Planning a trip to Greece? Known for its stunning islands, ancient ruins, and delicious cuisine, Greece is a dream destination for travellers worldwide. However, preparing for your trip goes beyond packing your bags and booking flights; it’s crucial to sort out how you’ll handle your finances during your stay.

The official currency of Greece is the Euro (EUR), which you’ll need for most transactions during your journey. While carrying cash might seem convenient, it comes with risks like theft and high exchange fees, leaving you with less to spend and more to worry about.

This is where forex cards come to the rescue. Forex cards are prepaid cards loaded with foreign currency, often allowing you to lock in exchange rates at the time of loading. This helps reduce concerns about fluctuating rates and ensures secure transactions. They offer a hassle-free alternative to carrying cash, combining convenience with added security. Whether you’re exploring Athens, lounging in Santorini, or navigating the streets of Thessaloniki, a good Forex card makes your trip easier and safer.

This blog provides a detailed list of the best forex cards for Greece trip from India, covering features and fees.

Note: Since there is no expedited visa process, make sure to apply for your Greece visa in advance to ensure everything is in order for your trip. 

What are the Best Forex Cards for a Greece Trip from India?

Here’s a curated list of the top 9 forex cards for your Greek adventure:

1. AtlysX Multi-Currency Forex Card by IndusInd

2. DCB Niyo Global Card

3. BookMyForex Multi-Currency Forex Card

4. Thomas Cook Borderless Prepaid Card

5. HDFC Multicurrency Platinum ForexPlus Card

6. Orient Exchange Forex Card

7. Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card

8. ICICI Multi-Currency Forex Prepaid Card

9. SBI Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card

Detailed Overview of Each Forex Card

1. AtlysX Multi-Currency Forex Card by IndusInd

The AtlysX Multi-Currency Forex Card is a modern, all-in-one solution for international travellers. With excellent exchange rates and broad currency support, including EUR, it ensures hassle-free payments during your trip to Greece.

• Currencies Supported: 14 currencies, including EUR.

• Markup Fee: Zero for the first load; a 2% markup on subsequent reloads.

• Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit: $1,000 (or equivalent).

• Daily E-Commerce and POS Spending Limit: $10,000 (or equivalent).

• Customer Support: 24/7 global assistance via the Atlys app and [email protected].

2. DCB Niyo Global Card

The DCB Niyo Global Card is a single-currency card loaded in INR that offers zero forex markup for cost-effective transactions across Europe. You can also easily manage the card with the Niyo app, regardless of location. 

• Currencies Supported: INR (allows spending in EUR at no cross-currency charges).

• Joining Fee: Zero.

• Markup Fee: Zero.

• Annual/Maintenance Fee: Zero.

• ATM Withdrawal Fee (international): ₹425 + GST per transaction.

3. BookMyForex Multi-Currency Forex Card

The BookMyForex Multi-Currency Forex Card is another great multi-currency Forex card option for frequent international travellers. It offers competitive exchange rates and the ability to reload funds quickly through the BookMyForex portal.

• Currencies Supported: 14 currencies, including EUR.

• Issuance Fee: Zero. 

• Reload Fee: Zero.

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: EUR 1.5 per transaction.

• Balance Enquiry Fee at ATMs: EUR 1 per inquiry.

• Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit: EUR 850.

• Daily Limit for POS, E-Commerce, Cash Advance, or Cash@POS: EUR 5,500.

4. Thomas Cook Borderless Prepaid Card

Thomas Cook’s Borderless Prepaid Card supports multiple currencies, including EUR, and offers unparalleled convenience, safety, and flexibility. Its global acceptance at over 35.2 million merchant establishments and access to 1.9 million MasterCard ATMs worldwide make it all the more appealing. 

• Currencies Supported: 9 currencies, including EUR.

• Issuance fee: None.

• ATM withdrawal fee: approximately $3 or equivalent per transaction.

• Daily ATM withdrawal limit: $2000 or equivalent, depending on the currency. 

5. HDFC Multicurrency Platinum ForexPlus Card

The HDFC Multicurrency Platinum ForexPlus Card offers locked-in rates, which shield you from currency fluctuations, making it a traveller’s favourite. The card also supports contactless payments via PayWave technology and provides 24/7 comprehensive assistance with emergency cash delivery services. 

• Currencies Supported: 22 currencies, including EUR.

• Issuance Fee: ₹500 + GST.

• Reload Fee: ₹75 + GST.

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: EUR 1.50 per transaction.

• Balance Enquiry Fee at ATMs: EUR 0.50 per inquiry.

• Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit: EUR 4,700.

6. Orient Exchange Forex Card

The Orient Exchange Forex Card is another reliable prepaid card that offers the convenience of carrying multiple currencies (including EUR) on a single card. With robust security features, online management options and global acceptance, it ensures safe and convenient transactions while travelling.

• Currencies Supported: Multiple currencies, including EUR.

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: Nominal fees apply.

• Markup Fee: Zero for supported currencies.

7. Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card

Axis Bank's Multi-Currency Forex Card is also widely accepted in Greece and offers excellent service. You can also lock in exchange rates when loading the card. Additionally, enjoy secure EMV transactions, 24/7 support and easy online management via Axis Bank's app. 

• Currencies Supported: 16 currencies, including EUR.

• Issuance Fee: ₹300 + GST.

• Reload Fee: ₹100 + GST.

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: EUR 1.69 per withdrawal. 

• ATM Balance Enquiry Fee: EUR 0.5 per enquiry. 

• Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit: $1,000 or equivalent.

8. ICICI Multi-Currency Forex Prepaid Card

The ICICI Multi-Currency Forex Prepaid Card offers reliable service, easy reloading options, and competitive exchange rates for your Greece trip.

• Currencies Supported: 15 currencies, including EUR.

• Issuance fee: Zero.

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: EUR 1.50 per withdrawal. 

• ATM Balance Enquiry Fee: EUR 0.50 per enquiry.

• Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit: EUR 1,500. 

9. SBI Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card

The SBI Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card is one of the most budget-friendly forex cards for Indians travelling to Greece. It allows you to lock in currency when loading the card and is accepted at over 2 million ATMs or pay at 34.5 million Mastercard merchants worldwide. 

• Currencies Supported: 7 currencies, including EUR.

• Issuance Fee: ₹100 + GST.

• Reload Fee: ₹50 + GST.

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: EUR 1.50 per withdrawal.

• ATM balance inquiry fee: None. 

• Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit: $10,000 (or equivalent). 

How to Choose the Best Forex Card for Greece?

Since you now know the options, here are the points of comparison to help you choose the best one from the recommendations shared above:

1. Currency Support: Ensure EUR is supported on your card to avoid unnecessary currency conversion charges that can increase your expenses while travelling.

2. Exchange Rate: Choose a card that locks exchange rates at the time of loading, shielding you from unpredictable market fluctuations and helping with better budget planning.

3. Fees: Check for hidden charges like ATM withdrawal fees, reload fees, and markup fees, as these can significantly impact the overall cost of your transactions.

4. Reload Options: Look for cards offering seamless reload options via online portals or mobile apps, ensuring you can add funds conveniently anytime, anywhere.

5. Customer Support: Opt for cards with 24/7 global customer support to handle emergencies like card loss or technical issues, ensuring uninterrupted access to your funds.

Benefits of Using a Forex Card in Greece

1. Cost-Effective: Save on high transaction fees compared to debit or credit cards.

2. Lock-In Exchange Rate: Protects against fluctuating rates during your trip.

3. Security: Reduces the need to carry cash with fraud protection features.

4. Wide Acceptance: Accepted at most merchants and ATMs in Greece.

5. Multi-Currency Use: Ideal for visiting multiple countries within Europe.

Conclusion

The AtlysX Multi-Currency Forex Card by IndusInd stands out as the best Forex card for a Greece trip, offering excellent exchange rates and strong customer support. Other options like the DCB Niyo Global Card and the HDFC Multicurrency ForexPlus Card also provide great value.

Select the Forex card that aligns with your needs, and enjoy a worry-free trip as you explore the beauty of Greece!