I need cash in Athens?

Although credit and debit cards are pretty much accepted everywhere in Athens, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for small transactions and emergencies. If you plan on leaving the touristy areas to rural areas, you might come across some places that only take cash.

Should you tip in Greece?

Tipping in Greece is not mandatory, but leaving a small amount of change or a 5-10% tip for good service in restaurants and cafes is customary. It is not necessary to tip in taxis or other service industries.

Final Thoughts: Currency in Athens, Greece

To sum it up, traveling to Athens, Greece is an absolute breeze when it comes to handling money. You won’t have to worry about being stranded thanks to the widespread acceptance of credit and debit cards, plus the abundance of ATMs all around the city.

And, as a country using the Euro, you can easily hop on a train with your leftover cash and use it in other countries if you’re going on a longer euro trip.