Tourist tax in Greece: your guide to costs and payment

Greece is an unforgettable destination, whether you're relaxing on the stunning beaches of the Cycladic islands or exploring the ancient history of Athens. When you're planning your budget, there’s one local expense that often causes confusion: the tourist tax.

The tax is an extra expense you should include in your travel planning, so it’s worth doing some research before you arrive.

This comprehensive guide lets you know exactly who pays, how much it costs, and the simplest way to handle the payment when you arrive.

We’ll also show you how the Revolut card can help you spend in Greece with clear and competitive rates, making us your essential companion for seamless travel.

Exchange and transfer fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply.

The information provided is accurate as of 1 December 2025.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and doesn't constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut isn't a financial adviser.

What's the Greece tourist tax?

The tourist tax in Greece is a small, per-room, per-night fee that the government charges customers staying in tourist-regulated accommodation. Don’t expect it to be included in your initial booking price unless the booking agent or hotel tells you it is.

The levy applies to all types of accommodation, from furnished short-term rental apartments to luxury 5-star hotels. Its main purpose is to fund rebuilding and recovery efforts related to the increasing frequency of natural disasters, particularly those caused by the changing climate. The money is used to support local infrastructure and emergency services.

Where does the Greek tourist tax apply?

Unlike in some other countries, this is a nationwide levy applied across the entire country of Greece. This means that whether you're staying in the mainland cities of Thessaloniki or Athens, or visiting popular islands like Mykonos, Crete, or Santorini, you’ll be liable to pay the fee.

Seasonal rates: how much is the tourist tax in Greece?

You might be asking yourself: how much is tourist tax in Greece?

The answer is that it varies significantly depending on the time of year you travel, as the levy uses a high- and low-season structure. The rates are determined by the official category of your accommodation and are applied per room, per night.

Accommodation types and new high-season rates (April–October)

This high season period covers the main spring, summer, and early autumn tourist months, and the rates are substantially higher than they were under the old tax.

If you’re travelling during the busy summer months, this will be one of the key factors to consider when budgeting for your trip.

Note: For short-term rentals, the rate varies from €1.50 for small rooms to €15 for larger properties and villas.

Low-season rates (November–March)

If you travel during the quieter winter months, the rates drop considerably, offering significant savings, especially for customers staying in 5-star accommodation.

The low season is defined as 1 November–31 March.

Who’s exempt from the Greek tourist tax?

You may be wondering if you have to pay the tourist tax in Greece, as it’s an extra expense you don’t want to be surprised by. The rule is that the tax is levied per room or unit and is based on the category of the accommodation, not the number of people staying there.

The levy applies to anyone staying in official tourist accommodation. There aren’t any blanket exemptions based on age or duration of stay, as were common with the old tax. The following points represent the only consistent exemptions:

• No tax for private homes: the levy only applies to officially registered tourist accommodation. If you stay in a private home (e.g. visiting friends or family), you won’t be charged.
• Long-term rentals: if you're staying in Greece under a long-term residential lease (typically 3 months or more), you aren’t subject to the levy.
• Documentation: if you don’t pay the tax, you could be fined or refused entry to your accommodation. You’ll usually receive a receipt after payment, which acts as proof for local authorities.

How to pay the tourist tax in Greece: logistics and payment methods

The tax is always paid directly to your accommodation provider — whether that’s a hotel, hostel, or a private apartment host. It’s their legal duty to collect the fee and pass it on to the relevant tax authority.

Can you pay the Greek tourist tax in cash or by card?

In major hotels and larger establishments in cities like Athens or Heraklion, you’ll almost certainly be able to pay the tax using a card (Visa or Mastercard). However, if you’re staying in a smaller rental or apartment, especially on some of the more remote islands, you must be ready to pay in cash in euros.

• Cash preference: many smaller hosts prefer cash to avoid processing fees on small amounts, as the entire fee goes to the government.
• Timing: the payment is usually requested at check-in or added to your final bill at check-out. If you’re staying in a private rental, the host may request the payment as soon as you arrive.

Tips for managing last-minute payments

Since cash payment is often unavoidable for the tourist tax and other small local purchases (like at market stalls or local tavernas), we recommend taking a balanced approach to your spending:

1. Be prepared: always carry a small buffer of euros to cover mandatory cash payments like the tax
2. Verify upfront: ask your accommodation host when booking if the tourist tax is included in your prepaid rate, or if it must be paid locally, and if cash is needed
3. Spend smart: use a card that offers competitive exchange rates for both large payments and cash withdrawals

Budgeting and spending abroad with Revolut

Navigating local payments like the tourist tax, especially when cash is needed, is where having a smart travel money solution is essential. We offer clarity and competitive exchange rates, helping you stay on budget.

Why paying in local currency matters

When you use your Revolut card in Greece, you may sometimes be asked if you want to pay in euros or pounds. This is known as dynamic currency conversion (DCC), and the choice you make will affect your budget.

Always choose to pay in euros (€).

Selecting pounds means the local merchant or their payment processor sets the exchange rate for the conversion — and this rate is often poor. By choosing to pay in euros, you allow us to handle the currency conversion at our competitive exchange rate, helping you save money on every transaction, from the tourist tax in Greece to your final souvenir purchase.

Exchange and transfer fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply.

Cash vs card: the UK traveller's spending strategy

The best strategy for UK travellers in Greece is a mix of both payment methods, managed easily through one account:

• Use the Revolut travel money card: for all large expenses (hotels, major shops, main restaurants) and for easy, instant payments without the hassle of converting cash.
• Withdraw local cash: withdraw the amount you need for small purchases, market stalls, and cash-only vendors using your Revolut card at an ATM. We show you the cost upfront, and you benefit from a competitive exchange rate and fee-free withdrawal up to your plan limits.

We provide clarity, showing you the conversion rate upfront in-app before you make your payment. You can easily check the live conversion rate between GBP and EUR instantly in-app.

18+. No ATM withdrawal fees within plan limits. T&Cs apply. Third parties may charge ATM fees.

Travel safety and protecting your money

If your card is lost or stolen while exploring a busy Greek city or beach, you can instantly freeze or unfreeze it in-app. This gives you immediate control over your money, adding extra security wherever you travel.

We also simplify large transfers, such as paying a damage deposit for a holiday villa before you leave the UK. We offer a safe and convenient way of transferring money abroad for pre-trip expenses, ensuring your money transfer arrives quickly and securely.

Exchange and transfer fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply.

Spending abroad with Revolut is simple

If you're looking to avoid expensive surprise fees and hidden exchange rate mark-ups, consider taking the Revolut debit card on your next trip to Greece.

Here's why:

• Manage and exchange over 30 currencies in-app, including GBP and EUR
• Convert British pounds to euros with clear fees and competitive exchange rates
• No need to buy or exchange currency before your trip — we'll automatically convert your balance to the currency you're paying in
• Withdraw cash easily from any ATM that supports Visa or Mastercard
• Create free virtual cards for more convenience and security, and add them to your digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay

Start managing your holiday budget today

We want to make sure your preparation for your Greek trip is seamless. Signing up for Revolut and getting set up with your travel card is quick and easy:

1. Download the Revolut app: find the app on the App Store or Google Play.
2. Sign up: follow the simple steps to create your account in minutes.
3. Order your card: once your account is verified, order your physical Revolut card (delivery fees apply). You can start using a virtual card immediately for online bookings.
4. Add money: easily add money from your existing UK account or debit card.
5. Exchange currency: tap on Exchange and convert the necessary amount of GBP into EUR for your trip, or simply let the card do the conversion when you spend.