Greece Currency and Shopping

By | July 22, 2021

MONEY

Currency

1 euro = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: €, EUR (ISO code). There are banknotes in the values 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, coins in the nominal amounts 1 and 2 euros, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

Credit cards

Diners Club, Visa, American Express, MasterCard and other major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops, travel agencies, restaurants and car rental companies (less so at petrol stations). Details from the issuer of the respective credit card.
ATMs

ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
With the ec / Maestro card and PIN number, cash can be withdrawn from ATMs in the local currency. There is an extensive network of ATMs. In many European countries it is also possible to pay with the ec / Maestro card in shops. Cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted in Europe and worldwide. Further information from banks and credit institutes. The same applies to the German Sparcard, the successor to the postal savings book as a means of procuring currency in other European countries. Cash can be withdrawn from European ATMs with the plus logo using a Sparcard and PIN number. In general, there are currently no restrictions on the amount of cash you can withdraw, but you should have a reserve of cash in case of an emergency.

Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.

Bank opening times

Mon-Thu 8 a.m.-2.30 p.m., Fri 8 a.m.-2 p.m. During the high season, many banks on the larger islands are also open in the afternoons and evenings to exchange money.

Foreign exchange regulations

For travelers inside and outside the EU, there are no restrictions on the import or export of national and foreign currencies, but there is an obligation to declare cash from the equivalent of € 10,000 (including travelers checks, other currencies or checks made out to third parties).

Currency Exchange

In Greece, a country located in Europe according to mysteryaround, foreign currencies and travelers checks can be exchanged at all banks, savings banks and exchange offices. It is worthwhile to compare the exchange rates before exchanging as these can differ from bank to bank. Banks charge an exchange fee.

Greece Currency

SHOP

Overview

Lace, metalwork, ceramics, clothing, knitwear, rugs and blankets, leather goods, local wines and spirits. In Athens you can buy luxury goods as well as handicrafts from the various regions.

Opening hours

The opening times of the shops depend on the season, region and type of shop. However, the general opening times are mostly: 8.00 a.m.-2.30 p.m. Mon, Wed, and Sat and 5.30 p.m.-8.30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Annotation

All kinds of imitation antiques are available for purchase. The export of real antiques is strictly prohibited.

NIGHTLIFE

Introduction

The nightlife is concentrated in the bigger cities and the resorts where there are discos and concerts. Local taverns and restaurants often offer live music, with Greek folk music and bouzouki music being particularly popular.

CULINARY

useful information

The value added tax is 13 percent in restaurants and hotels.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels

Hotel rooms can be booked directly in writing with the hotels or through the hotel association: Athens Hotel Association, Odos Stadiou 24, GR-105 64 Athens. Tel: 21 03 23 54 85 (Internet: http://users.otenet.gr/).

Both on the mainland and on the islands there are hotels of different standards to choose from, from luxury hotels on the mainland and the larger islands to simple beach houses.

In the main season (Easter and June – September), booking in advance is recommended. Most of the Xenia Hotels are operated by the Greek National Tourist Board. Everywhere there are small, friendly family hotels that are a good alternative to the hotel chains.

Hotel classification: Hotels are divided into the Hotelstars Union star categories from one to five stars.

Camping

There are numerous official campsites; A camping directory is available from the Tourist Office (see addresses). Free camping is prohibited across the country. Motorhomes can be rented in Athens.

Other accommodation options

The most famous youth hostel in Athens is the Athens International Youth Hostel – Victor Hugo, Odos Victor Hugo 16, GR-104 38 Athens. Tel: 21 05 23 25 40.

Some youth hostels belong to the Hellenic Youth Hostel Association (Internet: www.hihostels.com/dba/country-GR.en.htm). YHW membership is not always required. A list of addresses is also available from the Tourist Office.

CULTURE

Religion

98% Greek Orthodox; Muslim (1.3%), Jewish, Protestant and Catholic minorities.

Social rules of conduct

The Greeks are well aware of their rich historical and cultural heritage. Traditions and customs vary regionally, but a national unity is noticeable everywhere. The Greek Orthodox Church is particularly influential in the rural areas. The lifting of the head combined with a click means “no”. Casual wear is appropriate.

Smoking ban: Smoking is prohibited in all public transport and public buildings, including cafes, bars and restaurants etc. However, many restaurants and entertainment establishments have a separate smoking area.

Tipping: In restaurants it is about 5% and in upscale restaurants 10% is usual if the tip is not included in the bill. Rounds up in the taxi. The maid receives a small tip on the day of departure.