Cash or card in Greece: Which is the best way to pay?

If you’re planning a trip to Greece soon, you’re probably working out a travel budget. No matter how much you plan to spend, it’s helpful to understand the financial habits of the locals. In some countries, cash is still king, while in others people rely mostly on cashless payments.

While card use is growing in Greece, it’s still a good idea to carry some cash. In certain areas, such as smaller towns or remote islands, cash can be more practical. In this guide, we’ll help you understand what works best for everyday spending when it comes to cash or card in Greece.

We’ll also show you a cost-effective way to handle your finances in Greece from the money services provider Wise. For all international purchases, online or in person, you can rely on the Wise card. You can even withdraw cash like a local for low fees* and great mid-market exchange rates.

How cash-centric is Greece?

Although cash use has significantly declined in recent years, it remains the primary payment method in Greece.¹ Credit and debit card transactions are steadily increasing, so this might change soon.²

Surveys show that Greeks have the highest preference for cash in the Eurozone. The main reasons include easier expense control, anonymity, and instant transaction completion. However, Greeks are also among the Eurozone leaders in electronic payment usage, so there is no clear winner in the cash versus card debate.³

Even though card payments are increasingly common, it’s still wise to carry some cash. Card terminals don’t always work and they can be hard to find when travelling in the Greek countryside or on the islands.

Cash etiquette in Greece

Tipping is not mandatory in Greece, but it’s greatly appreciated. If a service charge isn’t already included in the bill, people usually tip around 10-15%. A €1 per day tip is common for hotel staff, while rounding up the fare is considered generous in taxis.⁴

If possible, it’s best to leave a cash tip, so make sure you have some on you. Also, if you’re paying cash for a small bill, try not to use big denominations. The recipient might not always have change, so carrying some coins can be convenient.

Want to work out exactly how much things cost? Explore our live euro exchange rate currency converter.

Cash or card in Greece - the comparison

We’ve listed some common situations where you’ll be paying for things in Greece. Here’s whether you’ll be able to pay by card, in cash or both:

Using your card in Greece at an ATM

ATMs in Greece can easily be found in cities and towns, but there aren’t many in rural areas. There are both Greek and international banks, but foreigners commonly use National Bank of Greece ATMs.⁸

Greek ATMs accept international cards, so you’ll be able to use yours without any problems. ATMs are usually available 24/7, except for those located inside bank branches, which are only available during opening hours.⁸

Some ATMs are fee-free, while others charge between €1.5 and €2 per transaction (around £1.20 to £1.70). Withdrawal limits usually depend on your card.⁸

With Wise, you have free withdrawals each month up to a total of 250 GBP. If you withdraw more than this, a fee of 2.69% applies only to the amount in excess of that 250 GBP allowance.

Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.

💡Top tip: Always withdraw cash from ATMs in the local currency to avoid merchants adding on higher conversion fees. And remember that when using your card abroad, your bank or card provider may have limits on how much you can withdraw daily, so it’s best to check in advance!

Will my UK debit card work in Greece?

UK debit cards can be used in Greece, both for payments and withdrawing money. If you plan on going to a really small town, consider bringing some cash with you as an alternative.⁸ You can also use the Wise card in Greece.

Can I use my UK credit card in Greece?

Yes, you can use a UK issued credit card on your Greek holiday.⁸

Reasons to use cash in Greece

Although most businesses in Greece accept cards, it’s still a good idea to carry some cash. Smaller shops, market stalls and some taxis may prefer cash, particularly outside major cities.

Cash becomes even more useful if you’re travelling beyond the main tourist hubs. In smaller towns, villages, and on less-visited islands, card facilities can be limited, and ATMs may be less frequent or occasionally out of service.

You’ll also find that many beaches charge for sunbeds and umbrellas, and these are often paid in cash. The same goes for beach vendors selling items like souvenirs or sunglasses, or offering services such as massages, where cash is usually preferred.

It’s also the easiest way to tip, as cash goes directly to the person who served you.

Reasons to use credit or debit cards in Greece

Using a card in Greece is convenient and secure. In cities and tourist areas, cards are widely accepted, so you don’t need to carry large amounts of cash. They’re especially handy for bigger purchases, like hotel bills, restaurant tabs or guided tours.

Cards also make it easier to track your spending and manage your budget while travelling. Many banks provide instant notifications, so you can keep a close eye on your expenses without having to count cash constantly.

Are contactless card payments common in Greece?

Contactless payments are the norm in Greece. Just know that, like anywhere else, there’s a limit for these transactions. You’ll need to provide your PIN if your purchase is over €50 or if you reach €150 in consecutive transactions without a PIN.⁹

Your Wise card can also be used for contactless payments in Greece. If you don’t want to carry cards with you, you can get the Wise virtual card with the same features.

Other payment methods in Greece

Besides traditional credit and debit cards, other payment methods are available in Greece.

Mobile and e-wallet payment

Well-known mobile payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay are widely accepted in Greece, especially in cities and tourist areas. To avoid issues, make sure your apps are updated before you travel and that your cards are properly linked.¹⁰

There are also local digital wallets and apps, such as Viva Wallet POS, Winbank Mobile, MyAlpha Mobile and i-bank Pay.¹⁰

The Wise virtual card is a great digital option. It has all the benefits of a regular Wise card, but it exists in your phone only. You can freeze your Wise virtual card after every transaction, too.

What is the best way to pay in Greece: cash or card?

When travelling to popular tourist spots, you can use whichever is more convenient for you. If you have to choose one or the other, it’s better to use cash in Greece. There aren’t any completely cashless places, so you can always pay with cash. If you’re already carrying it for tipping purposes, might as well use it as your preferred payment method.

Spend like a local in Greece with Wise

Want to spend like a local in 150+ countries, including Greece, without worrying about exchange rates and hidden fees? The Wise card, from the money services provider Wise, might be just the thing you’re looking for.

The Wise card can be used for international payments. It automatically converts the currency at the mid-market exchange rate with only a small, transparent currency conversion fee*. You can also use it to easily withdraw euros from the ATMs in Greece.

With Wise, you have free withdrawals each month up to a total of 250 GBP. If you withdraw more than this, a fee of 2.69% applies only to the amount in excess of that 250 GBP allowance.

Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.

The Wise card is also a great option for spending abroad. Top it up with a specific amount of money and you won't have to worry about overstepping your budget or exchanging pounds to euros. You can also get it in digital form to add another layer of security.

Learn more about Wise card 💳

Cash or card in Greece - FAQs

To summarise, here are some of the most frequent questions about using cash or cards in Greece.

How cashless is Greece?

Even though credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Greece, cash payments still make up the majority of all transactions.

How much money should I take for two weeks in Greece?

That greatly depends on your spending habits. However, you can always withdraw more money if you end up needing it.

Can I use my UK debit card in Greece?

Yes! International cards are accepted in Greece, including the Wise card.

Is it free to withdraw cash in Greece?

It depends on the bank. Some banks have ATM fees, so it’s best to check in advance.

Do taxis in Greece take card payment?

Yes. Since April 2024, all taxis in Greece have been required to carry card payment terminals.⁵

How many euros is considered a good tip in Greece?

A 10-15% tip is considered generous, but you can also just round up the bill.⁴

Is it better to buy euros in Greece or the UK?

You don’t have to buy euros in advance. You could exchange your pounds in Greece or have Wise do it for you automatically.

Sources used in this article:

1. Statista - cash share in euro area
2. Statista - payment card transactions in Greece
3. Proto Thema - why Greeks insist on paying in cash
4. Travel + Leisure - tipping in Europe
5. eKathimerini - mandatory POS terminals
6. OASA - contactless payments in public transport
7. AMCO - contactless payments on city buses
8. ATM Fee Saver - ATMs in Greece
9. Piraeus Bank - contactless transactions
10. NORBr - payment methods in Greece

Sources last checked on date: 14-July-2026