Greece Uses The Euro!
Greece once had its own currency, the Drachma. On 1 January 2001 this was replaced by the Euro, which is now in use in many European countries (some exceptions are Great Britain, Sweden, Switzerland and the most recent member countries of EU).
When visiting Greece it is a good idea to collect change for larger notes, before travelling to small villages or going to buy low cost items, but especially in smaller out-of-the-way places. Otherwise, you may face quite a wait while the shopkeeper you are paying tries to find someone who can make change.
Credit Cards/Travellers cheques
In the towns, clothing, camera and other shops selling higher price products mostly accept credit cards, as do medium to high priced restaurants and hotels. Visa and MasterCard are the most-accepted. However, note that "cash is king" in Greece and credit or debit cards are not accepted everywhere - it is a mistake to presume that mid-range hotels will happily take your card.
The most useful card for purchases AND cash advances is Visa, followed by MasterCard. The Diners and American Express cards have more limited acceptance (Amex being the better of the two).
Travellers cheques in the world's major currencies can be changed at all banks and larger hotels. For visitors who come to Lesvos Island and specifically to Skala Eressos we can exchange travellers cheques and foreign currency right here in our office.
XE.com Personal Currency Assistant
ATM / cash machines
Cash can be obtained from credit and debit cards at most banks (the majority work with Visa associated cards, far fewer with Mastercard). ATM machines all issue euros and virtually all the machines provide instructions in English and often several other languages. Just outside our office in Skala Eressos on Lesvos you will also find an ATM machine which accepts most cards.
If you need cash amounts over and above the amount an individual machine or your daily limit allows, you can obtain a larger amount over the counter showing your passport and credit card. [Tip: This process is not recommended at the National Bank of Greece, which happens to be the only bank for over the counter Mastercard advances - be prepared for a long wait!]
