Planning your trip to Ayia Napa and wondering about money? Let’s make it simple:
The official currency in Ayia Napa is the Euro (€), and card payments are widely accepted, but having some cash is still valid.
Now that we’ve answered your burning question, let’s dive into the details immediately.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about spending in Ayia Napa, from where to exchange money to how to avoid high fees and whether you should carry cash or go full digital.
Whether you’re a beach bum, a party animal, or a culture buff, knowing how to handle your euros will make your trip smoother (and save you from unnecessary headaches).
So, let’s discuss ATM fees, exchange rates, tipping etiquette, and where to get the best value for your money—because no one wants to waste their holiday budget on bad conversions or unnecessary bank charges!
Currency in Ayia Napa: What You Need to Know
The Official Currency
Like the rest of Cyprus, Ayia Napa uses the Euro (€).
You’ll find coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, plus €1 and €2 coins.
Banknotes range from €5 to €500 (though good luck trying to use a €500 bill anywhere!).
Paying by Card or Cash?
- Card payments: Most places, from restaurants and bars to supermarkets and hotels, accept debit and credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted forms of payment.
- Cash: While cards work almost everywhere, smaller kiosks, market stalls, and some local tavernas may prefer cash. Some small euro notes (€5, €10, €20) can be handy.
Where to Exchange Money
- ATMs: The easiest and safest way to withdraw euros is from an ATM. ATMs are all over Ayia Napa, but check if your bank charges foreign withdrawal fees.
- Currency Exchange Offices are found in tourist areas, but always check the exchange rate before handing over your cash.
- Banks are open weekdays (usually 8:30 AM—1:30 PM). They offer reasonable rates but may charge a commission.
ATM Withdrawals & Fees
- Many ATMs offer currency conversion—always decline it! The local bank’s rate is almost always better than the ATM’s offered exchange rate.
- Some ATMs charge €2-€5 per withdrawal, so it’s better to withdraw a more significant amount at once instead of multiple small transactions.
- If you have a travel-friendly bank card with no foreign withdrawal fees, use that for the best rates.
Tipping Culture in Ayia Napa
- Restaurants & Cafés: Not always included in the bill. 10% is appreciated for good service.
- Bars & Clubs: Not mandatory, but rounding up the bill is common.
- Taxis: Not expected, but rounding up is polite.
- Hotels: Bellboys and housekeeping appreciate small tips (€1-€2 per service).
Read more in our guide about Tipping in Ayia Napa.
Avoiding Common Money Mistakes
✔ Don’t use exchange services at the airport – rates are terrible.
✔ Decline ATM currency conversions – let your bank handle it.
✔ Carry small bills – some places won’t accept €100 notes.
✔ Always check your restaurant bill – service charges might already be included.
What money is used in Ayia Napa?
Like the rest of Cyprus, Ayia Napa uses the Euro (€) as its official currency.
Most businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, accept major credit and debit cards.
However, it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or situations where card payments might not be possible.
ATMs are widely available throughout Ayia Napa, providing convenient access to cash.
Consider potential withdrawal fees ranging from €2 to €5 per transaction.
When withdrawing cash, it’s often better to decline any currency conversion the ATM offers to avoid unfavorable exchange rates. Instead, let your bank handle the conversion.
In summary, while card payments are widely accepted in Ayia Napa, having some Euros in cash is advisable for smaller vendors and unforeseen situations.
Is Ayia Napa in the Euro?
Ayia Napa uses the Euro (€) as its official currency, just like the rest of Cyprus.
Since Cyprus is a member of the Eurozone, the Euro has been the official currency since 2008.
Most businesses in Ayia Napa accept card payments, but having some cash is always handy, especially for smaller establishments.
Do you need cash in Ayia Napa?
While card payments are widely accepted in Ayia Napa, it is still a good idea to carry some cash (€) for smaller purchases.
Many restaurants, bars, and shops take Visa and Mastercard, but some small kiosks, street vendors, and local tavernas may prefer cash.
Also, taxis and some tour operators might not accept cards, so having some euros in smaller denominations (€5, €10, €20) can be helpful.
Conclusion
Handling money in Ayia Napa is easy if you know what to expect.
The Euro (€) is the currency, card payments are widely accepted, and ATMs are your best bet for getting cash at reasonable rates.
To make the most of your travel budget, follow the tips above, avoid unnecessary fees, and enjoy your trip stress-free!
| Topic | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Card Payments | Accepted almost everywhere (Visa & Mastercard preferred) |
| ATMs | Widely available, some charge withdrawal fees (€2-€5) |
| Best Way to Get Cash | ATM withdrawals with a travel-friendly bank card |
| Exchange Money | Banks, currency exchange offices (check rates) |
| Tipping Etiquette | 10% in restaurants, rounding up in taxis & bars |
| Common Mistakes | Avoid airport exchanges, decline ATM currency conversions |
What currency is used in Ayia Napa?
Ayia Napa uses the Euro (€), just like the rest of Cyprus.
Can I use my credit or debit card in Ayia Napa?
Yes! Most places accept Visa and Mastercard, but carrying some cash is helpful.
Where is the best place to exchange money in Ayia Napa?
ATMs usually offer the best rates.
Currency exchange offices and banks are options, but fees should always be checked.
Should I tip in Ayia Napa?
Tipping isn’t mandatory, but 10% is appreciated in restaurants, and rounding up is common in taxis and bars.
