Exchanging money

Like many things, it depends.

Most would say the ATM, but that does require a card that will work overseas, and ideally one that does not charge fees to do so. Some also freak out about using ATMs at the airport, but the point of an ATM is that they have them where you need them. Do understand that some may charge you a fee, that will be noted up front, I try to avoid them, but in a pinch, paying a couple Euro to get cash is OK.

One thing certainly to be aware of is Direct Currency Conversion (DCC) that is where the ATM offers to do the conversion for you, unfortunately at a rate of it's choosing. If the ATM asks if you want to do the transaction in Dollars, Home Currency, or just tells you that X Euros will cost $, then that is DCC. Avoid it, decline, normally the transaction will go through with no DCC.

If you do pay hefty fees for ATM withdrawals overseas (Sometimes a $3-5 fee for out of network ATM use and then 3% of transaction as a foreign transaction fee) then either suck it up, try to use Credit card as much as possible (well, need to talk fees again), or look at other methods for cash. Unfortunately the most common other ways; getting cash from your bank or Cash advance on your credit card at an ATM, are at about the same rate as using your card with high fees.

Go to an ATM. Withdraw money just like you would in the States. Make sure you have a debit card that doesn't charge outrageous fees. There's no "exchange" of money - it's a simple electronic withdrawal in the local currency.

I use the ATMs at the airport at the arrivals area. I've done it numerous times and never had a problem. As stated earlier do NOT accept "With Conversion" as you'll end up paying a hefty fee.

At one time the Greek Banks did not charge any fees but now they do. It will be modest, maybe 1-3 Euros.

Make sure you let you your local bank know of your plans including destination and dates otherwise your card may not be accepted at the ATMs. You should also check to see if your local bank charges a fee for foreign ATM use.

Nothing to fear about using ATMs in Greece . . . except don't be flashing lots of Euros around in public.

Thanks to all for the information and advisories. Very helpful