Travelling to Greece

tf2

Hi,

Anyone here travelling to Greece soon? Been following their debt crisis closely over the last week. Seems like prices over there are set to jump.

"The tax increases, from 13 to 23 per cent, will also apply to products and services such as processed foods and drinks and dishes served in restaurants and bars. A sharp increase in consumer taxes on many Greek islands is also set to take effect on Monday" - Sunday Morning Herald.

The situation on ATM machines isn't too clear either. One thread of advice suggests bringing all your spending money over in cash. A nightmare if you were to fall victim to a Hotel room/Apartment break-in. The situation on the tourist islands seems to be a little better apparently.

Anyone thinking of travelling over with an amount of cash?
Flying out this weekend.

Crosswind

Capital controls do not apply to tourists. As long as you have a card from another country, you can withdraw as much as you want.

Iospir

Just back from the islands and a few days in Athens. It's business as usual for tourists and in fact if any ATMs are full it's the ones in the tourist areas. You wouldn't notice any difference except that maybe everyone is friendlier than usual and really glad you're there. They are afraid all the scaremongering will ruin the only thing still bringing in money.
I did bring a fair amount of cash in small notes but it wasn't really necessary in the end. You will find in Monasteraki markets that you'll get a bit of a discount if you pay in cash though.
Go, enjoy.....nothing's changed.

tf2

Good to hear!