Have you booked a holiday in Greece, but with all the alarms circulating these days on the media, you also get concern? Are you all right to leave, or is it better to postpone? Or maybe you should change your destination? These are just a few of the questions I’m getting from you readers these days and that inspired me this post.
Actually, there is no reason to worry, Greece is not a risky country and tour operators reassure about the total operationality of facilities across the country, including islands. To start serene, here is still a vademecum of practical advice Designed in collaboration with Allianz Global Assistance.
If I need money?
At the moment the Greek Government has foreseen the closure of banks until today. Even the rules limiting the possibility of withdrawing money automatic counters do not apply to ATM cards or credit cards issued by foreign banks, as in the case of tourists. Of course, it cannot be excluded that disservices occur, such as the exhaustion of money at the ATMs. This is why it is better to bring sufficient cash to deal with small daily expenses. In any case book and weld before departure the services you intend to use (accommodation, rentals etc.) will allow you to reduce the amount of money to have at your disposal. It is useful, however, to have additional means of payment as credit and debit cards.
Are there any security risks?
Greece has no security problems and is considered a safe destination by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but caution and caution are important to ensure serenity on each trip. In addition to the normal shortcomings valid in every country and situation, in this case it will be good to pay extra attention to possible protests, possible especially in large cities, from which it is prudent to maintain the distance. Bringing more money with you can attract the attention of some malicious, but it will be enough to follow the usual rules of common sense: keep valuable items and cash not necessary for the day in the hotel safe. A good rule, however, is to always register on the Farnesina portal: https://www.dovesiamonelmondo.it/
If I hurt?
Italian citizens can receive the necessary medical care provided by local public health care, bringing with them the European Health Insurance Card (TEAM). However, public health facilities can be crowded in summer and in islands assistance is more limited than what you can get in the city. For this reason, it is advisable to take out health insurance that allows you to use private facilities and to provide you with the possibility of medical repatriation. Some policies also provide for direct payment of medical expenses: a useful option because, if necessary, they will pay directly the health facility without being forced to anticipate money.
Who do I address in case of need?
Here are the numbers to be contacted in case of emergency: First aid: 166 – Police: 100 – Fire department: 199 – Tourist police: 171. Other numbers not to be forgotten are those of your travel agent, tour operator and insurance, who can help you in case you need while abroad.
Can you change your destination?
Greece is not a risk destination, so in general it is not possible to change destination for those who have already booked their trip. In any case, any agreement of this type is at the discretion of the travel agency or the tour operator to whom it turned.
And in case of cancellation?
Many insurance policies also include a cover for the cancellation of the trip, which applies only to specific cases such as a disease, an injury or business reasons that occur after the purchase of the policy. This warranty does not apply in case you decide not to leave for reasons other than those provided or because you simply prefer to change destination. It is important in this case, as always, to devote some time to the accurate reading of the insurance policy that has taken place, directly (in travel agency or on the web) or through the tour operator that organizes the trip.
