Exchanging Drachmas...?

Question

Hi I have a whole bunch of drachmas that someone found and gave to me.

I know that Greece has switched over to the Euro but I was wondering if I can still exchange that? I live in the US but Im going to Europe next summer and Athens is one of the places I will be going.

If I can still exchange that, do I have to do it in Greece or can I do it someplace else like London, since that is my first stop and it would be so much easier just to exchange right then!

how much per drachma would it be per euro and then if I switched it to USD? would I get more if I just went straight to USD instead of the Euro?

if you have any info that you know first hand thanks a lot!

Answer 1

Actually, it's not the National Bank of Greece (Ethnikis Trapeza tis Ellados). It's the Bank of Greece (Trapeza tis Ellados) where you can exchange drachma notes. The name is similar, but they are different banks.

When you're in Athens, you can go in person to 21 E. Venizelos Ave., GR-102 50 Athens . It's in the center.

You cannot exchange them abroad because the currency is technically invalid and needs to be returned to the country of origin and exchanged here, according to the bank teller I spoke with. My friend in Australia sent me her drachmas, and I exchanged them for her because she could not do it anywhere abroad. If you have a friend or relative here, he/she could do the same.

I also exchanged my drachmas about a year ago. There was a small fee (almost nothing) and the exchange rate was 340.75 drachmas = 1 euro as Thomas K said.

If you're going to be in GR, just spend them as euros. You cannot get USD for drachmas direct from Bank of Greece, only euros. If you exchange euros to USD, you will pay a currency exchange fee and lose a little money. On the plus side, the euro is strong and you'd get whatever the exchange rate is that day. You can find EUR-USD exchange rates at www.xe.com

Answer 2

1 Euro= 340,75 Dr.

Î¥ou can exchange it in National Bank of Greece (no coins) until March 1st  2012. You still have time

I don't know Zoltan but I trust you to be right. I just have a doubt since all drachmas must be returned to the Greek Central Bank, maybe the exchange would be confined inside Greece.

Answer 3

i am sure you could excange at the national bank of greece if they have a branch in america..saves you the trip..or the laiki bank of greece... usaly you will find there is a laiki bank in foreing countrys out side of greece...isnt that right  thomas?