Greece uses the euro (€), so there is no separate Santorini currency to organise. For most visitors the practical question is not whether cards work, but how to avoid unnecessary conversion fees, how much backup cash to carry and when a small cash payment is still useful.
Cards are the default for most of a Santorini trip
Hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, organised attractions and most established tourism businesses are accustomed to card payments. Contactless payments are common. Even so, do not travel with only one payment method: a terminal can fail, a bank can flag an overseas transaction, or a small operator may have a temporary connectivity problem.
Carry a modest cash backup
You do not need to walk around with a large wad of euros. A modest reserve is useful for small purchases, tips, an occasional cash-preferred business and situations where a card terminal is unavailable. Smaller notes are more practical than very large denominations. The Bank of Greece confirms that euro notes and coins are legal tender; for travellers the useful takeaway is simply to arrive with, or withdraw, ordinary usable denominations rather than relying on a single large note.
ATMs: use a bank machine and read every screen
ATMs are easy to find in the main visitor areas, but the total cost of a withdrawal can include a local ATM fee plus whatever your home bank charges. Independent ATM operators may also offer their own currency conversion. Before accepting a withdrawal, read the fee and exchange-rate screen rather than rushing through the prompts.
Usually choose euros, not your home currency
If a card terminal or ATM asks whether you want to be charged in euros or in your home currency, the home-currency option is a form of dynamic currency conversion. It gives you a visible exchange rate on the spot, but that convenience can come with a poorer rate or extra markup. In most cases, paying in euros and letting your own card provider perform the conversion is the cleaner comparison — especially if your card has low foreign-transaction fees.
Bring a second card and keep it separately
A backup card from a different account or network is more useful than carrying excessive cash. Keep it somewhere separate from your everyday wallet. Before travelling, check your bank's foreign transaction, ATM and cash-advance rules; those charges come from your own provider and can matter more than anything Santorini-specific.
Tipping in restaurants
Greece does not have the rigid percentage-based tipping culture found in some countries. Good service is commonly acknowledged by rounding up, leaving change or adding a modest extra amount. At a more formal or expensive meal, you can leave more if the service genuinely warrants it, but there is no need to import a compulsory home-country percentage.
Cafés, bars, taxis, hotels and tours
For a coffee or drink, rounding the bill or leaving small change is plenty when you want to tip. Taxi passengers often round up for good service. At hotels, a small cash tip for someone who has carried luggage or provided particularly helpful service is appreciated but discretionary. Guides, drivers and boat crews can also be tipped when the experience was good; there is no universal Santorini tariff you need to memorise.
Check the bill before adding a tip
Look at the itemised bill first, particularly for group meals, beach clubs and organised experiences. If a service amount or clearly described gratuity has already been added, you do not need to automatically add another percentage. If anything is unclear, ask before paying rather than assuming.
Do not let “cash preferred” become “cash only” in your planning
Cash can be convenient, but you should still expect established businesses to provide clear receipts and normal payment information. If a payment request feels unusual, especially for a large accommodation, rental or tour balance, confirm it through the business's official contact channel before transferring money.
A simple money setup for Santorini
- One primary card with reasonable overseas fees.
- One backup card stored separately.
- A modest amount of euro cash in useful denominations.
- Your banking app and card-freeze controls working before departure.
- Enough available credit or funds for hotel deposits, rentals and unexpected transport.
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