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| Greece
Currency |
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Single European
currency (Euro)
The Euro is now the official currency of 12 EU member states (including
Greece).
The first Euro coins and notes were introduced in January 2002;
the Greek Drachma was in circulation until February 28 2002, when
it was completely replaced by the Euro.
Euro (€)
= 100 cents.
Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and
5. Coins are in denominations of €2, 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2
and 1 cents.
Currency exchange
Foreign currency can be exchanged at all banks, savings banks and
bureaux de change. Exchange rates can vary from one bank to another.
Many UK banks proffer differing exchange rates depending on the
denominations of currency being bought or sold. Check with banks
for details and current rates.
Credit
& debit cards
American Express, MasterCard,
Diners Club, Visa and other major credit cards are widely
accepted (although less so in petrol stations), as well
as Eurocheque cards. Check with your credit or debit card company
for more details of merchant acceptability and other services which
may be available.
Travellers
cheques
All major currencies are generally accepted and can be exchanged
easily at banks. Generally, banks in Greece charge a commission
of 2 per cent with a minimum of €0.15 and a maximum
of €13.21 on the encashment of travellers cheques. To avoid
additional exchange rate charges, travellers are
recommended to take travellers cheques in Euros,
Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of
the Euro against Sterling and the US Dollar: |
|
| |
| Date |
Nov
'07 |
| £1.00= |
1.43635 |
| $1.00= |
0.68904 |
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Currency
restrictions
The import of local and foreign currency is not limited provided
any amount exceeding €10,000 is declared on arrival. The export
of local and foreign currency is allowed though amounts over €2000
call for an Import Currency Declaration Form issued on arrival,
and amounts over €10,000 require a Certificate of Tax Clearance
or Currency Declaration Form (on import).
Banking
hours
Monday-Thursday 0800-1430, Friday 0800-1400. Banks on the larger
islands stay open in the afternoon and some during the evening to
offer currency exchange facilities during the tourist season. The
GNTO bureau in Athens can give more details. |
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