Using Bank Cards in Greece in Greece: real experience from chats
Short answer
Cards issued by Russian banks, including UnionPay, do not function in Greece. Rely on foreign-issued Visa or Mastercard for transactions, but carry sufficient cash as a backup due to inconsistent terminal acceptance.
From real experience
For Russian citizens planning to use cards in Greece:
- **UnionPay:** Does not work in Greece.
It functions primarily in Turkey and Northern Cyprus.
- **Other Russian Cards:** Cards issued by Russian banks (Visa, Mastercard) are generally not accepted.
- **Foreign Bank Cards:** Only cards issued by banks outside of Russia are likely to be accepted. Even cards from some neighboring countries might not function.
- **Recommendation:** Carry sufficient cash or ensure you have a working card issued by a non-Russian bank.
✓ 2 reports from chats
Belarusian bank cards, including Visa and Mastercard, can potentially be used in Greece, but their acceptance varies.
While some travelers report successful transactions in shops, tavernas, and gas stations, others find Mastercard less reliable than Visa, particularly on islands. Specific card types, such as Visa from MT Bank or Techno, have been reported to work. However, it is strongly recommended to carry sufficient cash as a backup, as card acceptance is not guaranteed, and terminals may occasionally be non-functional.
✓ 1 report from chats
Credit cards like Visa or Mastercard denominated in US dollars can be used in Greece.
Transactions will be converted to Euros at the prevailing exchange rate. While it's generally advisable to carry Euros in cash, card payments are accepted. Exchange rates, particularly cross-currency rates, might not always be the most favorable compared to using local currency.