Greece Currency Guide
Greece is a timeless destination, blending history, culture, and natural beauty. Its stunning coastline, picturesque towns, and ancient monuments make it a top-rated tourist attraction. With over 18 UNESCO Heritage-listed sites, it offers a journey back in time to discover its vast archaeological sites, such as the Acropolis and Parthenon. Whether you seek a relaxing beach holiday or a cultural adventure, Greece has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation.
Taking Travel Money to Greece
If you’re travelling to Greece, you’ll need to exchange your Australian dollar (AUD) for Euro (EUR), Greece’s currency.
Is it better to convert currency in Australia or Greece?
For your trip to Greece, it’s best to convert currency in Australia, where you’ll typically get a better rate than at tourist exchange counters overseas. Having Euros ready before you leave means you know exactly how much you have to spend, making budgeting easier. Plus, you’ll avoid the hassle of searching for a currency exchange upon arrival, so you can dive right into exploring Greece. Converting at home saves you money and sets you up for a smooth start to your adventure.
How much cash can I take to Greece?
There is no maximum amount of cash that you can bring into Greece. However, you are required to declare any amount exceeding 10,000 euros. It is important to note that traveller’s cheques, bank bills, personal cheques, and money orders are all considered as ‘cash’.
Where to convert currency?
Crown Currency Exchange is Australia’s largest and leading foreign exchange provider. With over 20 years of experience in ensuring our customers have the exact currencies needed to get the most from their travel adventures, we offer great rates on foreign currency and exceptional customer service. You can collect your foreign currencies from over 60 stores across Australia and get your travel money on the spot, locking in a fantastic exchange rate. Our stores are located nationwide in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Adelaide, Tasmania & Perth.
What should you budget per day?
Budget
As a budget-conscious traveller, it’s important to plan ahead and know what you should budget per day. If you’re planning on backpacking in Greece, we suggest budgeting 80 EUR per day. This budget assumes you’ll be staying in a hostel, eating cheaply, and cooking some of your meals. You’ll also need to limit your drinking and stick to free activities like hiking or relaxing on the beach to keep costs down. Don’t forget to use local transportation to get around. Keep in mind that if you’re visiting Greek islands or travelling during peak season, you can expect to spend on the higher end of that budget.
Moderate
With a moderate budget of 200 EUR per day, you’ll have plenty of options to make the most out of your trip. From visiting museums and ruins to enjoying some drinks and eating out, you can enjoy the local culture without breaking the bank. Additionally, you can opt to stay in a private hostel or Airbnb, take the occasional taxi and rent a bike or scooter to get around. With this budget in mind, you’ll have everything you need to have an enjoyable and memorable trip.
Luxury
If you’re looking to indulge in luxury on your travels, a daily budget of 400 EUR or more is a good starting point. With this budget, you can live in a comfortable hotel, dine in high-end restaurants, drink premium wine and cocktails, indulge in paid tours, splurge on expensive activities like diving and rent a car to experience more. This budget allows you to live the dream life you desire while on vacation. However, if you’re planning to go to the islands, set aside an additional 50 EUR for your daily expenses, as prices might be higher than in other locations.
What is ATM access like in Greece?
You’ll find ATMs in Greek banks, commercial centres, airports, hotels, restaurants, and even on the streets, making them quite accessible. Unless you’re in a remote rural area or smaller towns, finding an ATM shouldn’t be a problem. However, in case you’re having trouble locating one, it is advisable to search for a nearby local bank, as most banks have at least one ATM available on their premises.
Is tipping customary in Greece? How much is expected?
Tipping is commonplace in many countries, but it’s not always clear how much you should tip and when it is expected. Let’s take a look at the basics of tipping etiquette in Greece so that you can confidently show your appreciation during your travels.
Restaurants: When you dine out in Greece, tipping can be a meaningful gesture. If your bill for the meal is roughly 5-6 euros, why not leave 50 cents as an added appreciation? Doing so could make someone’s day!
Coffee shops: A kind gesture of 50 cents to a euro as a tip will be warmly welcomed.
Bars: If you plan on spending a significant amount of time at a bar, especially with a group of people, it’s worth considering leaving a few coins as a tip when you leave.
Food delivery staff: Tipping food delivery staff depends on the order’s value and size. A euro is suitable for small orders, while 3-4 euros are more appropriate for larger groups with multiple items.
Tour guide: While it’s not expected to tip your tour guide in Greece, you may choose to do so if you had an exceptional experience. A 10-15% tip on the tour’s price is a generous gesture, and people often tip their guides 2 to 5 euros per person. For private tours, tips can be as high as 15-20 euros.
Hairdresser: If you’re pleased with your hairstyle, leaving a 5 euro tip is a kind gesture. You can give it to the cashier or directly to your hairdresser as you leave.
Must-Do's in Greece
1
Visit Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis of Athens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic monuments in all of Greece. Located on a flat-topped rock that rises 150 metres above sea level, it was once the site of a powerful citadel. The ruins include the Parthenon temple and other classical monuments such as Erectheion and Propylaea. It’s worth getting up early so you can beat the crowds!
2
Visit Meteora Monasteries
Located between Kalambaka and Trikala in central Greece, these monasteries were built on top of huge sandstone rocks, providing breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape below. The six active monasteries are still home to monks who offer tours and spiritual guidance to visitors.
3
Go to the Delphi Archaeological Site
Situated at the southern tip of Mount Parnassus, near Athens. Delphi Archaeological Site was once considered by the ancient Greeks to be “the navel of the world” – where two eagles sent by Zeus met up before going their separate ways – and is now an important archaeological site with several well-preserved temples and monuments from antiquity. The Temple of Apollo and Ancient Theatre are particularly impressive sites within this complex.
4
Explore Mystras Castle
Mystras Castle is located just outside Sparta in Southern Peloponnese, making it an easy day trip from many parts of mainland Greece. This 13th-century castle offers great views over its surrounding countryside as well as being home to several churches dating back to its heyday as a Byzantine stronghold during the Middle Ages. Be sure to take your camera along for some incredible pictures!
5
Visit the Museum of Cycladic Art
The Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens houses one of Europe’s largest collections dedicated solely to ancient Greek artworks from the Aegean region spanning 4500BCE – 200BCE. This museum showcases sculptures, pottery, jewellery, coins and everyday objects made by various cultures throughout history that had an influence on what we now consider classical Greek art today. If you’re interested in learning more about ancient Greek culture, then this museum should not be missed!