Key Highlights
Here are the key things to remember for your trip to Greece:
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The official currency of Greece is the euro (EUR). It took the place of the drachma in 2002.
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You can use card payments in many places, especially in tourist areas. But it’s good to carry cash for small purchases and when you go to remote Greek islands.
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To get your travel money, you can exchange NZD to euros before you go, or use ATMs when you get to Greece.
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Always keep an eye on exchange rates and any fees you might get when you use cards or ATMs.
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When you go sightseeing or need to pay for daily things, it’s good to have both cash and card. This way, your trip will run more smoothly.
Introduction
Are you thinking about a trip from New Zealand to Greece? The country is home to famous places like Athens and has the beautiful greek islands for you to enjoy. You will get to see ancient sites and also relax by the sea. It’s going to be a fun time.
Before you get your bags ready, there is something you need to know. You should learn about the currency of Greece. When you know what money to use, you will find it easier to pay for things. You can plan your budget well, not get charged too much, and have a better stay. This guide will give you all the info you need about how to pay, what greek money to use, and what to expect in Greece.
Understanding the Official Currency in Greece
The euro is the official currency used in Greece. You will see it as the € sign or as EUR. Greece started using the euro in January 2002. This put it in line with other European Union countries that use the same currency. Everything you buy, like your coffee or your room at the hotel, will be paid for with euros.
In Greece, the Bank of Greece looks after all euro banknotes and coins. When you travel there, it is a good idea to have cash and debit cards. Cash is great for small shops. Debit cards are good for bigger things. When you know the different banknotes and denominations, you will feel better when you handle the Greek currency.
The Euro – Coins and Banknotes You’ll Use
The euro is divided into 100 cents, and you’ll encounter a variety of coins and banknotes during your travels. The coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as €1 and €2 coins. These are great for small purchases like a bottle of water or a snack from a street vendor.
Euro notes are also in wide circulation and come in several denominations. While you’ll frequently use the smaller notes, the larger €200 and €500 banknotes are less common and might not be accepted by all businesses, so it’s best to stick to the lower values. Familiarising yourself with this new currency before you go is a great idea.
Here’s a quick look at the euro banknotes and coins you will be using:
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Euro Banknotes |
Euro Coins |
|---|---|
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€5 |
1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents |
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€10 |
10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents |
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€20 |
€1, €2 |
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€50 |
|
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€100 |
Is the Euro Accepted Everywhere in Greece?
Yes, the euro is the one local currency you can use in all of Greece. This means that, in Athens or on the greek islands, you need to have euros to pay for things. If you’re in big cities and tourist areas, you will notice most places will take card payments. Hotels, restaurants, and big shops often let you pay by card.
But when you go out into remote areas or small towns, you need cash. Many family-run businesses, market stalls, and small cafes do not take card payments. It will always help to have cash with you for these times.
Here are some cases where you need cash for:
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Making small purchases from street vendors or local markets.
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Paying for taxis in some areas.
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Visiting smaller, less-touristy villages or remote areas.
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Leaving tips at restaurants and cafes.
What Was the Currency in Greece Before the Euro?
Before Greece started using the euro in 2002, the drachma was the main Greek currency. The drachma has a long history. People used drachma coins in wide circulation even way back in the 6th century. It was one of the world’s oldest forms of money and was important in Greek history.
In the 19th century, after Greece got its independence, they tried a new currency called the phoenix for a short time. But in 1832, the drachma took over again. The look of drachma coins and banknotes changed over the years, but the drachma stayed as a big part of Greece’s economy until the euro came in.
The Drachma – A Brief History
The history of the drachma takes us on a journey through the past. This greek currency started in greece as early as the 6th century. It is one of the first coins used in the world. The word “drachma” means “to grasp.” This is because people could grab a handful of coins.
Later, the modern drachma came back in 1832. This was after a short time when the phoenix was used after greece won its freedom. The bank of greece made drachma banknotes and coins. The bank made many designs over the years to show the country’s greek culture and history.
For over 150 years, people in greece used the drachma every day. It was there during times of change, war, and the ups and downs in the economy. The drachma ended in 2002. At this time, greece joined the eurozone and the euro became the new currency.
Can Old Greek Drachma Notes or Coins Be Used Today?
If you have old Greek drachma notes or drachma coins, you might wonder if they still have any use during your trip. But you can’t pay for anything with drachma in Greece now. The only greek currency you can use is the euro. Every business in greece will ask for the new currency, and not the old drachma.
The Bank of Greece stopped swapping drachma banknotes for the euro in 2012. If you want to exchange drachma coins, the deadline for that was even earlier, back in 2004. So, you can’t use them to buy things or change them for any money now.
You might not be able to buy your dinner with these notes or coins. Still, collectors and people who love history sometimes want old greek currency for their collections. Drachma banknotes and drachma coins from greece have nice designs and remind us of times before the euro. Keep them as nice pieces from the past, but know they will not help you pay for a bus ticket or coffee.
Ways to Access Euros as a New Zealander
If you are a Kiwi heading to Greece, there are a few good ways to get your euro banknotes. You can swap your New Zealand dollars for euro banknotes before you go, using a currency exchange company like Travelex. Sometimes they even offer home delivery, so you can have your cash before your trip. This can give you peace of mind, knowing you will have travel money when you land.
Or, you can wait until you get to Greece. There, you can use your New Zealand debit cards at local ATMs. You can also use a local currency exchange service. It’s best to check and compare exchange rates so you get a good deal for your money. This way, your money will go further during your trip.
Exchanging NZD to Euros in New Zealand vs Greece
Deciding where you change your NZD to EUR can change how much you get to spend in Greece. If you change your money before leaving New Zealand, it is easy, but you might get better exchange rates when you get to Greece, as the euro is the local currency.
But, it is good to know you should not exchange money at airports or hotels in New Zealand or Greece. These places have many people passing through, so they give poor exchange rates. To get better deals in Greece, try to find a currency exchange office in the city centre. There is more competition there, so you may get competitive rates.
When you make your choice, keep these things in mind:
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Convenience: If you swap money at home, you will have cash ready when you land.
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Rates: Bureaus in Greece city centres can have more competitive rates than the ones at the airport.
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Fees: Watch out for any fees or charges that might take away from the money you receive.
Using ATMs and Bank Cards During Your Trip
Using ATMs in Greece is an easy way to get your hands on euros. The ATMs are everywhere in the country. You will spot them in cities and all the top travel spots. Most New Zealand debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo will work at these ATMs. When you take out cash, you get EUR straight from your account.
Watch out for any extra costs. Your New Zealand bank will likely charge a foreign transaction fee each time you use your card. Plus, the Greek bank that owns the ATM can add its own fee. Some ATMs might ask you about Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), offering to switch the money to NZD at the machine. Make sure you say no and stay with EUR. DCC often has bad exchange rates.
To cut down on charges, you could use a travel money card or an app like Wise. These options can give you better exchange rates and lower fees for your travel money. It’s a good idea to talk to your bank before you leave. Ask about your withdrawal limits, so there are no surprises when you use your debit card in Greece.
Paying in Greece – Card, Cash, and Tips for Kiwi Travellers
When you spend money in Greece, it is smart to use different ways to pay. Card payments, like debit cards and credit cards, are used at big spots. You can pay in hotels, restaurants, and big shops with these cards. This works well in places with lots of travellers. It makes it easy to pay for your accommodation or sightseeing tours.
But you still need cash for many things. For small purchases at markets, or when you eat at family-run tavernas, and when you take taxis, having euros with you is important. If you only use a card, you might not be able to pay in some places. The best way is to bring both cards and cash for your travel money when you go to Greece. This way, you will have a good and easy trip.
Credit Card and Digital Payment Acceptance
In Greece, if you are in the cities or tourist areas, you will see that card payments are accepted in most places. Most of the hotels, many big restaurants, and well-known shops will take debit or credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are the most common cards businesses accept. This helps you pay for bigger things, like your accommodation or to go on tours.
Digital payments are showing up more, but in Greece, they are not used as much as in New Zealand. You might come across some places that can take them. But you shouldn’t count on digital payments for everything. A lot of smaller businesses and family-run shops do not accept any cards or digital money at all.
You can use your card at these places:
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Major hotels and resorts.
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Chain restaurants and upscale dining places.
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Large souvenir shops and retail stores in tourist areas.
When and Where to Use Cash in Greece
While it is easy to use card payments, you should still carry cash when you are in Greece. The main reason is because you will need euros for many things you do every day. It can help a lot, especially with small purchases or when you are in places outside the main tourist areas.
Even if you go to the popular Greek islands, many small shops and places take only cash. When you head into remote areas or some quiet Greek villages, it is even more important. That is because you might not see any card payments there at all. Cash is also the best way to tip, so you can thank someone directly.
Cash comes in handy for:
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Buying snacks or drinks from a street vendor.
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Shopping at local markets when you want to get some fresh food or a small gift.
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Paying for a meal in a small, family-run taverna.
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Tipping the staff at restaurants, cafes, and hotels.
Conclusion
To sum up, knowing about the money used in Greece is important for New Zealand travellers who want a smooth trip. The euro is the official currency in Greece. You can get it in a few ways. Some people exchange money in New Zealand before they leave, while others use ATMs in Greece. You can also use the euro when you make purchases. Think about when you want to use cash and when it’s better to use cards. This will help you avoid any problems.
If you get ready before you go, you will have more time to enjoy the sights and culture in Greece. If you have any questions about your trip, feel free to ask for help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do New Zealanders Need to Exchange Money Before Arriving in Greece?
It is not needed, but it can be handy to have some euros with you when you arrive. You can swap your money in New Zealand before you go, or take cash out from an ATM when you get to Greece. Make sure you check the exchange rates, so you get the most from your travel money.
Are There Fees or Limits When Withdrawing from ATMs in Greece?
Yes, you will most likely have to pay fees. Your New Zealand bank could charge a foreign transaction fee. The local Greek bank running the ATM might also add a fee of their own. Your bank will have daily withdrawal limits, so make sure you know these before you travel.
Is Tipping Expected in Greece and Should it Be in Cash?
Tipping can be a nice thing to do, but you do not always have to tip. At restaurants, many people just round up the bill or leave about 10–15% if they get good service. The best way is to give tips in cash so the staff get it right away.