Bank opening hours are Monday to Thursday 8am to 2.30pm, Friday 8am to 2.00pm

It's easy to open a bank account in Greece - you will need just your passport and a deposit, usually a minimum of 150 Euros.

Cheques in Greece are not widely used and unless you run a business you will not need a chequebook. Cheques are not generally accepted in shops and supermarkets.

Credit cards are now widely available in Greece and they are accepted in supermarkets, stores, petrol stations and tavernas in town, but not in many smaller shops and village tavernas.

To obtain a credit card from your Greek bank you will require a copy of your passport, copy of your last tax return, and foreign residents may also be asked to produce a residence permit and proof of income. Credit limits usually start off low, around 300 Euros.

There are a number of International banks in the main cities. The main Greek Banks are the National Bank of Greece, Emporiki Bank, Piraeus Bank and Alpha Bank. All have branches throughout Greece.