ATMs in Greece keep asking Charge in EUR or Charge in USD - what does that mean? Shows high charges for this
In Crete, I used a National Bank of Greece ATM near Heraklion port. It asked me to pick between USD and EUR. I almost hit USD but remembered advice from other travelers. I picked EUR, and Wise gave me the perfect exchange rate. If I had picked USD, it would’ve been way more expensive. These machines are designed to trick tourists. Stick with EUR and you’ll save money every single time.
Used a Eurobank ATM in Thessaloniki, and it popped up with the same question. I was tired and hit USD thinking it was safer. Ended up paying way more. Later withdrawals I chose EUR, and my Monzo card converted at the fair rate. It makes a huge difference. Lesson: in Greece, never accept conversion. Pick local currency (EUR) every time.
Had this in Santorini at an Alpha Bank ATM by the Fira bus station. The wording was tricky, like “guaranteed rate in your home currency.” I pressed it once, and it was awful-about 8% more expensive. Declining conversion and choosing EUR gave me a much better deal via Revolut. Greece ATMs are everywhere, but they all try this. Always decline, always stick to EUR.
In Athens, at a Piraeus Bank ATM near Monastiraki, I was asked whether to be billed in USD or in EUR. That’s Dynamic Currency Conversion. If you pick USD, the ATM sets a bad rate. If you stick to EUR, your bank converts at the proper Visa/Mastercard rate. I compared both on a €200 withdrawal and choosing USD cost me about $18 extra. Always go for EUR in Greece.