Money & Payments in Corfu (2026)

Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: lovincorfu.com, currensea.com

When using your card for payments or cash withdrawals, select to be charged in Euros rather than your home currency to get a better exchange rate. Opting for your home currency can lead to less favorable rates and extra charges.
Always keep at least €50–100 in cash for unexpected situations or places that don't accept cards.
Avoid Euronet ATMs — they aren't great for exchange rates.

EUR

Availability: ATMs for cash withdrawals are available right upon arrival in the arrivals hall of Corfu Airport and in both the domestic and international terminals of Corfu Port if you arrive by ferry. Many ATMs can also be found around the island and in Corfu Town.
Best Practice: All ATMs in Greece charge a fee for withdrawing money, so it's best to take out larger amounts at once.
Fee Structure: €2.75
Most banks charge around €2.50 to €3.50 per transaction, but this varies per bank and ATM. Piraeus ATM machines tend to have relatively low withdrawal fees in Corfu, whereas Euronet ATM fees tend to be higher.

Taxis: Taxi drivers usually don't expect any tip, but rounding up the fair to the nearest euro is very common. If no meter is used, make sure to agree the amount upfront, and no additional tip is required.
Hotels: Tipping in hotels is not mandatory and less common, however giving a euro or two for carrying your luggage, or leaving some coins for the cleaning staff is usually appreciated.
Restaurants: Tipping in a restaurant is never mandatory and you won't be asked for it, but in some cases a service charge is automatically included on the bill. If not, it is customary to round up the bill, or leave a couple of coins as a thank you to the waiter. Anything from 50 cents to a few euros is common, while the actual percentage is less important.
Bars And Clubs: In bars and clubs tipping is uncommon, unless you receive table service.

Status: Widely accepted with caveats
Details: Card payment by credit or debit card is widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops around Corfu. The most widely accepted cards by businesses in Corfu are MasterCard and VISA. American Express and Diners Club are not accepted by many businesses and establishments in Corfu. The maximum limit per contactless transaction is €50.

Overview: Foreign nationals can open bank accounts in Greece provided they meet the documentation requirements of the bank. In most cases, a Greek Tax Number (AFM) is required before opening a bank account.
Bank Hours: Most banks in Greece have limited opening hours – usually from 8am to 2.30 pm – from Monday to Friday; however on Fridays the banks close half an hour earlier. This can lead to long queues, so it's advisable to arrive as early as possible.
Afm Requirement: Before you open a bank account, you must have an AFM or 'Arithmo Forologico Mitroou', which is a 9-digit tax number that can be obtained at the tax office. AFM is issued free of charge in about half an hour.
Processing Time: It may take a week to verify a client.
Required Documents: Commonly requested documents include: Passport or National EU ID, Greek Tax Number (AFM), Proof of Address, Tax Residency Information, Proof of employment, business activity or income.
In Person Requirement: As a general rule, foreigners without a Greek Tax Number, or AFM, cannot open a bank account online, so they must visit the bank branch in person.

Piraeus Bank
Notes
Piraeus Bank tends to be the most popular among expats. It's not perfect, but their staff often speak good English, and they're used to handling non-Greek clients.
Alpha Bank
Notes
Alpha Bank has one of the smoother online systems and even allows residents to open accounts digitally if you have a Greek mobile number and AFM.
Eurobank
Notes
Eurobank often gets praise for customer service and straightforward account options.
National Bank of Greece (NBG)
Notes
National Bank of Greece (NBG) feels like the old-school grandparent of the group—formal, traditional, but trustworthy.

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About Corfu

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.