getting cash, using credit cards in Athens & islands

Don't listen to the fearmongers!

https://youtu.be/TmnDpby8EDU

Doesn't look like doom and gloom for me.

Everything is normal for tourists.

I can obtain Euros before I go but I am concerned about safety with carrying so much cash.

Greece is one of the safest countries in Europe, especially the islands.

If anyone who is actually in Greece as a tourist right now can respond, that would be great.

I guess they're too busy enjoying the sun and sea and not redaing travel fora! :-)

Jennifer, calm down. I am surprised that you are so worried, since i see from your previous posts that you have been to Greece before. I came home in late June from my 12th trip there, 18 days. I am a Prudent Traveler (I am your Grandmother!) but not a scaredy-cat. During the past week, I am hearing daily from many friends who are greek, or who live full-time in Greece. Things are just fine. Transportation is working, ATMs OK, restaurants are full, European tourists are everywhere (it seems to be mostly Americans that are spooked). The main issue for you then appears to be whether to bring Euros in advance to cover your daily expense, and whether that is "safe". Some thoughts:

• As others constantly say, Greece has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe -- as a wise old ex-pat, married to a Greek, told me: Janet, petty theft is just not part of the Greek culture. Major shenanigans about ownership of a shipping fleet, maybe. But not swiping your pocket money. (In fact, the one place where pickpocketing is warned against -- the Athens metros most-used by tourists -- it's been shown that the pickpocketing "rings" are largely illegals from the Balkans). Also, the main places where hotels have in-room safes are beach-resorts and why??? Not because Greeks are untrustworthy, but because young tourist (the 18-30 sunworshippers)can be light-fingered.

• BRINGING EUROS -- You say all lodging is "pre-booked" ... does that mean prepaid? If so, Then you should be able to manage VERY nicely on no more than €50 a day each (in your other post you say "we"). For 16 days, that would be €800 each. If you exchange enough $$ at your bank to bring €500 each, that will be one less thing to think about. I did bring €€ for the first time, and enjoyed not having to hit the ATMs until my last day. ALSO, a big advantage, if you order Euros thru your banks you can specify denominations. ATMs usually give mainly 50s, but I'd suggest getting only a couple of 50s (for ferry tickets) the rest 20s, 10s, and a bunch of 5s. This does bulk up the wad a bit, but will make it easier on the cafes & retailers, making change.
• SAFETY for MONEY -- During travel In/out of Greece, and during my ferry transfers, I use a security "neck-pouch" for my cash, passport, airline info, credit cards -- available at luggage & travel shops or online. I don't like a moneybelt expanding my waistline! It seems to suit men OK, and there's also a nifty security pocket that goes on the belt & worn inside pants-front. Once I reach hotel, during day I just carry around a small change purse w. daily €€ needs (I never carry my passport; you can easily carry a color Xerox of your 1st 2 pp of Passport if you want). My remaining money goes into hidden pocket(s) in my locked suitcase in my room. I've stayed in modest family-run hotels all over the Greek islands, most especially the cyclades, and have NEVER had any problem (see item #1).

• A final thought, if you want to help Greece, as I'm sure you do -- if you bring your Euros IN to Greece, rather than obtaining them from Greek ATMs, you actually are increasing the # of Euros to help the Greek economy.

... from your previous posts, I see u have given good thought to allotting your time, and can assure you that your time on Paros & Naxos will be well-spent, and that the day-excursion to Mykono-Delos is a good idea. I hope u listened to advice and limited your Santorini time, since the crush of cruiser-crowds in High Season can really impact your experience there. Kalo Taxidi!!! (Good trip/Bon Voyage).

Thanks for all of the suggestions! I am not at all scared or concerned about going to Greece, but I would rather not carry large amounts of cash with me. However, it sounds like that is the best option. Normally I prefer to use the ATM and get cash as I need it. However, on the news reports it sounds like there are long queues at the ATM and some banks are running out of cash. I have pre-paid for my hotels and internal airfare so I will just need cash for spending money, ferry tickets, and food. If we rent a car, I am assuming we will be able to use a credit card.

...If we rent a car, I am assuming we will be able to use a credit card.

I don't think anyone could guarantee that. It might be OK, but there have been stories of foreigners stuck in Greece with no money because their credit cards didn't work.

If we rent a car, I am assuming we will be able to use a credit card?

Things in Greece might be fluid and complex, but I would think this one would be relatively straightforward - I would contact the car rental company and basically say: When I rent that car from you, I will only be offering a credit card, and do you have a problem with that? Or something similar. I assume they want the business.

thomajd, when you investigate those stories of credit cards that "didn't work," almost invariably you find that the cardholder failed to notify the card company that he would be traveling & using his card in a foreign country. As a protection against fraud, if a card use is attempted in another country without notification, the company freezes it. Same deal as with ATM cards. And ian says, just check beforehand with the car company. In point of fact, in my experience in the past, you can't even reserve a card ahead without using a credit card.

Thanks for your comment. Investigating the story I had in mind, it seems that the problem lay in the fact that the credit and debit cards in question were issued by Greek banks: BBC story here for anyone interested

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