Spending money for Greek Islands next week

[old nutter]

Just a quick note for those heading out from Venice on the Jade next week-end about spending money off the ship on the Greek islands.

 

If you are outside Europe you may not have heard about the recent currency problems in Greece. They still use the Euro there so they will take payments in cash by in Euros. However, there might be some issues using credit and debit cards to get cash when you are off the ship because of possible issues with the local banks. The advice at the moment is to make sure you have enough cash for what you expect to spend ashore before you get onto the ship in Venice. There are apparently some bargains around at the moment and the locals will be grateful for the custom so they will welcome you. The problems are localised so On-board ship spending will not be affected..

 

The advice at the moment is to carry on as normal, but just keep an eye on the news to see if things get sorted out and enjoy the usual Greek hospitality when you are ashore.

[zqvol]

The real take away point of the above post is to get Euros in Venice BEFORE you board the ship.

[Paulras]

Any issues with using credit cards for purchases?

[Froggitt]

Any issues with using credit cards for purchases?

 

No-one knows. No country has ever defaulted and been kicked out of the Euro which will still exist. In all likelihood, the Euro will still be accepted everywhere as it is likely to be more valuable to Greeks than any new currency. But if the local banks "close", retailers may not have any way of processing card payments.

[peteukmcr]

Any issues with using credit cards for purchases?

No firm announcements on using credit cards, but as mentioned if the banks close then merchants will be unable to take them as a form of payment.

 

However, due to the uncertainty over Greece's membership of the EU and therefore, whether the country will continue using the Euro as its currency, you may find that merchants will only accept cash payments.

[RMLincoln]

Don't plan on being able to use credit cards for purchases. Don't plan on being able to get Euros from ATMs in Greece. Euros are in very short supply there now. Merchants should be happy to take cash euros for purchases.

 

Reiterating: The advice for now is to board the ship with enough euros to get you through Greece.

 

And have a lovely time visiting this beautiful country. m--