Greece Background Informaiton - Crete Currency (Greece/Greek/Crete/Creta/Kriti):

Crete/Creta/Kriti

Greece once had its own currency, the Drachma. On 1 January 2002 this was replaced by the the  Monopoly-money look-alike  Euro, which is now in use in many European countries (some exceptions are Great Britain, Sweden, Switzerland and the most recent member countries of that great bureaucratic entity the EU). Those Drachmas you have collected can no longer be used. But how convenient when travelling around Europe, to have one currency! Although it is unlikely the euro will be considered as desirable as the US dollar in the immediate future (recent weakness of the dollar may signal a change in sentiment), it is widely welcomed by Europeans and all those travelling and doing business within the Euro-zone.

In Crete it is a good idea to collect change for larger notes, before travelling to small villages or going to buy low cost items, but especially in smaller out-of-the-way places. Otherwise, you may face quite a wait while the shopkeeper you are paying tries to find someone who can make change.

Credit Cards/Travellers cheques

In the towns, clothing, camera and other shops selling higher price products mostly accept credit cards, as do medium to high priced restaurants and hotels. Visa and MaterCard are the most-accepted.
However, note that "cash is king" in Greece and credit or debit cards are not accepted everywhere - it is a mistake to presume that mid-range hotels will happily take your card. 

Some businesses will offer a lower price if you pay in cash - some just ask for more if you pay by credit card and sometimes there is no difference! This may seem irregular - but as always, just ask and you'll find out! If someone is in business to sell their products or service, they will usually speak English, German or French - if that doesn't help, sign language always works - just be patient and enjoy the holiday....

The most useful card for purchases AND cash advances is Visa, followed by MasterCard. The Diners and American Express cards have more limited acceptance (Amex being the better of the two).

Travellers cheques in the world's major currencies can be changed at all banks and larger hotels. 

ATM/Cash Machine

Cash can be obtained from credit and debit cards at most banks (the majority work with Visa associated cards, far fewer with Mastercard). There is an ATM machine at the port, on arrival in Heraklion (look for the light blue kiosk as you disembark), Chania (Souda) and also at all the airports. Virtually all the machines provide instructions in English and often several other languages. ATM machines all issue euros. 

If you need cash amounts over and above the amount an individual machine or your daily limit allows, you can obtain a larger amount over the counter showing your passport and credit card. [Tip: This process is not recommended at  the National Bank of Greece, which happens to be the only bank for over the counter Mastercard advances - be prepared for a long wait!] 

Tips

Carry cash - accepted everywhere! Carry travellers cheques (accepted sometimes, some places) and a Visa card!

Rates for exchange of currency vary little between banks (they are normally posted daily in the window) and some hotels will give you the bank exchange rate.

Law Offices of Savvas Zannetos

Igumenu Gavriil 103-105

74100 Rethimno, Crete

Greece

Tel: (30) 28310-26-258

Fax: (30) 28310-52-263

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Email: zannetos@creteattorney.com