Travelling to Rhodes/Kos - good idea?
Discussion
I've largely had my nose out of the news of late just catching the odd headline or two. Not looking so great for Greece etc, more austerity, bail outs.
What is people's view on the impact (if any) on some of the Greek islands all inc resort type places.
I can't see it having much of a bearing but interested to hear people's thoughts to the contrary.
What is people's view on the impact (if any) on some of the Greek islands all inc resort type places.
I can't see it having much of a bearing but interested to hear people's thoughts to the contrary.
This is covered in a few other threads but to add...
We're off to Crete in a few days. Travel Agent has informed us that the only thing to be aware of is that hardly anywhere is taking credit or debit card payments and ATM withdrawals are very limited. Key thing is just to take cash and where you can, pre-book any excursions.
Also to be wary of anything that hires you anything that requires maintenance to ensure safety - ski-jets, scooters, smaller, private car hire companies, etc as the limited availability of cash has meant that said maintenance has been sporadic of late.
We're off to Crete in a few days. Travel Agent has informed us that the only thing to be aware of is that hardly anywhere is taking credit or debit card payments and ATM withdrawals are very limited. Key thing is just to take cash and where you can, pre-book any excursions.
Also to be wary of anything that hires you anything that requires maintenance to ensure safety - ski-jets, scooters, smaller, private car hire companies, etc as the limited availability of cash has meant that said maintenance has been sporadic of late.
We are in Kos just now, arrived a week ago. Everything is normal and places are all open and functioning as you would expect. (Apart from the banks obviously). We brought enough cash to see us through the two weeks so we haven't needed to go to the ATM. Somebody at the hotel was trying to pay via PayPal but it didn't work. Something about PayPal cancelling any Greek related transactions. They went to the bank and were able to take the money out. I have been told the 60 euro limit a day only applies to locals.
Not sure how it will play out over the next week or so but the government have promised the banks will open on Tuesday again and that they have enough money to fund the 60 euro payouts a day until Friday even if the ECB doesn't help them out.
No idea how hotels are taking payment if booked independently. That would be the big issue for me.
Not sure how it will play out over the next week or so but the government have promised the banks will open on Tuesday again and that they have enough money to fund the 60 euro payouts a day until Friday even if the ECB doesn't help them out.
No idea how hotels are taking payment if booked independently. That would be the big issue for me.
Caterbroon said:
Somebody at the hotel was trying to pay via PayPal but it didn't work. Something about PayPal cancelling any Greek related transactions.
...that's not only related to PayPal. Many Banks have taken legal advice on the interpretation of the 'capital controls decree' and taken this to mean that's no money in or out without the explicit approval of the Bank of Greece, regardless of whether it's €, £ or $ for Greek bank beneficiaries. It's a very tricky time, but money is getting through, once people push (I know from working for an international organisation and having overall responsibility for $ and other stuff). (IIRC, PayPal use Bank of America's network of banks)However, and back on the holiday point, we booked an all-inclusive holiday for 4 in Crete at the end of August. We've paid ~€1k deposit and the balance is due next week. I'm almost certain we'll still go ahead with our holiday.
TripAdvisor posts from last weekend were showing plenty of food and drinks in the hotel we're going to, but will that last when credit/supplies run low? Who knows. I do, however, look forward to quieter beaches as a result of everyone else cancelling their trips.
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