Greece: Payment methods & tips

All continents Europe Greece

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in Euro (EUR)

For ATM cash withdrawals
For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

ATM Search

Banknotes

in euro (EUR)

For minor expenses on arrival in country of destination

Local currency / ISO Code

Euro EUR

Further Information

Import local currency
unlimited; the equivalent of EUR 10'000.00 or more must be declared

Import foreign currency
unlimited; EUR 10'000.00 (equivalent) or more must be declared

Export local currency
unlimited; the equivalent of EUR 10'000.00 or more must be declared

Export foreign currency
unlimited; EUR 10'000.00 (equivalent) or more must be declared

Credit cards

Customary credit cards are accepted in most places. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.

ATM Search

Find out more about Travel

Useful tips from our experts:

Avoid foreign exchange loss: When making cash withdrawals in this country, ATMs often display a message such as: «Would you like to debit your account for this transaction in your own currency?». When you hold a Travel Card in EUR or USD, you are advised to answer «No» to this message. If you answer «Yes», the amount of euros or US dollars will be first converted into Swiss francs and then again converted into euros. This would generate additional charges, which are unnecessary.
Credit cards are recommended for car rentals. Prepaid cards are generally accepted for payment but not for reservations. Please check the possible payment methods with the car rental company in advance.

Practical Information:

National language

Official language

Greek

Language capabilities

English, German and French

Capital

Athens

Country code for calling Switzerland

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

220 volt; 2-pronged round plug / adapter required for 3-pronged plug

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Valid ID card or passport expired less than 5 years for stays up to 3 months.

Opening hours

Banks

8.30 - 14.00/14.30 h (Mon - Fri)
8.30 - 18.00 h (Mon - Fri) in tourist areas

Stores

8.00 - 14.00 h and 17.00 - 20.00 h (Mon - Fri)
8.00 - 15.00 h (Sat)

Driving

Swiss driver's license accepted for car rentals if obtained at least 1 year previously, varies by rental company.
Minimum age for car rentals: 21 to 25 (varies by company).
Blood alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰ (0.2 ‰ for drivers who obtained their licence for less than 2 years).
CH sticker, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and breakdown triangle mandatory.

Health situation

Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, polio and measles recommended.

Other information

Security

Consult the media about the current situation before and during the journey and stay in contact with your tour operator.
Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.
Si consiglia di rispettare le abituali misure precauzionali contro la microcriminalità.
Do not carry valuables (watches, jewelry, expensive cameras, etc.) on you.

Special legal regulations

Photographing persons wearing an uniform, military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges etc.) is prohibited.
Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs.

Time difference with Switzerland

+ 1h

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Athen, Rue Iassiou No 2
Tel. +30 210 723 03 64 / +30 210 723 03 65 / +30 210 723 03 66

Travel advice for Greece.