Cash or card in Athens — what do locals actually use?

Athens runs comfortably on card, and has for several years. Contactless payment is accepted at most restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, and shops across the city, including in central neighborhoods like Kolonaki, Monastiraki, and Koukaki. Greeks are legally required to declare a percentage of expenses via electronic transactions for tax purposes, which pushed card adoption hard through the 2010s. That said, carry 30 to 50 euros in cash for specific situations: small kafeneions and tavernas in residential neighborhoods, street kiosks (periptera), laiki (weekly street markets), and some taxis still prefer or insist on cash. The Athens Metro ticket machines accept card, but smaller bus ticket kiosks sometimes do not. ATMs are widely available, though airport machines and those in heavy tourist zones often default to dynamic currency conversion — decline it and choose to be charged in euros. A Revolut or Wise card eliminates foreign transaction fees and works seamlessly throughout the city.

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• Where do locals actually go for aperitivo in Athens?
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• What does a local breakfast look like in Athens?
• Where is the street food in Athens actually good?
• Where can I eat after midnight in Athens?
• How do I get from the airport to the city in Athens?