If you’re searching for the best place to exchange currency in Athens/Greece, you’re asking a practical question that can save real money. In Athens, currency exchange is everywhere, but the difference between a good deal and a bad one often comes down to small details: the spread, the commission, and the fine print people skip when they’re tired after a flight.

Athens is built around tourism, so you’ll see exchange options at the airport, in the city center, near landmarks, and inside banks. But convenience can be expensive. This guide breaks down what’s worth it, what to avoid, and how experienced travelers handle money in Greece without overpaying.

Currency Basics: What to Know Before You Exchange

Greece uses the euro (€). If you arrive with dollars, pounds, or another non-euro currency, you’ll convert it into euros for transport, food, tickets, and daily spending.

What matters most:

• Exchange rate (spread): the gap between the buy and sell rates
• Commission: sometimes “0% commission” hides a worse rate
• Final payout: the only fair comparison is how many euros you receive in total

Simple rule: if you can’t clearly see what you’ll get before you agree, don’t do the exchange.

Athens Airport Exchange: Convenient, Rarely a Good Deal

At Athens International Airport, exchange counters are easy to find and quick to use. They’re also usually expensive. Airport rates tend to be weaker because of higher costs and because many travelers need euros immediately.

When it can still make sense:

• Exchange a small amount for basics like metro tickets, a snack, or a taxi.

Tip: treat airport exchange as “starter cash,” not your main plan.

Banks in Athens: Transparent but Not Always Convenient

Banks are reliable and typically straightforward. If you want a safe, regulated option, banks are a strong choice.

The trade-offs:

• limited opening hours
• possible queues
• some branches may not exchange cash for non-clients

Bottom line: banks can be fair, but they may not fit a tourist schedule.

City Exchange Offices: Often Better Than the Airport, But Compare Carefully

In central Athens, especially near Syntagma Square and Monastiraki, exchange bureaus compete for tourists. Rates here are often better than the airport and service is usually fast.

But quality varies. Watch out for:

• extra fees added at the counter
• “good rates” available only above a certain amount
• rushed transactions when it’s busy

If you use an exchange office, compare at least two and ask one clear question: “How many euros will I receive in total?”

ATMs in Athens: A Strong Middle Ground

For many travelers, ATMs offer a good mix of convenience and fair rates. You’ll find them everywhere in Athens.

The common trap is Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). If the ATM asks whether you want to be charged in your home currency or euros, choose euros. Home-currency conversion at the ATM is often worse.

Keep in mind ATMs can include:

• foreign withdrawal fees
• conversion fees
• operator fees

Even so, ATMs often beat airport exchange rates.

A Modern Alternative Many Travelers Prefer

Athens is highly card-friendly. Hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and transport services widely accept contactless payments. That’s why many travelers now exchange less cash and rely more on digital payments.

This is where multi-currency tools can help. Keytom is one example: in one account, you can hold 10+ currencies, including euros, and manage conversions in a more controlled way. You can also pay worldwide using a virtual card. A physical plastic card is coming soon, which will be helpful for travelers who prefer having a traditional card as well.

This approach reduces the need to carry large amounts of cash and helps avoid confusing exchange counters when you’re on the move.

Where Locals Exchange Currency

Most locals in Greece don’t use exchange offices because the euro is the everyday currency. People pay by card, transfer money digitally, and withdraw cash only when needed. For travelers, copying that pattern is often the simplest strategy.

A practical setup looks like this:

• keep a small amount of euros in cash
• pay by card for most purchases
• avoid airport exchange except for small starter cash

Quick Comparison of Options

Option

Best For

Rate Quality

Risk of Extra Fees

Airport exchange

small emergency cash

low

high

City exchange offices

cash exchange in the center

medium

medium

Banks

regulated and transparent exchange

medium-high

low

ATMs

convenient access to euros

medium-high

medium

Multi-currency accounts

digital payments and smart conversions

high

low

How to Avoid Losing Money When Exchanging in Athens

These rules keep you safe and usually save you money:

• avoid exchanging large amounts at the airport
• compare the final payout, not the advertised rate
• at ATMs, choose euros and avoid DCC
• use card payments where possible
• carry cash as backup, not your main spending method

For reference rates, you can check the European Central Bank: https://www.ecb.europa.eu

Do You Still Need Cash in Athens?

Yes, but usually not much. Cash is useful for:

• kiosks and small shops
• some markets
• tips in certain situations

In most tourist areas, card payments are the norm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best place to exchange currency in Athens, Greece?

City exchange offices and ATMs usually offer better value than airport counters. Many travelers now prefer multi-currency accounts to convert and pay digitally with clearer costs.

Is it better to exchange money before arriving in Greece?

Sometimes, but rates vary a lot. Compare your home exchange option with what you can get in Athens.

Are exchange offices in Athens reliable?

Many are, especially in central areas, but terms differ. Always confirm the final amount you’ll receive and ask about fees.

Should I withdraw euros from an ATM or exchange cash?

ATMs are often competitive, but fees depend on your bank. Always withdraw in euros if asked.

How much cash should I carry in Athens?

Around €50–€100 is usually enough for small cash-only situations if you plan to pay by card most of the time.

Can a multi-currency account replace cash exchange?

For many travelers, yes. With Keytom, you can hold 10+ currencies in one account and pay worldwide using a virtual card, with a physical plastic card coming soon.

Conclusion: The Smart Way to Handle Money in Athens

The best place to exchange currency in Athens/Greece depends on what you need. Airport counters are fast but usually expensive. City exchange offices can be good if you compare terms. ATMs are often a strong choice when you avoid dynamic currency conversion. And modern travelers increasingly use multi-currency accounts to convert calmly and pay digitally, keeping only a small amount of cash for backup.

Athens is too interesting to waste time and money on bad exchange deals. Set up a simple plan, keep your costs under control, and enjoy the city.