Tips To Save Money

The question that is always foremost on any travelers mind is “how much money should I take on a vacation?” The answer to that depends on the kind of vacation in mind - if it is package tour or an independent, on-the-spur-of-the-moment excursion, and if the tourist has been there before. One thing is certain, visitors to Zante will surely return to this fascinating land again and again, for if there is a paradise on earth, it must be here.

For those wanting to spend the summer in guaranteed sunshine, it is hard to find a cheap holiday in Zante in summer. Kinder prices prevail in the months before and after the golden summer months – May, June, September and October. Winter definitely offers the best chance of cheap holidays in Zante, but the winter storms and adverse sea conditions can ruin the holiday. The traveller should take note of this before they plan their Zante holiday.

The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, divided into 100 cents. Banks and Bureaux de change are widely available and travelers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted. On a pre-paid package holiday, Greek currency is almost redundant, as most of the local shops exchange UK as well as US currency, and sometimes, one can get a better rate, than what is available back home. When planning for a night out, it is better not to carry the passport, but some local currency instead as that will prove more convenient. Travelers cheques can be exchanged everywhere as well, but the carrying of the passport is necessary in that case.

24 hour ATMs are available in Laganas and Tsilvi, which accept any type of card but though this option should be saved till the end of the trip, the traveler may be warned that these cash machines frequently run out of money so it is advised not to keep it dangling till the very end. Two cash machines are conveniently situated in Zante town, near Solomos Square.

Many hotels, tourist shops and other facilities will accept credit cards, but this is an expensive alternative: it comes with a 1.5% handling charge, though the credit card company will offer a superior exchange rate, to the bank or currency exchanger, who charges a minimum of 6% commission.

To sum it all up, the right way to handle money while travelling in Zante or any other Ionian island is to keep a combination of cash, travelers cheques and vouchers, credit card and bank cash card handy in case any one of them fails to deliver - but never keep them all together. In emergencies, the embassy of the country can help to transfer the cash. It is also good to know that Greece is a full member of the EU (European Union) and EU passport holders do not need a visa. Although there is no duty free any more, the prices in the airport shop are attractive and there is a good selection of spirits and tobacco, that can be picked up on the way back. Otherwise the tourist shops offer many eye-catching wares that really showcase Greek craftsmanship.