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Greece became a full member of the European Monetary Union on the
1st of January 2001 and the Drachma became obsolete in January 2002.
The Greek currency is now the Euro.
There are plenty of banks in the cities and changing money is not
a problem. You can also change money (at quite a good rate) at post-offices.
In smaller places you will probably have to change your foreign currency in
tourist shops. Check their exchange rate before doing so: there is no reason
that it should be lower than the bank rate.
Traveller's cheques and Eurocheques can be cashed in banks and some
shops. You will need to show your passport.
There are many ATMs (cashmachines) where you will be able to draw
Euros with your bank card, Visa and Mastercard.
Credit cards are accepted in larger shops but are not used much
in restaurants and small hotels. When you make purchases, bear in
mind that the credit card company will charge as much as 5% commission
to the shop. If a shop makes you a really good price for a purchase
they might ask that you pay it in cash. Don't be offended, they simply
want to earn something on the sale.
If you need to have money sent here, best check with a local bank
beforehand and get their correct address and IBAN reference number.
A normal transfer takes about three working days within Europe.
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