Money
Money, costs and tipping
Greece uses the euro, and cards (including contactless and phones) are accepted almost everywhere — but carry some cash for small tavernas, kiosks, markets and tips. Tipping is modest and optional: rounding up or a few euros is normal. Athens is mid-priced for a European capital, and the centre is walkable, which keeps daily costs down.
Currency and cards
The currency is the euro (€). Contactless cards and phone payments work in most restaurants, shops, museums and taxis, and public transport now accepts tap-to-pay. Keep a modest amount of cash for traditional tavernas, neighbourhood kiosks (periptera), street food, laiki street markets, and tips. Use bank ATMs where possible and decline the machine's currency-conversion offer to avoid poor rates.
Tipping is modest and optional
Service is not a fixed percentage in Greece. At restaurants, rounding up or leaving roughly 5–10% for good service is generous; leaving the small change is fine for casual meals. A euro or two is plenty for taxis (or just round up) and for hotel help. Tip in cash so it reaches the staff.
What things roughly cost
Athens is moderate for a European capital. A coffee or a souvlaki is a few euros, a casual taverna meal is inexpensive, and a public-transport ride is about €1.20. The biggest variables are your hotel and any guided tours; sightseeing itself stays affordable, and walking the central core costs nothing.
Reviewed source trail
- This Is Athens (official city visitor guide) — good to know - checked 2026-06-11
Last reviewed June 11, 2026