If you have not been to Greece, you don’t know what you have been missing. It is an exquisite island with beautiful beaches. Going for a vacation in Greece is one of the best decisions you will ever make. Many people refer to going to Greece as a trip to paradise; it is truly a stunning place to be.
Greece is mostly a cash economy but that does not mean credit cards are not accepted. Hence, when visiting Greece, you can have your credit card with you alongside some cash. It is paramount that you go for a credit card that will not cost you foreign transaction fees. Not every business will accept credit cards because some of them prefer cash.
Credit cards can be used for the people coming to visit Greece or even the Greek residents. As a Greek resident, a credit card can come in handy in different instances like paying for bills or going for a date when you have run out of cash. This is because credit cards are accepted by shopping malls, hotels, and other companies.
Impact of Credit Cards in Greece
If you had planned to use cash during your stay in Greece and it runs out, a credit card can save the day. Credit cards are one of the best technological advancements to materialize in humankind. These cards are incredibly crucial in our day-to-day life. Anytime you are making a purchase and you don’t have adequate money, use your credit card.
Having this card cannot be taken for granted because of the difference it makes. Gone are the days cash used to be the real king in Greece. Credit cards are becoming widely accepted meaning that soon credit cards will be most preferred in Greece over cash.
Usage of Credit Cards in Greece
You will love Greece because there is no limitation on using credit cards. This stunning country has made it possible for credit cards to be accepted in almost every area. It is a legal requirement to have a credit card as a Greek citizen and not above the age of 65. You also must be working to have a credit card because it will prove your creditworthiness.
Most hotels, pubs, shops, and tourist attraction sites give you the option of using a credit card. Besides, the Greek government encourages the use of credit cards especially to locals to ensure that there is no tax evasion. However, credit cards only work best with those that are disciplined. If you can pay your monthly bill on time and check on your spending it means you can be a responsible credit card holder. You should also be aware of the credit card charges your card attracts.
Keeping safe when using Credit Cards in Greece
In as much as security is held high in Greece, it is important to be vigilant. Though a safe place to be ensure you take great caution not to be a victim of theft. You cannot overlook the presence of pickpockets who can pose a great threat.
Never think of flashing your credit cards. Keep them in one place and only take any of them out when you want to use them. Anytime you are making a purchase, be extremely discreet. Do not let anyone take note of your PIN. If you are withdrawing cash using your card, do so and keep both the card and money safely in your pocket.
Do not let your bag get out of your sight at any given time. All zips must be locked and secured. Wear your small bag around your waist; that way your valuables will not be easily accessible. Do not give pickpockets and bag snatchers an opportunity to steal from you.
Yes, as a user of credit cards, you should expect some fees. You should not ignore them because if you do so, they can cost some extra coins. Therefore, if you are a foreigner planning a vacation to Croatia should go for cards with no or low fees.
Credit Card charges in Greece
When using a credit card in Greece you must be aware of the transaction fees. As a foreigner, banks usually charge foreign transaction fees on every purchase or payment you make. The fee charged is normally not more than three percent depending on the type of credit card.
If you are using an American Express card, you are lucky because no foreign transaction fees will be charged. This also applies to international travel cards. In addition, take note of credit card annual fee charges as well as interest charges. Remember, if you don’t pay your credit card bill on time, you will attract some fees.
Popular Credit Cards in Greece
For any credit card to work in Greece, it must fit in the common card network. The most popular credit cards in Greece include Mastercard, Cirrus, Visa, American Express, and PLUS. All these cards are widely accepted without any limitations. However, in some towns especially the smaller ones some of the cards are not accepted for they prefer cash.
The Advantages of using Credit Cards in Greece
Credit cards play a crucial role when traveling because they help when making reservations. Most hotels in Greece accept the use of credit cards which makes the process more friendly. If you also want to rent a car you can do so using your card with a car rental company.
Cash can cause a lot of anxiety especially if you decide to carry large amounts. That is where credit cards come in. They offer safety and play the same role that cash would. As such, to be on the safe side, go for credit cards for large payments as opposed to cash.
In case of any fraudulent activity from the usage of your card, an alert will be sent to you immediately. This is a great advantage because you will always be aware of any activities linked to your card. With such assurance, you can rest easy knowing your money is secure.
