TravelTalkOnline

Credit cards in Greece?

Posted By: Sandsailsun

Credit cards in Greece? - 08/20/2015 12:49 PM

We are headed to a two week flotilla in Turkey and east coast of Greece in a few weeks. Given the economic crisis are we going to be able to use credit cards for some things or must we carry cash with us at all times?
thanks for any info <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: salica

Re: Credit cards in Greece? - 08/20/2015 08:08 PM

Just looked on a British govt site for you. They state that although credit cards should work as usual, smaller shops and restaurants could be reluctant to accept them, preferring cash, as shopkeepers may have trouble gaining money from their own accounts, which are restricted.
However there have been reports in the British press recently of tourists not noticing any difference at all. Whether this reflects on the type of tourist or their spending habits is open to speculation. Being on a flotilla and potentially not able to get to major towns and/or banks, I think I, personally, would take plenty of Euros in cash. From our Press there are very mixed reports as to what is available or not, and costs of living. Again, could be down to the tourists questioned. Overall I think I would not rely solely on credit cards.
Posted By: Jeannius

Re: Credit cards in Greece? - 08/21/2015 06:26 AM

Where are you starting from in Turkey? We did several flotillas there years back and really enjoyed Turkey. Great food and great people. Been a while now but from what I hear it is still just as good.

On the cash/credit card thing... Turkey has its own currency, the Lira, which simply put steadily declines so don't buy it in advance!
Posted By: Sandsailsun

Re: Credit cards in Greece? - 08/21/2015 03:07 PM

We land in Istanbul and spend a few dats land based then fly to Bodrum, ferry over to Kos where we start our flotilla . Over the two weeks we will be visiting Greek and Turkish island along the east coast of Greece .
Not sure which ones yet
Posted By: Maria_and_Steve

Re: Credit cards in Greece? - 08/21/2015 09:56 PM

You can easily get cash from ATM's in Turkey and they tend to take credit cards. Can't comment on the Greece situation because it changes daily, sorry. But Kos is having a problem at the moment with the huge influx of people fleeing Syria and trying to get into the EU. BBC news reports people landing on the beaches nightly and sleeping everywhere. Kos isn't able to handle all the new arrivals.

We spent 2 years sailing in Turkey/Greece we liked it so much. But do watch out for the Meltimi smile
Posted By: jphart

Re: Credit cards in Greece? - 08/24/2015 02:11 AM

I'd carry a lot of cash... that you can convert in smaller batches in both Turkey and Greece I don't like getting cash from ATMs, bad fees and ex rates, security issues standing in front of a machine.

Use credit card for larger purchases with more established suppliers...ferrys hotels, etc. cash for queys, dock restaurants, etc like you did your last Greece trip.

I'm still working on a Greece trip for 2016 for my group. Still need that sailing certificate. Sunsail has an interesting promo in Croatia.

Look forward to a trip report from you!
© 2024 TravelTalkOnline