Do You Need Cash in Corfu? (Cards vs Euros)
Planning a trip to Corfu and wondering…
Do I need cash?
Can I use my card everywhere?
Are there ATMs on the island?
Is Greece still cash-only?
The short answer?
Bring some cash — but not loads.
Corfu is modern and very card-friendly… but it still has that relaxed, local Greek island vibe where cash is sometimes quicker and easier.
Here’s exactly what to expect so you don’t over-withdraw or get stuck without euros.
Where You’ll Definitely Want Cash
🍋 Small tavernas & family restaurants
Many traditional spots:
prefer cash
have card minimums
or their card machine “isn’t working today”
Cash is faster and often appreciated in local places.
🏖️ Beach bars & sunbeds
Sunbeds usually cost €10–€20 for two beds + umbrella.
Lots of smaller beaches and independent bars are cash only.
If you’re hopping beaches for the day, having notes is super handy.
🚌 Buses, kiosks & mini markets
Local buses, bakeries, fruit stalls, corner shops and little markets often prefer cash.
Some accept cards… some don’t. It’s unpredictable.
🚕 Taxis
Taxis in Corfu can be a bit… mixed.
Some take card.
Some say they take card.
Some suddenly “machine broken” 😅
And late at night or in smaller villages, it’s very common for drivers to prefer cash only.
The easiest option (especially from the airport)
Honestly? Pre-book.
It’s:
✔ fixed price
✔ no cash stress
✔ no haggling
✔ no waiting in taxi queues
✔ perfect for late arrivals or families
👉 You can pre-book your Corfu airport or resort taxi here:
🔗 https://tp.st/Hy4F8Lff
Super handy if you’re landing after a long flight and just want to get straight to your hotel or villa.
Quick taxi tips
Keep small notes if paying cash
Ask “card or cash?” before the ride
Save local taxi numbers if staying in villages
Pre-book for airport transfers or early morning flights
Where Card Works Perfectly
You’ll have no problem using card at:
hotels & villas
car hire
larger restaurants
supermarkets
boat trips & tours
bars & cafes in busy areas
shops in Corfu Town
Contactless, Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted too.
So don’t worry — Corfu isn’t old-fashioned or cash-only.
How Much Cash Should You Bring?
Most travellers only need a small amount.
A simple rule that works well:
Bring €100–€150 in cash, then use your card for everything else.
That usually covers:
beach beds
coffees
small lunches
buses
taxis
little purchases
You can always top up later at an ATM if needed.
Are There ATMs in Corfu?
Yes — lots.
You’ll find them in:
Corfu Town
Barbati
Ipsos
Dassia
Sidari
Paleokastritsa
most tourist villages
Quick tip:
Avoid the bright yellow Euronet machines — they charge higher fees and poor exchange rates.
Instead use:
Alpha Bank
Piraeus Bank
National Bank of Greece
Much better rates.
Extra Money Tips (Save More €€€)
💡 Always pay in euros, not pounds
If the machine offers “convert to GBP?” → choose NO
Your bank’s rate is almost always better.
💡 Keep small notes
€5s and €10s are perfect for beach bars and buses.
💡 Mix cash + card
Big meals → card
Small everyday stuff → cash
Easiest system by far.
Final Verdict
Do you need cash in Corfu?
Yes — a little. Not a lot.
Corfu is:
✔ modern enough for cards
✔ local enough that cash is useful
A small wallet of euros + your card = perfect setup.
