Australia Issues Travel Advice on Banking for Greece

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a warning for potential problems in banking services for travellers to Greece.

According to the instructions, visitors to Greece must have with them at least two means of payment such as cash and credit cards. At the same time, it suggests having enough money to meet unexpected or emergency situations.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also advises travellers from Australia of potential demonstrations in Athens and asks for protest rallies to be avoided. Possible areas for such rallies are Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, Omonoia and Exarchia.

Also, travellers to Greece are advised that possible strikes may affect transportation in Athens and to other tourist destinations.

The official advice on Greece as posted on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website can be seen below:

• Australians visiting Greece should be aware of the possibility that retail banking services throughout Greece may at times become very limited at short notice. Make sure you have more than one means of payment with you (cash, debit cards, credit cards), and make sure you have enough money to cover emergencies and any unexpected delays.
• Protests and demonstrations can occur in cities across Greece with little warning. Australians are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations as they may turn violent. Areas in Athens that have been affected by demonstrations and riots include Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, Omonia and Exarchia.
• Strikes affecting air, sea and rail transport, as well as taxi services happen regularly in Greece. If you are affected by transport disruptions, you should monitor the media, maintain contact with your airline, your travel agent and your insurer, and be prepared to change your travel plans.