As of March 2024, card payments in Greece will be extended to taxis, street markets, travel agents, mini markets, and many other businesses. Here is the full info.
Taxis and street markets in Greece to accept card payments from March 2024
From March 2024, it will be mandatory for various businesses in Greece to accept card payments. These businesses will need to apply for a POS (Point Of Sale) machine by the end of January 2024 at the latest.
This includes, but is not limited to, businesses such as:
- taxis
- travel agents
- all forms of land / sea / air transportation
- street markets / street vendors / canteens (apart from school canteens)
- insurance companies / insurance brokers
- realtors / real estate agents
- lawyers / accountants
- architects / engineers
- plumbers / electricians / carpenters / painters etc
- photographers / translators
- cleaning services
- museums / galleries / historical and cultural sites
- theaters / cinemas
So, from March 2024, people visiting Greece will be able to use their debit or credit card for services such as taxis, buses, travel agents, and all tourist attractions.
Moreover, from 1 January 2024, all freelancers and businesses will need to accept instant e-payments, through services like IRIS online payments or similar.
The IRIS payments system enables individuals to send money to anyone, without knowing their bank account number. The sender only needs to know the recipient’s mobile number. Transactions of up to 500 euro are free, as they incur no banking fees.
Credit card machines to connect with cash registers from March 2024
From March 2024, cash registers and POS machines will be integrated, and will record data in real time. All businesses are required to update their cash register, if necessary, in order to connect it with their credit card machine.
The POS machine keypad will only lock and unlock when a receipt is issued by the cash register. The integration of cash registers with payment terminals is expected to facilitate purchases and minimize tax evasion.
Fines for no POS machines begin at 1,500 euros.
Limits on cash transactions
According to the Greek law, cash transactions of 500 euros or more, for purchase of goods or services, are not permitted.
As of January 2024, fines for cash sales of more than 500 euros will be double the value of the transaction. For example, for a transaction worth 1,000 euros made in cash, the fine amounts to 2,000 euros.
FAQs about money and credit cards in Greece
Do taxis in Greece accept credit cards?
As of March 2024, taxis all over Greece will be required by law to accept credit and debit cards.
Can I use American Express in Greece?
American Express is not common in Greece. Visa and MasterCard are both widely accepted.
Do I need cash in Greece?
Although most businesses in Greece accept credit and debit cards, it’s always best to carry some cash. Please consider paying small amounts in cash, especially at smaller businesses.
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Hi! I’m Vanessa from Athens and I share Greek news and travel guides on my blog. Follow my FB page for more Greece-related news and inspiration!