We have been in Athens for 3 days and every where we go the deny the use of a credit card, it appears to be a cash only society now. Can still obtain money from ATM. Will be leaving Athens and travel through the mainland and will update the situation there.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7054 posts
it appears to be a cash only society now
No surprises here. I believe it has always been a largely cash society in the mom and pop places (as opposed to larger international hotels, etc). Easier to not pay taxes that way. Report back if they actually give you receipts as they should...that will be interesting. If you see receipts, taxes are likely reported for those purchases.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5457 posts
The head of the Confederation of Greek Tourism only last month was appealing for tourists to pay for as much as they can by card, as cash transactions are largely done to evade paying VAT - by up to 40% of businesses.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7054 posts
Per Marco's comment...
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/02/greece-tourists-credit-cards-tax-evasion
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I don't remember much using or trying to use a credit card in Greece on previous trips. Probably just for car rental, a ferry ticket from a travel agency, or a larger hotel (but I have usually avoided larger hotels). Take plenty of cash from ATMs with the plan that you'll need it.
Posted by
Sunnyside, New York, United States
439 posts
Good to know, thanks,
Mary
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
To be fair, merchants also have to pay a fee for credit card use. For small purchases, this can take a real bite out of a merchant. Consequently, many merchants in Europe refuse to take cards for small purchases or at all. As noted, if there is a receipt, than they will have to report it for taxes. No receipt and it is probably under the table.
Not taking credit cards is also more common in southern Europe than northern.