Banks / Atm

As from January 2002 the accepted currency unit in Greece will ...is the EURO, as indeed in every participating European Union county (apart from United Kingdom). Since the EURO is a new "thing" for all of us, I will give here some basic information, which I think it will be useful to have.

The EURO will circulate in banknotes of 500 (lilac), 200 (yellow),
100 (green), 50 (orange), 20 (blue), 10 (red), 5 (grey) EURO. All EURO banknotes of the participating countries will look identical. They show different architectural styles, with the emphasis on windows, doors and bridges, which symbolise the communication and cooperation between the Nations of the European Community. The word EURO appears on the notes in both the Latin and Greek alphabet.

Also the Euro will circulate in coins of 1, 2 EURO, 50 lepta or euro-cents, 20, 10, 5, 2 & 1 cent equal with 3 GDR. One Euro has 100 cents and its equal to 340,75 GDR. However the coins will be identical only on one side. The other side will carry images, which are representative of the national identity of each country. Therefore in the case of Greece:

· 1 cent - Treiris - light boat of the Ancient Athenians
· 2 cents - Dromon - heavier boat with four sails
· 5 cents - Oil Tanker
· 10 cents - Rigas Fereos - Hero of 1821
· 20 cents - Ioannis Kapodistrias - First Governor of Greece
· 50 cents - Eleftherios Venizelos - Politician
· 1 EURO is the exact copy of the Athenian Fourdrachma of the 5th Century B.C. depicting the classical owl, symbol of wisdom
· 2 EURO shows the abduction of Europa by Zeus appearing like a bull

Irrespective of this difference they will be equally accepted in every other participating country, as indeed is their coin in Greece.

The banking facilities in Vatera are not what you might expect. There is no bank or cash point in Vatera at the moment but concerted efforts are being made to change this.

Of course there is always the option of the Commercial Bank of Greece in Polychnitos, (9 km away), where you can exchange your travellers cheques, or foreign currency and use the cash point if you wish. If you are stuck for transportation, mention it to the accommodation owner where you are staying. If they can help, they will be glad to do so.

 If you plan to visit Agiasos, there is a Commercial Bank of Greece you can visit (banking hours
9 am- 1 p.m.) Or you can use a cash point, which is installed by the entrance of Anagnostirion (library), just after the bus station on the right.

Kalloni, Plomari and Mytilene all full of Banks of every description, providing all possible banking facilities.
In conclusion you can find ATM machines at the following locations:
Polychnitos, Agiasos, Kalloni, Skala Kallonis, Plomari, Molyvos, Skala Eressos and Mytilene.

Generally speaking, don't expect to settle your bills with credit cards. They are not widely accepted. If they are accepted in some places, processing is very expensive. CASH is the best policy.