Do You Need Cash in Rhodes? Currency, Cards and ATMs

Chapter 2 of 8

Where you can pay by card in Rhodes

You'll find that Visa and Mastercard are welcome almost everywhere, especially in the main tourist hubs. Contactless is standard, and lots of places take Apple Pay or Google Pay too. My general rule is you can expect to use your card at most restaurants, cafes, shops, and larger hotels.

But let me be clear: this is a general rule, not a guarantee for every single place. If you're counting on using your card, just ask before you order, especially at a tiny kiosk, a market stall, or a traditional taverna in a village. It's much less awkward than finding out when the bill comes.

And a quick word on big bookings like your hotel, tours, or car rental: always double-check your confirmation for how to pay any remaining balance. Just because you paid a deposit online doesn't mean everything is settled.

Chapter 3 of 8

When small cash is useful

I think of cash as my backup plan, not my main way to pay. It’s perfect for those specific situations where a card might not work. You'll find that some small shops or businesses in the villages prefer cash, or maybe their card machine is down. Just because a place prefers cash doesn't always mean they can't take a card, but it's good to be prepared.

• Small buys: If you have no cash, it's smart to ask at kiosks, market stalls, and small snack bars before you order.
• Village tavernas: If your cash backup won't cover the bill, just check they take cards before you sit down to eat.
• Leaving a tip: I like to keep some small notes and coins handy for tips, so I can leave them separately from the card payment.

Chapter 4 of 8

How much cash should you carry?

Instead of a fixed 'daily cash budget', I recommend thinking about what you might realistically need before you can get to another ATM. If your day is full of prepaid activities and you're just hitting a supermarket, you'll need less cash than if you're taking taxis and planning lunch in a remote village.

For instance, if a taxi ride is your only potential cash expense, find out the likely fare and payment options first. If you're also planning to eat at a taverna that you're not sure takes cards, make sure your cash backup can cover that meal. A few euros won't be enough.

I always try to carry small notes—€5, €10, and €20 are much easier to use for small buys than big bills. My advice is to only carry what you need for the day and leave the rest of your cash safely at your accommodation.

And don't forget the small nightly climate resilience fee. Most hotels and apartments will ask for this in cash when you check in. I explain the exact amounts in my Rhodes tourist tax guide.

Chapter 5 of 8

Should you bring euros before arrival?

You don't need to land in Rhodes with a pocket full of euros. You'll find ATMs at the airport and all over the towns and resorts. That said, I do think it's a good idea to bring a small amount of cash with you. It just saves you the hassle of finding an ATM before you can even grab a drink or get to your hotel.

Whether you bring cash or not really depends on your arrival plan. If your airport transfer is prepaid and your hotel takes cards, you can relax. But if you need to pay for a taxi or something else right away and aren't sure about card payments, then having some euros on hand is smart.

Before you exchange money at home, compare the rate you're offered with what your bank charges for overseas ATM withdrawals. Convenience is great, but don't assume that just because an exchange counter or ATM is at the airport, it's giving you a good deal.

Chapter 6 of 8

Using ATMs: check charges and currency choices

You'll have no trouble finding ATMs in Rhodes Town, Faliraki, Lindos, and all the main resorts. They accept most international cards and dispense euros. My one warning is this: don't wait until you're in a tiny village to look for an ATM. Get your cash in the bigger towns.

I always suggest starting your search with an ATM from a proper bank, but don't assume its branding means a free withdrawal. You need to consider two things: what the ATM itself charges, and what your own bank charges for foreign transactions.

• Before you fly, find out what your bank charges for overseas withdrawals and what your limits are.
• A common trap is the currency choice. Ask your bank beforehand whether to choose euros or your home currency at an ATM or card machine. The wrong choice can be expensive.
• When you're at the machine, always read the screen carefully. Check the withdrawal amount, any fee the machine is adding, and any currency conversion offer before you hit 'confirm'.
• If you're ever unsure about what a screen is asking, my advice is to just cancel the transaction. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Chapter 7 of 8

Check the amount, whichever way you pay

Deciding between cash and card is one thing, but avoiding surprise charges is another. I always tell visitors to be vigilant. Check the menu prices before you order, look over your bill carefully, and always confirm the amount on the card machine before you tap or enter your PIN.

If something on the bill doesn't look right, ask about it before you pay. It doesn't matter if you're using cash or card—you still need to know what you're paying for. I cover some of the more serious issues like pressure selling and dodgy pricing in my guide to payment pitfalls and tourist scams in Rhodes.

And a practical tech tip: if you rely on your banking app or get card alerts, you'll need data. If you're not sure about your roaming plan, I'd suggest reading my advice on SIM cards and internet in Rhodes before you travel.

Chapter 8 of 8

Your cash-and-card checklist

So, to sum it up: I recommend using your card as your main payment method, with cash as your trusty backup. Before you head out for the day, here's a quick checklist I run through:

If you still have questions about money or anything else for your trip, have a look through my other Rhodes practical travel questions for more specific answers.

• Have I got a physical payment card with me, not just my phone?
• Do I have enough small euro notes for any cash-only spots I might visit?
• Have I confirmed how I'm paying for that taxi or the balance on my hotel?
• Do I know the fees for using my card at an ATM, just in case?
• Will I remember to check the bill and the card machine amount before paying?