cash or plastic in Greece

Old Apr 27th, 2016, 12:35 PM
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cash or plastic in Greece

We are getting closer to take off (arriving June 1st) so a slew of last minute questions. I remember reading (on this forum, guidebook?) that many restaurants only take cash, and that ATM's can be hard to find outside of larger towns. We will be in Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Chania, Elouanda, Heraklion, and Naxos - advice would be most appreciated re how much cash we may need for such things as restaurants, admission fees, taxis (can they take credit cards as they do here). Except for one or two splurges we will probably try to eat in informal taverna type restaurants. Should we stock up on cash when we leave Athens for example, or can we easily find ATM's in other locals. Thanks so much.
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Old Apr 27th, 2016, 12:52 PM
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You will find ATMs. It is right that almost no taxi drivers take cards and that many restaurants do not either. But remember that taxis, restaurants and entrance fees in Greece are dirt cheap.
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Old Apr 27th, 2016, 02:20 PM
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In Athens when i want a taxi, i use Taxibeat, which is an App on your smart phone, that allows you to call nearby taxis at no extra charge. You can see the profile of the driver, languages that he speaks ( most are speaking english ) AND choose if you will pay with credit card or even paypal.

In the last year the number of businesses accepting credit cards has increased, as this is the only way Greeks can bypass the capital controls that were imposed in July 15 in the country.
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Old Apr 27th, 2016, 11:25 PM
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You will have no problem finding ATMs, even on small islands and all but the smallest towns. Greece is using credit cards more these days, but it's still a cash economy for most people. Small shops and family run tavernas and rooms often prefer payment in cash, while larger hotels and restaurants usually accept cards. If you pass up places that don't take cards you will miss some of the best Greek cooking, and end up in places that cater mostly for tourists.

I take my debit card and draw out about €200 at a time, which is usually enough to last me a few days. There is no limit to how much foreigners can draw at a time other than that imposed by your own bank.
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Old Apr 28th, 2016, 06:38 AM
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Thanks so much - that helps me figure out how much cash to get in advance - sounds like we can withdraw as we go. Clausar, I tried to download taxibeat and it kept stopping after I typed in the code they sent me. Do you think I need to wait until I am actually in Athens? (and I was thrilled that I was able to read bits of the site in Greek - my studies are paying off!)
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Old Apr 29th, 2016, 04:32 PM
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Yes, it would be perhaps better to try once you are in Athens, where you can contact support through the website as well.
Their service is excellent
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Old Apr 29th, 2016, 06:52 PM
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lovely thanks (effkeristo)
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