Counting Your Money in Greece

Before You Go… Consider This

Planning a trip to Greece? Counting money and knowing a few key phrases before you leave the house will make your whole trip smoother

Count your money before you go. Know what you plan to spend. Also, know what you expect to get back in change.

It sounds simple. But it makes a real difference when you are in a foreign country and everything feels new.

Furthermore, if you know a few Greek numbers and money phrases on top of that, you’ll feel confident every step of the way. For more about traveling in Greece, visit visitgreece.gr

Greece uses the Euro.

Greece is part of the European Union, so the currency is the Euro. Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cent denominations. Notes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Euros.

Most shops and restaurants in tourist areas accept credit cards. However, smaller markets and local vendors often prefer cash. That’s why it’s always smart to carry some euros with you, just in case.

Getting Ready With Numbers and Phrases

Start with these numbers. First, they will help you understand prices and count your change. A quick note: this list isn’t the full set of Greek numbers, just the ones you’ll use most for shopping and paying. Want to learn every number in order? Catch the full lesson in our number posts.

Number	Greek	Sounds Like
1	Ένα	E-na
2	Δύο	DI-o
3	Τρία	TRI-a
4	Τέσσερα	TES-se-ra
5	Πέντε	PEN-de
6	Έξι	EX-i
7	Εφτά	ef-TA
8	Οχτώ	och-TO
9	Εννιά	en-NiA
10	Δέκα	DE-ka
11	Έντεκα	EN-de-ka
12	Δώδεκα	DO-de-ka
13	Δεκατρία	de-ka-TRI-a
14	Δεκατέσσερα	de-ka-TES-se-ra
15	Δεκαπέντε	de-ka-PEN-de
20	Είκοσ	I-ko-si
50	Πενήντα	pe-NIN-da
100	Εκατό	e-ka-TO

Money Phrases Worth Knowing

These phrases will help you shop, eat and pay with confidence.

Greek	Sounds Like	English
Πόσο κάνει;	PO-so KA-ni?	How much does it cost?
Τον λογαριασμό παρακαλώ!	Ton lo-ga-ria-SMO pa-ra-ka-LO!	The bill please!
Έχετε ρέστα;	E-he-te RES-ta?	Do you have change?
Είναι πολύ ακριβό	I-ne po-LI a-kri-VO	That is too expensive
Μπορείτε να κάνετε έκπτωση;	Bo-RI-te na KA-ne-te EK-pto-si?	Can you give a discount?
Θα πάρω αυτό	Tha PA-ro af-TO	I will take this
Πληρώνω με κάρτα	Pli-RO-no me KAR-ta	I am paying by card
Πληρώνω μετρητά	Pli-RO-no met-ri-TA	I am paying cash

Bargaining at the Market

At outdoor markets in Greece, prices are not always fixed. In fact, a little friendly negotiation is perfectly normal and often expected.

The key is to be warm and respectful about it. After all, Greeks appreciate a good-nature exchange far more than someone who seems demanding.

Here is a simple approach that works well:

First, ask the price — Poso kanei?

Then smile and say Einai poly akrivo — That is too expensive.

Next, ask politely — Borite na kanete ekptosi? — Can you give a discount?

Often a vendor will meet you somewhere in the middle. And even if they don’t, the friendly exchange usually leaves both sides smiling.

One important thing to remember: if a vendor agrees on a price, then always follow through and buy. Otherwise, walking away after agreeing on a price is considered rude in Greek culture.

A Few Helpful Bargaining Tips

Here are some practical things to keep in mind when shopping and dining in Greece.

First, always check your change before you walk away. Mistakes happen, and it’s much easier to sort out right away than after you’ve left the shop.

Also, when eating out, the bill does not come automatically in Greece. Your server will not bring it until you ask. Simply say Ton logariasmo parakalo and they will bring it right over.

Staying Safe and Confident

Tipping is appreciated but not required. In addition, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is a kind and common practice.

At busy tourist markets, keep your cash in a secure pocket or bag. Like any popular destination, it’s wise to be aware of your surroundings.

Finally, don’t worry about being perfect with the language. After all, most vendors in tourist areas speak some English. So, your effort to use even a few Greek words will be noticed and appreciated.

Know Before You Go

Now that you have the numbers and the phrases, you are ready.

Count your money before you leave the house. Know your budget. Also, carry some cash. And use a few Greek phrases when you get there.

That combination will make your market visits and dining experiences far more enjoyable and stress-free.

Want to learn more? Read our post on Greek phrases that could save your life.

And if you want to build on these basics, SpeakGreek will take you further. Real language for real life. One focused session at a time.

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