Greece currently uses the euro. Prior to this, the currency was the drachma. In general, this monetary unit has ancient history. Its origin dates back to ancient times. The drachma was first mentioned in the fifth century BC. It is the oldest currency in the world. In addition, it is also the most durable.

What was the currency before the euro

The currency of Greece is the euro, but before that there was a drachma, which appeared in the fifth century BC. Why did the coin get this name? In ancient days, instead of paper money, twigs made of silver and gold were used, having four corners. They were also called "obols". Six pieces were called "drachma". From the Greek language, this word means "palm" or "handful". The coin was the mite.

Money in Greece of that period was called as drachma. The same name has survived to this day. It originates from the Hellenic period. Most of these were silver coins. All cities had their own name for the drachma, for example, the Babylonian or Phoenician drachma.

ancient drachma

Until 2001, there was just such a currency in the territory. From time to time throughout the history of the country, its name changed depending on under whose yoke the state was. In 2001, new money appeared.

The monetary unit of Greece has undergone many modifications throughout its history. On the front side was the face value, all the inscriptions were written in Greek. The color scheme was different, as the masters in antiquity managed to combine different shades together.

In the fifth century, the coins bore the profile of the goddess Athena and an owl. Starting from 1204, a cross appeared on the money. In 1833, the silver drachma came into use. New coins appeared during the Second World War. One unit of such money could be bought for 50 billion old ones. Inflation continued until 1954. Then one new coin could be bought for 1000 old ones. The paper drachma appeared in the 19th century.

The government made this decision because minting money from gold and silver has become an expensive pleasure, and it has become more difficult to get precious metals.

Until January 2001, banknotes were valid from 50 to 10,000 drachmas. The largest denomination on itself carried a portrait of George Papanicolaou, who was a famous Greek scientist.

200 drachmas paper bill

What money do tourists need in 2018

The currency used here is the euro. After all, this country has been part of the European Union for a long time. Although it is possible to come with dollars, experienced tourists still say that it is better not to do this.

If a tourist decides to pay in a hotel, bar or on the beach with a dollar bill, they will, to put it mildly, not be understood. The maintenance staff will look at this money as fake. They will have a question: is it money at all or some kind of rally.

If a person is going to go to Europe, but he has dollars or rubles in his hands, then it is better to buy national money at home. This is more profitable, and they will not look at the bills with surprise.

If there is a bank card, then it will be a salvation for the tourist. You can take either a credit or a debit card:

• There are many ATMs throughout the country, so there are no difficulties with cashing out the card;
• Almost every store and outlet in Greece accepts cashless payments by card.

It is impossible to find out about the favorable exchange rate in the store when paying with a card in advance. For this reason, it is better to travel to the country with local money, as this is the payment currency of the country. Therefore, it is better to pay with such banknotes.

What money goes in Greece? These are euro banknotes with denominations from 5 to 500 units. Coins are presented from one to 50 cents, also 1 and 2 euros. You can withdraw money from cards at ATMs. The tariff for the country is the same, by the way, it is valid throughout the European Union.

Banks start working at 8 am and end at half past two in the afternoon. You can exchange dollars anywhere. The commission will be 2 percent.

10 euro note

It is better to have small change coins and banknotes available so that you can get change for the purchased goods.

Additional Information! Banknotes of 100 and 200 euros are most often counterfeited, so it is better to use 10 or 50 euros.

It is best to pay by card, then there will never be any problems with taking change. But if a tourist decides to walk through small souvenir shops, then he will not wait for change there, as the sellers rely on the fact that he simply does not need it.

Given all these nuances, it is worth noting that it is better to have small bills with you when traveling to Greece in order to avoid counterfeit banknotes. It is also recommended to pay everywhere with a card so as not to leave legal change to the seller.

How to exchange money in Greece

Can I pay with US dollars in Greece? This question can immediately be answered with no. US dollars are not recognized in the EU. Therefore, a tourist with that kind of money will simply be looked at as a clown. And this is at best, at worst they will call the police to deal with those who do not want to pay the bill.

Do dollars or euros work in Greece? Since the country belongs to the European Union, euros go here, so it is better to have this particular currency with you. As for Russian rubles, they are not needed here at all. Not only are they considered non-convertible currencies, but they cannot be exchanged even at the most unfavorable rate.

It is better for visitors from Russia to have euros with them. As a fallback, you can take a bank card, both credit and debit.

The introduction of the euro turned the politics of the whole country upside down. The national currency could no longer be called a drachma. Now euros are circulating around the country in denominations from 5 to 500.

Important! It is more difficult to change the dollar for the euro than in Russia, so it is better for tourists to come with the national currency of the European Union.

Each country that signed an agreement to join the European Union had to accept the arrival of new money. For this reason, now every tourist is obliged to pay with euro banknotes.

The ruble is not in use in Greece. Even in the early days, he was not very welcome, now no one needs him here at all.

Banknote denomination of 50

On the territory of Greece, there is a local institution Euroexchange, which was established back in 1993. Here you can exchange up to 50 world currencies. The rate is more profitable than in other exchangers of the country. Although the institution is not banking, the Bank of Greece controls its work.

There are 28 branches throughout the country. These are the following cities:

• Athens;
• Thessaloniki;
• Piraeus;
• Rhodes;
• Mykonos;
• Santorini;
• Spit.

And also at the Eleftherios Venizelos airfield.

Since the organization has always regularly fulfilled its obligations to the citizens and guests of Greece, it has earned the respect and trust of more than one person. Now visitors and locals turn to this institution for the issue of exchange.

Important! For the exchange, you need to provide a passport.

Each major city, as well as the center of tourist congestion, is equipped with an exchange office, which has a sign "Exchange". Currency exchange points work every day, even on weekends. If there is a need to change money, you can also in hotels, as well as at the airport or seaport, here exchange offices work around the clock. Change is given only in the currency of the country.

This means that a person should have banknotes of different denominations. The bank has a commission of two percent of the amount.

If a tourist decides to leave the local currency in Greece, then it will be more difficult to exchange money in the opposite direction. After all, the bank can give out no more than one hundred dollars.

If there is a desire to use the bank for currency exchange, then it is open from 8 am to two in the afternoon from Monday to Thursday, or from 8 am to half past one on Friday. The bank is closed on Saturday and Sunday. It is best to use credit cards.

Experienced tourists report that although crime in the country is quite rare on the part of local residents, since you can leave any thing, it will not be taken by anyone. The owner can always return and take it from where he put it. As for foreigners, cases of thefts on their part have become frequent.

This means that it is better to store valuables in a hotel safe and be careful with your belongings, especially in places with a large concentration of foreigners. For example, in a market or a large shopping center.

Places where people gather

In the exchanger, deception is minimal, but it is possible that an inexperienced tourist will be given a fake bill. Usually these are banknotes in denominations of 100 or 200 euros. To avoid this, it is better to receive banknotes in smaller denominations.

Considering that the doors in hotel rooms are unreliable (due to the heat, as well as the lack of wood, they are made of plastic), you should not leave valuables in the room.

They can even cheat in a cafe when they offer to try some delicious dish or drink, and then include it in the bill. And it usually turns out that it is very expensive. Therefore, you need to clarify in advance whether this is a gift or you will need to pay for it.

Important! It is better to pay in cash, especially if the card is carried away from the eyes.

In the end, it is worth noting that it is better to take euros on a trip. Also, a tourist should be careful in crowded places of foreigners, as thefts are possible. Pay in cafes in cash, in shops with a card.

Gentlemen! For the first time I’m flying to Greece ... and only for 7 days, please tell me how much you need to take with you for 7 days for 2 of them with my wife, we won’t go on excursions, but I want to have a good rest))) maybe in the store that -buy a thread for a while .. and in general how much is it customary to tip maids in hotels? Thanks in advance for your answer!

It all depends on what kind of food you will have at the hotel.
The average bill for two in a tavern is about 30s.
If you go without food or to a BB hotel, then about 50 euros per day should be enough to feed two + buying souvenirs, we get at least 200 euros. It's all modest.
We leave 1 per day for the maid.
Take cash + card with you.

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let's make a remark - in a slop "tavern", without wine. If you drink wine, and not a mutter called "house wine", then a more or less normal young wine starts from 14 euros.
The average cost of a Greek salad is 4.5 euros. Moussaka - about 7 euros, from fish more or less tasty and not expensive sword fish - 9-11.
Multiply by 2 and don't fool people.

My advice, count on a hundred per person / day. It is better to have a good rest than to tiredly console yourself later on long winter evenings with the fact that "but saved."

In reality, sitting in a normal fish tavern will cost 70-110 euros for two with wine and all the other things. There are good tourist restaurants, where they cook relatively tolerably. It will be cheaper there, but 30 for two is not much better than shawarma with beer.

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The maid goes through the woods. We leave a piglet on the day of departure. If everything was ok. Current euros do not affect the quality. This is not Egypt, where 1 euro is a lot.

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And we don’t multiply by 2, we have enough of all of the above for two to overeat. Portions are usually ok. large and we will half.

Quote: console yourself that I'm about to drop overweight earned during vacation...
I try to eat less, but every time the same thing. Here again after Corfu +3kg:(((((

Maybe for 3 years that I have not been to Rhodes, what has changed, but it took us even less than 50 euros per day for two (the hotel - breakfast only). I remember that in 2 weeks we spent 800 euros for two. But we didn't flirt. And if on a grand scale, I think that this amount should be enough for a week even now, although, of course, it all depends on the scope;)

Quote: - nonsense!

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Quote: - it's me to YOU!
30 euros is a good lunch for two..yes, not with wine, but with beer or frappe! We consider: Greek salad 4.50 euros * 2 = 9 euros. a portion of grilled lamb with a side dish 9 euros*2=18 euros, beer 2.50*2=5 euros Total 32 euros (without tips)
And this is in a good tavern by the sea :-)

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for 70 euros - it can be yes (although we left 60 - this is grilled seafood, red mullet (not the cheapest fish), with good wine and just rolled out of the restaurant, then how much do you need to eat on 110s ??!
Lemonade Joe, what size are you wearing?

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We ordered this amount of salad for five. Hot depending on the menu. Children - teenagers ate a whole dish, and my husband and I - one for two. With wine, frappe and fresh juice for five more than 70 euros did not work. Truth in Crete. There are still a lot of dishes for two (sometimes indicated on the menu), they bring them on a large (read huge) plate and put them in the center of the table. In general, the most delicious food is in small taverns away from the tourist trails. And the price doesn't skyrocket. Look for places where the Greeks themselves eat - you can't go wrong!

Yes, complete nonsense, for 30 euros a widow can have a great meal, the portions are actually huge. for mega-super gourmets, of course, it can cost more, especially if you drink wine for 20 euros per bottle, and a fish like just caught))). But there, after all, it’s not necessary to eat every day, you can afford it a couple of times ... I know .. we were on Kos for 23 euros together, by the way, we didn’t eat badly .. without gluttony, of course. Irina gave excellent advice, on the same Kos it was possible to eat for 23 euros in a tavern, where, apart from local tourists, there are only 5 people maximum and you can eat for 70 euros for two, do you feel the difference? And it doesn’t mean at all that for 23 euros some kind of muck. yes, maybe there will not be a chic look and interiors, but in terms of the quality of the food, everything is very worthy. The same is true in Crete. Well, here we are in Elounda once spent 120 euros!!! Fresh fish, wine ... squids ... on the waterfront in Rethymnon, you can also leave a considerable amount and not even notice. But there are plenty of other places where you can eat very high quality even for 30-40 euros, maybe just without entourage. And it’s easier to buy wine in a store, it will be cheaper to drink at home on the balcony. Everyone has a different budget, so everyone chooses according to their means.

Going on a trip, in addition to booking tickets, a hotel, packing your bags, you need to think over the route of the excursions and decide how much money you need for a good rest.

Let's look at what and how much money you need to take, how to carry it when going to Greece on vacation.

To budget future trip, you need to roughly calculate the following items of expenditure:

• food;
• transport;
• excursions and entertainment;
• shopping.

What is the currency in Greece?

The main currency in Greece is the euro, so for the convenience of tourists, you should come to the country immediately with them. Keep in mind that at customs, when entering Greece, as a signatory country, you must have a certain minimum currency (at the rate of 50 euros per person per day).

If you still brought non-euro to Greece, then you can exchange currency at bank branches and exchange offices of a hotel or airport.

Throughout Greece, especially without problems in hotels and supermarkets, you can use bank cards (for example: American Express, Travelers Checks, Visa).

By planning ahead for a trip, you immediately plan how you will eat. Depending on the nutritional option, the amount of funds required for this also changes:

• at the hotel: a separately ordered lunch or dinner will cost 20-30 euros per person;
• in restaurants, taverns: for a hearty lunch or dinner for two people, 20-30 euros is enough (with payment for alcohol);
• in fast foods: depending on your choice, from 2.6 to 5 euros per serving, and since portions in Greece are always large, one is enough;
• on their own, buying products in the markets and supermarkets: it should be borne in mind that it is more profitable to buy ordinary products in supermarkets, and seasonal vegetables and fruits in the markets. This meal costs 10 euros per person per day.

• bus - 0.45 euros;
• metro (available only in Athens) - 0.6-0.7 euros;
• taxi - call 1.5 euros, landing - 1 euro, per kilometer during the day 0.25 - 0.9 euros, more expensive at night;
• car rental - 30-50 euros per day (depending on the season), gasoline - 1.8 euros / liter.

From any trip, you want to bring special souvenirs that will remind you of this country. They usually try to bring from Greece: fragrant olive oil (from 3 euros), Metaxa cognac (from 16 euros), honey (from 5 euros), olives, spices, hand soap (from 1 euro), natural cosmetics and, of course, fur coats (from 1000 euros). In any souvenir shops you can bargain, so prices may change.

Using the information provided and the trip plan made, you can easily calculate how much money you need to take to Greece.

The currency in Greece is the euro (€).

How much money to take to Greece

The average cost of a vacation in Greece is 80,000-180,000 rubles. for two for 10 days. This price includes a 4 * hotel booked in advance, flights, meals and pocket expenses, including car rental for 3-4 days.

Approximate prices in Greece

• Gasoline (1 l): 1.7 €
• Average lunch for two: 40 €
• Bottle of water: €0.5
• Cup of coffee: 1.5 €
• Olive oil pack: 12 €
• One bus ride: 1.5 €

Bank cards in Greece

Contrary to myths, bank cards in Greece are accepted almost everywhere: in hotels, restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets. Even on the islands, this is not a problem. But the truth is that the Greeks love cash more, so they are reluctant to accept card payments. Sometimes they even depict technical breakdowns to get around this point. Of course, cards are not accepted in some taverns, in the market, in taxis. Always keep cash in mind.

You can get a small discount if you pay in cash.

Money exchange in Greece

There are no issues with currency exchange in Greece. Money can be exchanged almost everywhere - in banks, exchange offices, post offices, but with a commission of 1-2%. When withdrawing cash from ATMs, the commission will be higher.

It is more convenient to exchange money for euros before flying to Greece.

Tipping in Greece

In Greece, it is customary to leave a tip. In restaurants, the waiter's remuneration is about 10% of the amount, the porter at the hotel can be given 1-2 € for helping to lift the bags, and taxi drivers can be given change.

Coming vacation in Greece. Everything is ready, the tickets are bought, the insurance policy is received, the things are collected and then the standard question appears: “how much money should I take to Greece for 7-10-14 days? Yes, so as not to spend too much and not save constantly. It is impossible to answer unambiguously, with a specific amount, but approximate costs can be calculated.

How much money do you need for food in Greece?

Since the beginning of the crisis, prices in Greece have decreased and quite significantly. Services of the restaurant industry and food now cost different money. For example, before, takeaway coffee cost from 1.2 to 2.5 euros, but today the price fluctuates around 1 euro and below.

In tourist areas, catering establishments will try not to reduce prices to the last, and yet the downward trend is inevitable for them.

Fans of eating in a meat tavern should fork out for about 20 euros for two (soft drinks, salad, meat dish and appetizer). The minimum cost, again for two, in a fish tavern will be 30 euros.

By following certain rules, you can save money on food:

• in mountain taverns it is better to order meat, and in coastal ones - fish;
• if there was a storm the day before or even just windy weather, do not order fish, most likely the fishermen did not go to sea.

Greek fast foods should be especially noted - even global networks are powerless against them at a price. For those who gave everything to the last for a ticket to Greece, and tries not to think about the delights of visiting taverns, there are fast food chains - giradico and suvladzidiko. Here, by paying 2.5 euros, you can forget about hunger for at least half a day.

How much money do you need to rent a car and gasoline in Greece?

Going to Greece, everyone wants to get a lot of impressions from the trip, despite all the financial constraints.

For holders of international rights, it is possible to rent a car and travel along Greek roads.

The cost of renting an iron horse varies from 30 to 50 euros / day, depending on the season. Moreover, the longer the rental period, the cheaper. The only case of frustration from the Greek prices is expected at a gas station, about 2 euros per liter of gasoline.

Expenses for excursions in Greece

The service of a private guide is 100 euros per day. But, as a rule, it is at this point that many tourists save the biggest expenses. How much money to take on excursions in Greece is up to you, depending on the time you spend in the country and the preference for long-distance and expensive excursions or cheaper ones.