Cash or card in Greece

[AmeliaHarbottle]

In the past we have always taken cash on holidays but last year we used a card for nearly everything. I’m wondering if this year I should rely entirely on card. We have about 150 euros left from last year.

We went to Athens and everywhere took card.

I can’t remember the last time I took cash out for Europe. I just get some dollars for the US due to tipping.

Take the cash but pay by card where possible. Use cash if you need to.

If it's somewhere where you need cash, there should be cash machines ic you need more but it sounds like you won't as 150 euro is more than enough for small incidentals like coffee or a bus ticket or even the odd meal where cards aren't taken.

I alway take both as I do at home, I would take the euros anyway as you have them and should be more than enough

Cash only is still widespread in Germany and plenty of places in Spain are too.

I’ve had no issues in Spain, Italy, France or (and most importantly for this thread) Greece. Have been told Norway is fine for my holiday next month, haven’t been to Germany recently, although DH goes there regularly for work and never takes cash (would only be using restaurants though obviously). I’d just get cash out when there, same as here I only withdraw when needed.

OP already has the cash though, she is better to take it and spend it because surely she will lose money changing it back. I certainly wouldn't leave it at home, no good there, bit of a waste.

@Anedinaoh yeah absolutely, take that and card the rest.

In the last few years when we go on holiday we use a card (Revolut) for 90% of all our transactions, and that includes Greece. It’s safer, allows you to keep better track of your spending and more flexible. Make sure you have a card that will not charge you when you use it. I like to have some cash for tips, Churches and street vendors.

Most places take card but it’s useful to have some cash too. A lot of small businesses still prefer cash but it’s getting rarer to find places that don’t accept card at all.

Where exactly?

I like to take cash and pay the independents with it if I can.
card fees are expensive so the hotel is card and smaller places are cash

Cologne, Berlin, non touristy parts of inland Andalusia. Also a lot of buses.

Like a PP I prefer to use cash in small independents expecially for small transactions. Card fees can take a huge cut of their profits forcing them to increase their prices.

We were in North Wales at the weekend and a lot of places there also had signs saying cash preferred.

Apart from one small kiosk at a station we didn’t spend a penny in cash in Berlin, nor Munich. Not been to Cologne for a few years and in Spain and the canaries paid only by preloaded card or tapping on the buses.

In Greece it was card payment all the way or apps and online for ferries and museum entry etc