Hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, car rentals and almost all ordinary suppliers must accept common payment cards. They must also issue a valid fiscal receipt, which is different from the small slip printed by a card terminal.
One purchase can create two pieces of paper
The QR square has a job
Many receipts carry a QR code linked to the tax system. The official Appodixi app can scan it and compare the printed transaction with data transmitted to Greece's Independent Authority for Public Revenue. A discrepancy can be reported anonymously or by name.
Cards are a right in most visitor businesses
Greek tax guidance says almost all hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, car rentals and ordinary sellers must accept debit, credit or prepaid cards. A terminal problem does not turn a card obligation into permission to pressure a visitor toward a cash machine.
The taxi sticker is unusually clear
Greek taxis must display a sign explaining that the driver must issue a receipt and accept card payment. The passenger is not required to pay cash or pay before receiving the legal receipt. Confirm the meter and payment method before a long ride anyway, because clear expectations prevent arguments.
Use cash as convenience, not secrecy
Cash remains useful at kiosks, markets, village stops and for small amounts, but the receipt should not disappear because notes changed hands. Keep EUR 5, 10 and 20 notes so the cash option stays practical without carrying the whole trip budget.
Choose EUR when a terminal offers a choice
If a card terminal or ATM offers to convert the amount into your home currency, compare carefully. Choosing EUR normally leaves the conversion to your card network and issuer instead of accepting the machine's dynamic currency conversion.