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Car Rental in Mainland Greece and Cities: how it works in Greece — first-hand

Short answer
Renting a car with cash is possible, with islands offering more flexible deposit terms than mainland cities like Athens. For late arrivals at airports like Thessaloniki, confirm arrangements with the agency in advance as standard closing times may apply.

From real experience

Renting a car in Greece without a European credit card is possible, though it may require more effort, particularly in mainland cities like Athens.
On islands such as Corfu (Kavos), finding rental agencies that accept cash payments and do not require a deposit is more common; payment for the rental period is sufficient. In Athens, some research is needed to locate agencies accepting cash. Car rentals on islands generally offer more flexibility regarding payment methods and deposit requirements compared to larger mainland cities. Similar options might be available in Thessaloniki.
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For taxi services in Greece, the Freenow app may offer cash payment options in major cities like Athens, but availability can be limited, especially on islands where local services are more common.
Car rentals with cash payment are possible but often require a substantial deposit. On some islands, cash rentals without a deposit might be available. It's advisable to confirm payment and deposit policies with specific rental agencies and taxi services beforehand.
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Many car rental companies at Thessaloniki (SKG) airport officially close at 22:00, but some (e.g., Avance) can accommodate late arrivals if pre-arranged.
Travelers arriving after 20:00 should contact the rental company directly to confirm their flight details and ensure the desk will remain open.
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