Money, Budget, and Shopping for Greece

Money

Currency

Currency: Euro (100 cents).

Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 €.

Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents + 1 and 2 €.

Exchange:

The drachma was replaced by the euro on 1 January 2001.

Exchange

For those not in the Eurozone, banks (open from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM on weekdays, except Fridays until 1:30 PM) and exchange bureaus accept the main currencies. ATMs are also widely available.

Payment methods

You can pay in cash or by card (with no fees for euro accounts), just like in France. However, some merchants do not accept card payments.

Budget

As with all highly touristic destinations, the budget for a trip to Greece varies greatly depending on the season and/or the places you choose—whether they’re heavily frequented or not. Outside peak season or off the "tourist highways," you can expect around 45–60 € per person per day (for two people), if you opt for camping or small local accommodations, local restaurants, and public transport. In July–August or in tourist hotspots, it’ll be closer to 55–70 €, especially if you want to fully enjoy beach resorts.

What can be expensive

Above all, the summer high season.

Staying long in the most touristy spots or in the capital.

What can be affordable

Eating local.

Price range

Budget accommodation: from 25–30 € at best for two in a homestay, and around 20 € for camping.

Mid-range hotel room: 30 to 50 € for a double, often for basic comfort.

Snacks, cafés, and local eateries: around 8 to 10 € for the cheapest options.

Restaurant meal (tourist-oriented): around 15 € per person for a set menu.

Budget car rental:

100 km by bus: roughly 7 to 9 €.

100 km by train: For Athens–Thessaloniki, the only route really used by tourists (500 km; 5 hours), expect between 20 and 40 € one-way, depending on the train, schedule, etc.

Domestic flights (from Athens): many routes to the islands or other Greek cities cost around 40–50 € per trip.

Urban taxi:

Urban bus:

Bargaining and tipping

Tipping

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Greece, but it’s customary to leave 5–10% of the bill in restaurants or bars. As usual, tipping is most expected in touristy areas.

Bargaining

Bargaining is common (and even recommended) when buying souvenirs. You can also negotiate accommodation prices in the low season, especially for longer stays. However, during peak periods, when demand often exceeds supply, it’s no longer really possible.