Good to know
Good to Know
- Keep €20–€50 cash on hand for small purchases and situations where cards aren't accepted.
- Contactless payments (tap/Apple Pay) are very common and widely supported.
- If using an ATM abroad and prompted to choose currency conversion, always select 'Decline' or 'Charge in EUR' to avoid dynamic currency conversion markup fees.
- Smaller bakeries, gyros shops, and remote-area establishments may not accept cards—cash is safer for these.
- Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks for foreign activity.
- Chip-and-PIN technology is standard in Greece; most foreign cards will work, though contactless and chip-and-signature cards are also accepted.
Tipping Norms
- Taxis
- Tipping is common for taxi drivers.
- Cafes Bars
- Common for good service; rounding up is customary.
- Restaurants
- Not mandatory but appreciated. Common practice is 5–10% or rounding up the bill. Cash tips are preferred.
- General Note
- Tipping is not required by law but culturally appreciated. Cash is the best method when possible.
ATM Information
- Safety Tips
- Use ATMs inside bank branches rather than standalone machines. ATMs sometimes run out of cash, particularly those with English instructions.
- Availability
- ATMs widely available in cities and major towns; availability decreases in remote areas. Ios, being a popular tourist island, has multiple ATMs.
- Withdrawal Limits
- No maximum withdrawal limit set by Greek ATMs; limit set by home bank.
- Card Networks Accepted
- Visa and Mastercard widely supported. PLUS and Cirrus cards also accepted. American Express limited.
Fees
- Typical Withdrawal Fee
- €1.50
- Note
- Most Greek ATMs charge €1.50–€2.50 per withdrawal. Avoid airport ATMs and dynamic currency conversion (DCC) options, which charge additional hidden fees.
Card Acceptance
- Amex Diners
- Limited acceptance; not recommended as a primary payment method.
- Visa Mastercard
- Widely accepted in restaurants, shops, hotels, and most establishments, especially in tourist areas. Contactless payments are the norm.
- Notes
- Smaller establishments (bakeries, gyros stands, street vendors) may prefer cash. Card machines occasionally malfunction, particularly on smaller islands.
Payment Method Summary
Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are increasingly dominant for large purchases and are widely accepted. Cash remains important for small transactions, street vendors, and tipping. A practical mix of both is recommended.
Banking
- Locations
- ATMs and banks in port (Gialos) and Chora town
- Nomad Practicality
- Basic banking services available; for long-term residents, IKA registration required to access certain benefits
- Setup Availability
- Banks present in Chora and port area
- Requirements For Expats
- EU citizens may open accounts more easily; non-EU citizens may face additional documentation requirements typical for Greek banks
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
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 Ios
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.