💰 This page covers the street-level details of spending money in Santorini: card acceptance by village, where to find ATMs, how to pay for buses, and what to carry for boat tours and beach days. For Greece-wide ATM advice, DCC warnings, tipping norms, and exchange rate advice:
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A little. Santorini is fairly card-friendly at hotels, restaurants, and shops in the main tourist villages. Greece adopted contactless payments widely after the 2015 capital controls, and Santorini's tourism-driven economy has embraced cards. However, a few situations still require cash, and ATMs in smaller villages can run dry in peak season. Carry €30–50 in small bills as backup.
Where You Will Need Cash
KTEL buses (the only public transport, always cash-only, €1.80 per ride). Donkey rides on the Fira steps (€5–10, cash only). Some taxis (cash preferred, especially for short rides). Small tavernas in quieter villages like Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Emporio. Beach sunbed vendors at less-developed beaches. Church donations. Tips at restaurants (easier in cash).
Where Cards Work Fine
Hotels and villas (all accept cards). Restaurants in Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, and Firostefani. Caldera-view restaurants and bars. Shops and boutiques in Oia and Fira. Catamaran and boat tour operators. Car and ATV rental (book online with card). Supermarkets. Wine tours at Santo Wines, Venetsanos, and other wineries. Compared to Athens, Santorini is slightly more cash-dependent due to its island infrastructure, but still manageable with a card.
Paying by Card in Santorini
Card acceptance varies by village. The caldera villages (Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, Firostefani) are well set up for cards. Beach towns and inland villages are more mixed. Visa and Mastercard work everywhere that accepts cards. Amex is accepted at upscale hotels but rarely elsewhere. Contactless payments work at most modern terminals.
Oia
The famous sunset village has excellent card acceptance at its restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and hotels. Caldera-view restaurants (Ammoudi Fish Tavern, Sunset Ammoudi) accept cards. The shops along the main pedestrian path selling jewelry, art, and clothing take cards. Ammoudi Bay restaurants at the bottom of the 300 steps accept cards. ATMs near the bus stop sometimes run out of cash in peak season.
Fira (Capital)
Santorini's capital and transport hub has the best card infrastructure on the island. Restaurants, cafes, shops along the caldera path, and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera (€6, card accepted) all take cards. The main shopping street (Gold Street / 25th March Street) is fully card-friendly. Fira has the most ATMs on the island. Supermarkets (Lidl, local markets) accept cards.
Imerovigli & Firostefani
These quieter caldera villages between Fira and Oia have upscale hotels and restaurants with excellent card acceptance. The Skaros Rock hike is free. Restaurants along the caldera path accept cards. These villages are popular with honeymooners, and the high-end establishments are fully card-ready. ATMs are limited (use Fira's ATMs before visiting).
Kamari & Perissa (Beaches)
The two main black sand beach towns have restaurants and beach bars along the waterfront that mostly accept cards. Sunbed rental (€8–15 per set) varies: some beach operators take cards, others are cash-only. Tavernas one street back from the beach are more likely to be cash-preferred. Ancient Thira archaeological site (€6) accepts cash at the gate. Bring €20–30 for a beach day.
Pyrgos, Megalochori & Villages
The inland villages are more traditional and less tourist-oriented. Restaurants in Pyrgos (the highest village) and Megalochori vary: some accept cards, some prefer cash. Wine estate tasting rooms (Boutari, Gavalas) accept cards. Village bakeries and small shops lean toward cash. These villages are worth visiting for authentic Santorini away from the crowds. Bring €20–40 in cash.
Wineries
Santo Wines (€10–25 tasting, card accepted), Venetsanos Winery (€12–20, card accepted), SantoWines Cooperative, and most other tourist-oriented wineries accept cards for tastings and bottle purchases. Book online with a card for sunset tasting slots, which sell out in peak season. A wine tour is one of the best experiences on the island.
ATMs in Santorini
For Greece-wide ATM advice and DCC warnings, see the Greece guide. ATM availability on Santorini is more limited than the mainland.
Look for these logos. Greek bank ATMs charge no fees to foreign cards on their end.
Alpha Bank
Piraeus Bank
EurobankFira (Best ATM Access)
Fira has the most ATMs on the island, with Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank, and Eurobank machines along the main street (25th March Street / Gold Street). The bus station area also has ATMs. Withdraw cash in Fira before heading to Oia or smaller villages. Always decline DCC when the ATM offers to convert.
⚠ ATMs Run Out in Peak Season
Oia has only 2–3 ATMs, and they frequently run out of cash on busy summer weekends when thousands of cruise ship passengers arrive. Kamari and Perissa have one or two ATMs each. If you arrive on a weekend in July/August, withdraw cash at the airport or in Fira first. Do not count on finding a working ATM in Oia.
Paying for Buses, Taxis & Getting Around
KTEL Buses (Cash Only)
KTEL buses are the only public transport on Santorini. All routes hub through the Fira bus station. Fares are €1.80 per ride regardless of destination (Oia, Kamari, Perissa, airport, port). Buses are cash-only. Pay the driver when boarding. Have exact change or small bills (€5 is fine). Buses run every 30–60 minutes depending on the route and season. The Fira-Oia route is the busiest.
Taxis
Santorini has a limited number of taxis (roughly 25 on the entire island). In peak season, waits can be 30–60 minutes. Fira to Oia: €20–30. Airport to Fira: €15–20. Airport to Oia: €30–40. Port (Athinios) to Fira: €15–20. Most drivers prefer cash, though some newer taxis have card terminals. Pre-book through your hotel or use the Santorini Taxi app.
ATV / Car Rental
Renting an ATV (€25–50/day) or car (€40–80/day) is the most flexible way to explore. Rental shops in Fira, Kamari, and Perissa accept cards for payment. Book online for better rates. An international driving permit is technically required for ATVs. Fuel stations accept cards. Roads are narrow and steep in places, especially around the caldera rim.
Airport & Port Transfers
Santorini Airport (JTR) is 6 km from Fira. The port (Athinios) is 10 km from Fira. KTEL bus: €1.80, cash. Hotel transfer: often free or €15–30 (arranged in advance, card or included in booking). Taxi: €15–20 to Fira (cash preferred). Pre-arranged transfers are strongly recommended in peak season since taxis are scarce and buses fill up when ferries arrive.
Tipping in Santorini
The Greece guide covers Greek tipping norms. Santorini's tourist economy makes tipping more common than on the mainland. At restaurants, 5–10% or rounding up is appreciated (service is not included in the bill unless stated). For catamaran or boat tours, €5–10 per person to the crew is a kind gesture. Hotel porters expect €1–2 per bag. Tip in cash when possible.
Prices in Santorini
Santorini is one of Greece's most expensive destinations, especially caldera-side. Prices at beach towns (Kamari, Perissa) and inland villages are noticeably lower. Compared to Athens, expect to pay 50–100% more for equivalent meals and accommodation.
| Item | Price (EUR) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Greek coffee | €2–4 | $2.20–4.40 |
| Gyros / souvlaki wrap | €4–6 | $4.40–6.60 |
| Beer (taverna) | €4–7 | $4.40–7.70 |
| Lunch (taverna, with drink) | €15–25 | $16.50–27.50 |
| Caldera dinner (with wine) | €50–100 | $55–110 |
| Sunset cocktail (caldera bar) | €12–20 | $13.20–22 |
| Wine tasting (winery) | €10–25 | $11–27.50 |
| KTEL bus (any route) | €1.80 | $2 |
| Beach sunbeds (2 + umbrella) | €8–15 | $8.80–16.50 |
| Catamaran tour (half day) | €100–180 | $110–198 |
| ATV rental (per day) | €25–50 | $27.50–55 |
| Taxi Fira to Oia | €20–30 | $22–33 |
| Akrotiri archaeological site | €12 | $13.20 |
USD estimates based on approximately €1 = $1.10. Rates fluctuate. Caldera-view prices run 50–100% higher than inland or beach-side equivalents.
Day Trips & Activities
Catamaran / Sailing Cruise
Half-day cruises (5 hours, €100–180) include volcanic hot springs, snorkeling, BBQ lunch, and sunset. Full-day tours (€150–250) add more stops and a full meal. Book online with a card through operators like Sunset Oia, Santorini Sailing, or your hotel. Most operators accept card payment. Drinks beyond what is included may be cash on some boats. Tips to crew (€5–10 per person) are in cash.
Akrotiri Archaeological Site
The "Greek Pompeii" costs €12 entry (card accepted at the ticket booth). A short bus ride from Fira (€1.80, cash on the bus) or accessible by ATV/car. The nearby Red Beach is free but has limited facilities. Bring cash for parking (€2–3) and any small purchases at the archaeological site cafe.
Volcanic Hot Springs & Nea Kameni
Boat tours from the Old Port of Fira (accessible by cable car €6, donkey €5–10, or 600 steps) visit the volcanic island of Nea Kameni (€5 landing fee, cash at the island) and the hot springs at Palea Kameni. Tours cost €20–40 and can be booked with a card at agencies in Fira. Bring €10–15 in cash for on-island fees.
Fira to Oia Hike
The 10 km caldera-rim hike from Fira to Oia is free and takes 3–4 hours. It passes through Firostefani and Imerovigli with stunning views. Bring water (buy at a supermarket in Fira with a card). There are no facilities along much of the route, but cafes in Firostefani and Imerovigli (card-friendly) make good rest stops. Take the bus back from Oia to Fira (€1.80, cash).
Santorini Quick Reference
| Destination | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oia restaurants & shops | ✅ Everywhere | Not needed | Caldera dining fully card-friendly |
| Fira shopping & dining | ✅ Everywhere | Not needed | Best ATM access on the island |
| KTEL bus | ❌ Cash only | €1.80 per ride | Pay driver, have small bills |
| Beach day (Kamari/Perissa) | ✅ Most places | €10–20 backup | Some sunbed vendors cash-only |
| Catamaran tour | ✅ Booking by card | €5–10 tips | Book online for best prices |
| Wine tasting | ✅ Everywhere | Not needed | All major wineries take cards |
| Taxi | ❌ Cash preferred | €15–40 | Limited taxis, pre-book in peak |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash in Santorini?
A little. Santorini is fairly card-friendly at hotels, restaurants, and shops in Oia and Fira. However, KTEL buses are cash-only (€1.80 per ride), some smaller tavernas prefer cash, and donkey rides on the Fira steps are cash-only. Carrying €30–50 in small bills covers most situations.
How do I pay for the bus in Santorini?
KTEL buses are cash-only. Pay the driver when boarding. A ticket from Fira to Oia costs €1.80, Fira to Kamari or Perissa costs €1.80. Have exact change or small bills ready. Buses depart from the main Fira bus station every 30–60 minutes depending on route and season.
How much does a caldera sunset dinner cost?
Caldera-view restaurants in Oia and Fira charge premium prices. Expect €50–100 per person for dinner with wine. A sunset cocktail at a caldera bar costs €12–20. Booking ahead for sunset slots is essential in peak season (June–September). Most caldera restaurants accept cards.
How much does a catamaran tour cost?
A half-day catamaran cruise (5 hours, including hot springs, snorkeling, BBQ lunch, and sunset) costs €100–180 per person. Full-day tours cost €150–250. Most operators accept card payments for bookings. Onboard drinks beyond what is included may be cash-only on some boats.
Are there ATMs in Oia?
Yes, but very few. Oia has 2–3 ATMs near the main bus stop and they frequently run out of cash during peak season weekends. Fira has more ATMs (Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank, Eurobank). Withdraw cash in Fira before heading to Oia or smaller villages.
Is Santorini expensive?
Yes. Santorini is one of Greece's most expensive islands. Caldera hotels cost €200–800+ per night in peak season. A gyros costs €4–6. Caldera dinner runs €50–100 per person. Compared to Athens, expect to pay 50–100% more. Off-season (October–April) is significantly cheaper but many businesses close.
How do I get from the airport or port to my hotel?
Most hotels offer transfers (often free or €15–30, ask when booking). KTEL buses run from the airport and port to Fira (€1.80, cash). Taxis from the airport to Fira cost €15–20, to Oia €30–40 (cash preferred). Pre-booking a transfer is recommended in peak season.
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