Planning a sun-soaked trip to Greece? Whether you’re sightseeing in ancient Athens or exploring some of the 200+ Greek islands, you’ll need some spending money.
If you’ll be spending your euros in cash, you’ll need to know about how ATMs work in Greece. Read on for the full lowdown for UK travellers, including where to find ATMs and info on fees and exchange rates.
We’ll even show you a super convenient way to spend abroad using the Wise card, which works in 150+ countries.
Where do I find ATMs in Greece?
You’ll find ATMs in Greece at major airports, as well as in major cities and busy tourist areas. You shouldn’t have a problem finding one.
If you’re travelling to one of the Greek islands though, you may need to do some advance planning to find ATMs.
Most places that tourists visit will have at least one. However, you may want to take some cash out before you arrive just in case the ATM isn’t working or has run out of cash.
To find ATMs in Greece, you can use these ATM locator tools from major Greek banks:
- Alpha Bank - ATM locator
- Piraeus Bank - ATM locator
- National Bank of Greece - ATM locator
- Attica Bank - ATM locator
- Eurobank - ATM locator.
What are ATMs called in Greece?
ATMs are generally called ATMs in Greece, so you don’t need to worry about any confusing terminology or translations. They look similar to the cash machines you’ll find in the UK. Just look out for the name of a bank and the ‘ATM’ sign.
Will my credit or debit card work in Greece ATMs?
Most ATMs in Greece accept a wide range of debit and credit cards. This includes Visa and Mastercard, which are the most commonly issued cards in the UK.
So, you should be fine to use your UK-issued card to withdraw cash in Greece. Just make sure you check with your bank about any potential charges.
American Express and Discover cards are unlikely to be accepted at Greek ATMs.
You can search for your nearest cash machine with these global ATM locators:
Greece ATM Pins
ATMs in Greece usually ask for 4-digit PINs, which is the same as the UK. So, you can simply enter your card and PIN as normal.
Whether withdrawing cash or spending in Greece, you should find that chip and PIN is widely accepted. In many places, you can also pay using contactless technology if you have a contactless card.
Greece ATM max cash withdrawal limits
The maximum amount you can withdraw from a Greek ATM will largely depend on your bank. Most UK banks set daily, weekly and/or monthly withdrawal limits, including specific limits for spending and withdrawing cash overseas.
However, the ATM itself may have maximum withdrawal limits. In Greece, the limit tends to be around €600 EUR a day.1
Let your bank know before you travel
These days, it’s no longer essential to tell your bank that you’ll be spending or withdrawing cash abroad. But you might want to do it anyway, just in case your transactions in Greece are flagged up by anti-fraud systems. If this happens, your card could end up being blocked.
Find an international travel card
If you're travelling to Greece, it could be worth getting an alternative spending card, one that is specially designed for international travel.
The Wise card is the ideal travel companion, as it works in 150+ countries and lets you withdraw up to £200 a month (max. 2 withdrawals) from overseas ATMs without any fees*.
You’ll just need to check that the ATM operator doesn’t charge its own fees.
Choose to withdraw in EUR or whatever the local currency is, and your Wise card will do the currency conversion at the mid-market exchange rate for a small conversion fee*.
This means no expensive mark-ups eating into your spending money.
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What are the ATM fees in Greece?
Now, let’s take a look at how much it’ll actually cost you to withdraw cash in Greece. Below, we’ll look at bank and ATM fees, along with currency conversion.
Exchange rate fees at ATMs in Greece (DCC)
When you’re using an ATM in Greece, you’ll be asked if you want the transaction to be converted into your local currency (British pounds) or carried out in the local currency (EUR).
It’s always recommended to withdraw in the local currency, without a currency conversion. This will mean you get a better rate, as the conversion will be done by your bank or card provider back home.
However, if you choose to be charged in British pounds, the ATM will make up an exchange rate using something called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). This rate will almost certainly be unfavourable, and can make the transaction expensive for you.
So the bottom line is - always press ‘no’ when asked about currency conversion.
Home bank ATM fees
Some UK banks charge fees for foreign transactions, including cash withdrawals. So always check before you travel, either contacting your bank or reading the terms and conditions for your account.
Greece bank ATM fees
Greek ATMs tend to charge fees when you use a foreign bank card, but these vary depending on the bank or operator. You can expect to pay around €2 to €4 EUR (around £1.70 to £3.40 GBP) per withdrawal.1
Can I get free cash withdrawals in Greece?
Banks in Greece only usually offer fee-free ATM withdrawals to existing customers who have a Greek bank account.
However, it’s worth asking your home bank if they have a branch where you're headed, or have any partnerships with banks operating in Greece. If they do, then you might be able to use ATMs for cheap or free cash withdrawals during your stay.
Tips for avoiding ATM fees in Greece
Always choose to be charged in the local currency
Some ATMs may offer you a ‘service’ of being charged in your local currency (i.e. GBP). While you may feel relieved to see the figures on terms you’re more familiar with, it’s always best to decline this option.
Being charged in the local currency helps you avoid hidden ATM rip-offs by giving you the best possible exchange rate. Choosing to see the transaction shown in British pounds gives the ATM permission to give you an arbitrary (generally much more unfavourable) exchange rate for your withdrawal.
Check out the latest GBP - EUR conversion rates below:
Check whether your home bank has partner banks in Greece
If your UK bank has an overseas ATM network or partners with banks in Greece, you may be able to benefit from low or no fees on ATM withdrawals. It’s always worth finding out before you travel.
Withdraw a larger amount and only pay one fee
Many Greek ATMs charge a flat fee, rather than a percentage of the amount you’re withdrawing. This could make it worthwhile to withdraw a larger amount (to cover the whole of your trip) rather than making multiple smaller withdrawals and paying a separate fee each time.
Just make sure you can keep the cash safe, and that you feel comfortable having that much cash on you.
Choose the right fee-free card
Some banks don’t charge ATM and foreign transaction fees. If you travel frequently, it may be worth switching banks so you can benefit from a fee-free card.
Another important tip - never use a credit card to make ATM withdrawals. Paying with a credit card is usually a lot more expensive than using a debit card, as fees are charged for cash transactions.
Plus, interest will likely start accruing right away, so you won’t benefit from your usual interest-free period.
Spend and withdraw worldwide with the Wise card
If you travel regularly, the Wise card is the perfect way to spend and withdraw cash worldwide.
It’s a dedicated travel card, letting you spend like a local in 150+ countries worldwide. It automatically converts your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market exchange ratewhenever you spend.
And when you need cash, you can use it to withdraw up to £200 a month (max. 2 withdrawals) fee-free*.
You’ll just need to check whether the ATM operator charges its own fees.
Get your Wise card 💳
Wise only ever charges small, transparent fees for currency conversion*.
Plus, if you already have the currency in your Wise account, it’s fee-free*.
Sign up for a Wise account online and you can get your own Wise card for a one-time fee of just £7.
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ATMs in Greece FAQs
Is it best to take cash or card to Greece?
Cards are widely accepted in Greece, but it’s still smart to have some EURs in cash on you. Some places don’t accept cards or simply prefer cash, particularly in smaller villages, remote destinations and on some of the smaller islands.
Read more about spending in Greece here.
How much money can you withdraw from a Greek bank?
It varies, but many Greek banks have a daily ATM withdrawal limit of around €600 EUR.1
How much is the ATM fee at Athens International Airport?
ATM fees at Athens International Airport vary depending which bank’s ATM you use - your choices will include Piraeus Bank, Eurobank, Euronet (which isn’t a bank), Alpha Bank and National Bank of Greece. Fees tend to be between €2 and €4 EUR,1 but they could be higher due to the convenience of the location.
How can I avoid ATM fees in Europe?
To avoid or minimise ATM fees in Europe, follow these tips:
- Always choose to withdraw in the local currency
- Ask your UK bank if it has partner banks or branches in your destination - and use their ATMs
- Research the banks with the cheapest ATM fees before you travel
- Avoid withdrawing cash on your credit card.
- Go cash-free - spend using an international debit card instead.
Sources used:
Sources last checked on date: 13-June-2024
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information. This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
