What card networks are accepted in Greece?
Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit/debit card networks in Greece, with acceptance rates over 90% across the country.
American Express cards have a lower acceptance rate in Greece, around 60-70%, especially at smaller merchants and restaurants.
Discover Card is not as widely accepted in Greece compared to the major networks.
Acceptance can be as low as 20-30%, primarily in larger cities and tourist areas.
For Discover Card users, the best option is to use Citibank ATMs in Greece to avoid foreign transaction fees on cash withdrawals, as Discover has a partnership with Citibank.
Greece has made significant efforts to promote electronic payments in recent years, requiring businesses to accept card payments as a response to the financial crisis.
Contactless payments using cards or mobile wallets have seen a surge in popularity in Greece, with over 60% of in-person transactions now contactless.
Some merchants in Greece may add a surcharge, typically around 2-3%, for credit card payments to offset the processing fees they incur.
Travelers to Greece are advised to carry a mix of credit/debit cards from different networks to ensure they have multiple payment options, especially in remote or rural areas.
Greece's central bank reports that the use of cash for transactions has decreased from over 80% in 2010 to around 50% in 2023 as electronic payments gain traction.
Major car rental companies in Greece generally accept all the major credit card networks, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
When using credit cards in Greece, it's recommended to opt for the local currency (euros) rather than allowing the merchant to convert the charge to your home currency, to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees.
For travelers concerned about fraud, Greece has implemented chip-and-PIN technology for credit and debit card payments, providing an added layer of security compared to the signature-based systems in some other countries.
Certain smaller, family-owned businesses in Greece may only accept cash, so it's a good idea to have some euros on hand, especially when visiting non-touristy areas.
Greece's tourism industry has actively promoted the acceptance of digital payments, with many hotels, restaurants, and attractions now displaying signs indicating the card networks they accept.
The Bank of Greece reports that the number of active debit and credit cards in the country has grown by over 20% in the past five years, reflecting the increasing adoption of electronic payments.
Travelers to Greece should inform their card issuers of their travel plans to avoid any potential issues with card usage or fraud detection during their trip.
Greece has seen a significant increase in mobile payment adoption, with platforms like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay becoming more widely accepted, especially at larger merchants.
The Greek government has introduced incentives and tax benefits for businesses that embrace digital payments, further driving the adoption of card and mobile payment acceptance across the country.
While Discover Card may not be as widely accepted in Greece as the major networks, the card's lack of foreign transaction fees can still make it a valuable option for travelers looking to save on costs.