Exchanging currency in Athens

Hi everyone,
Could anyone provide advice on exchanging currency in Athens? I need to exchange US dollars and it isn’t really possible for me to exchange before I fly in on Sunday because I am in Egypt, which has its own shortage of euros (so restrictions would only allow me to get 100-200 euro anyway). I could exchange the USD into Egyptian pounds, put them on a pre-paid credit card, and then withdraw at an ATM in Athens, but I’m not keen on losing so much with the exchange rates for EGP. Someone posted a Guardian article about places on the islands refusing to exchange currency. Would banks in Athens readily give me euros, or do you have suggestions for exchange places that don't have sky-high commissions? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Personally I'd exchange the USD for Euros on arrival in Greece. Somehow I suspect it won't be too hard given current circumstances.

I would also say, that it should be possible to exchange it right there at the airport by arrival.

As banks in Greece are still closed that's might be your best bet if you cannot organise EURO beforehand. So banks in Athens cannot give you Euros (or only through their ATM's).

The latest I heard on the news, and it seems confirmed, is that the banks in Greece will open on Monday.They will certainly be busy, but if you can get enough Euro at an ATM at the airport, you could wait until Monday or Tuesday to change your USD.

Also, when I was in Greece many years ago ( we are talking drachmas here!) I remember the best place to change money were the post offices. They were giving an exchange rate even better than the banks and it was a lot faster. Keep that in mind.

#3 Unfortunately, the Post Offices aren't allowed to change money any more.

#3 Unfortunately, the Post Offices aren't allowed to change money any more.

Sorry, I did not know that. Too bad as not only were they giving better rates, but also they were open longer hours than the banks.

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