Planning a trip to Crete or Greece? Knowing about money and banking here is key.
Greece uses the Euro (€), just like many European countries. Bring your Visa or Mastercard—they’re widely accepted.
If you carry over €10,000 in cash, you MUST inform customs. For smaller amounts, no worries!
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Greek Banking System Structure
The banking sector is dominated by four major institutions: National Bank of Greece, Piraeus Bank, Alpha Bank, and Eurobank. These banks follow regulations set by the Bank of Greece, ensuring secure transactions for tourists and locals alike.
Banks in Crete open from 8 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Some in busy areas open weekends. ATMs (cash machines) are everywhere—near shops, beaches, and malls. Use cards with a 4-digit PIN. Ask your bank about fees before traveling.
Currency & Costs in Crete – Greece
Here’s what you might spend daily: A hotel breakfast: €10–€15. Lunch at a café: €6–€10. Dinner: €15–€20 per dish. A gyros wrap: €4–€5. Bottled water: €0.50. Love coffee? A cappuccino costs €3–€4.
Euro coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, and €1 or €2. Notes start at €5 and go up to €500, but big bills like €200 are rare. Keep smaller notes handy for markets or cafes.
Currency Exchange Tips
Need to swap your dollars or pounds? Visit banks, airports, or exchange kiosks in cities like Heraklion. Rates vary, so check online tools before exchanging. For local help, visit Cretorama, your go-to guide for Crete tips.
For the best exchange rates:
- Use bank services (most favorable rates)
- Avoid hotel/street exchanges
- Keep all transaction receipts
- Compare rates before exchanging
- Watch for hidden fees
DO NOT AGREE OR SIGN ANYTHING BEFORE YOU SEE THE RECEIPT
Tipping & Taxes
Tipping isn’t required, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% for great service is kind. Bills include a 24% tax (VAT) on most items. Books and basics have lower taxes. Tourists can’t claim VAT refunds on meals or hotels.
Prices might be rounded up/down to the nearest 5 cents. For example, €5.12 becomes €5.10, and €5.18 becomes €5.20. This “Swedish rounding” helps avoid small coins.
Digital Banking and Modern Payments
Most places take chip-enabled cards (no magnetic strip needed). Contactless payments work too!
Traveler’s checks in USD, GBP, or AUD can be swapped for euros at hotels or banks. But cards are easier—save checks for emergencies.
Most establishments accept:
- Chip-enabled cards
- Contactless payments (Smart Watches, RFIC Phones)
- Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- International payment systems
The regional authority regularly updates regulations regarding digital payments and tourist services.
Banking Safety Tips and Regulations
- Notify your bank before travel
- Keep emergency contact numbers
- Use bank ATMs when possible
- Monitor transactions regularly
- Store receipts safely
Greece Crete Quick Money Tips
- Always carry some cash for small purchases
- Keep emergency numbers handy
- Store valuable documents separately
- Use bank ATMs instead of independent ones
- Keep small denominations for daily expenses
Emergency Banking Services & Safety
For safety, notify your bank about travel dates. Lost cards? Contact your provider immediately.
- Card blocking
- Emergency cash services
- Multilingual support
- Temporary card replacement
- Wire transfer services
- Police Number 100
Stay Connected
Need visa info? Check the Greek Tourism Office. For bus schedules or local rules, visit the Lassithi government site or Crete’s official page.
Follow Cretorama on Instagram for sunny Crete photos! Want travel inspiration? See our Pinterest boards.
Stay smart with cash, enjoy Crete’s beaches, and share your adventures using #Cretorama!
Last updated: [2025] – Prices and services may vary by season and location.
