We are heading to Greece starting in Athens in August. Our chase sapphire card has no fees for international transactions, but we all know sometimes, even with the best of intentions, places can charge anything from a VAT tax to a dine in already added gratuity. Sometimes legal sometimes not.
Anyone had this happen to them?
TIA!
Pam in Colorado
Everyone pays VAT, but it is included in the listed price. You should not see places charging a fee for use of a credit card, but some may require a minimum spend, or be cash only.
In restaurants, you may see something akin to "Cover", or a charge for bread. Not sure how prevalent added gratuities are in Greece.
All prices displayed are VAT and service included. In restaurants if you want to tip you can add a few Euros in cash after paying the bill by CC
Bread is most of the time charged and its price is indicated on the menu like all other dishes and drinks.
Restaurants that have payment terminals with the option to add a amount for service are tourist establishments that take advantage of the credulity of American tourists.
To prevent an old "habit" of tax fraud in Greece most shops and services must now legally accept payment by credit card.
Regarding the use of ATMs in Greece refer to the link below:
Paying with a credit card, the terminal may ask you if you want the bill displayed in your home currency, which is "Dynamic Currency Conversion". You end up paying the VISA Card for THEIR chosen conversion rate. All the restaurants in Greece this Spring I charged at, the waiter automatically selected NO. It's a part of the VISA card system, which the government requires for tracking income and taxes.
