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Few scams

Southern Europe

Tourist scams in Greece

Greece is generally safe, with low rates of theft and violent crime, but travellers can still face scams and overcharging. Watch for friendly strangers leading you to expensive bars, taxi fare tricks, counterfeit goods and notes, and theft in crowded places.
  1. 1 NightlifeCommonFriendly stranger bar scamA friendly stranger approaches a traveller, usually a man alone at night, and suggests a bar. At the bar, women join them and order expensive drinks, often champagne. The traveller receives a huge bill. Men then appear to pressure or threaten him into paying. This is the most commonly reported major scam against travellers.Athens 3Read
  2. 2 TheftCommonPickpocketing and theft in crowdsThieves take money or belongings from exposed pockets and bags in crowds. Metro doors are a particular concern, especially when a door seems broken or jammed and people bunch together. Theft is also reported in Faliraki, Kavos, Malia and Ios, though no specific method is described there.Athens 3Read
  3. 3 ShoppingCommonCounterfeit souvenirs and branded goodsVendors sell fake branded items and imitation goods. In Athens, pavement sellers also offer coins that may look antique but are likely reproductions. In Chersonissos, fake watches and other branded items sell for much less than genuine versions.Athens, ChersonissosRead
  4. 4 TaxisCommonUnregulated airport taxis and double-fare claimsUnregulated taxis operate at the airport. Some regular taxis also have irregularities, such as no displayed licence. Drivers may claim they must charge a double fare from the airport to the city. Missing fare information alone does not prove a scam: local police say fares do not have to be displayed, but the licence does.Kavala 1Read
  5. 5 TaxisOccasionalWrong taxi meter rate and extra chargesA driver uses the wrong meter rate or adds unjustified charges. Higher night rates and some surcharges can be legitimate. The trick is charging a rate or extra that does not apply to your trip.Athens, Kavala 3Read
  6. 6 TaxisOccasionalInflated fixed taxi fareA driver offers a very high fixed price for a short journey instead of charging the meter fare. An example is €20 for a short trip. Some airport journeys have legitimate fixed fares, so a fixed price alone is not proof of fraud.Athens 2Read
  7. 7 TaxisOccasionalCharging one travelling group several taxi faresSome waiting drivers seek several passengers travelling in the same direction so they can collect several fares. Separate groups sharing a taxi may pay separately, but friends or family travelling together should pay one fare for their group.Piraeus 1Read
  8. 8 Changing moneyOccasionalStreet money exchange and counterfeit notesSomeone offers to exchange money in the street or asks you to break a €20 or €50 note. The note you receive may be counterfeit.On the street. 1Read
  9. 9 Fake officialsOccasionalFake police wallet checkSomeone stops you to ask directions. Other men arrive, show fake police badges and accuse you of getting drugs from that person. They ask for your passport and wallet. While you focus on explaining yourself, one takes money from the wallet.AthensRead
  10. 10 Food and drinkOccasionalCheap imitation imported spiritsCheap locally distilled alcohol with flavourings, called bomba, may be sold as imported whisky, gin or other spirits. Genuine imported alcohol is often expensive, so a very cheap imported drink can be a warning.Especially island bars catering to young visitors. 2Read
  11. 11 On the streetCommonUnwanted sales approaches at café tablesRoaming sellers approach people at their tables. This is described as an unwanted sales approach rather than a proven fraud. Sellers usually leave if you show no interest or say ochi.Kavala 1Read

Where to stay alert

  • Athens Metro, especially interchanges with the airport linePickpockets target exposed bags and pockets. Take extra care in crowds at vehicle doors.
  • Plaka, AthensLinked to pickpocketing, the friendly stranger bar scam and pavement sellers offering counterfeit goods.
  • Omonia, AthensThe friendly stranger bar scam has been reported here.
  • Syntagma, AthensThe friendly stranger bar scam has been reported here.
  • Monastiraki, AthensPavement sellers offer fake goods and coins that may be reproductions.
  • Piraeus ferry portSome drivers waiting at night seek several fares from passengers heading in the same direction.
  • Kavala International AirportUnregulated taxis are common, and some drivers claim a double fare is needed.
  • Cafés and restaurants in KavalaRoaming sellers approach customers at their tables.
  • Chersonissos shopsFake branded watches and other imitation items are sold.
  • Faliraki, RhodesA busy nightlife resort linked to reports of theft and alcohol-related trouble.
  • Kavos, CorfuA busy nightlife resort linked to reports of theft and alcohol-related trouble.
  • Malia, CreteA busy nightlife resort linked to reports of theft and alcohol-related trouble.
  • IosLinked to reports of theft and nightlife trouble, although it is described as having become quieter.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Confirm whether your journey uses a meter or a legitimate fixed fare before leaving.
  • Check the meter rate and ask about extras.
  • Agree one fare for friends or family travelling as one group.
  • Keep the receipt and note the number plate if you suspect overcharging.
  • At Kavala airport, check that the taxi licence is displayed.

Money

  • Use banks or established currency exchanges.
  • Refuse requests to exchange money or break notes in the street.
  • Ask for smaller notes when exchanging money; many businesses are reluctant to accept notes above €50.
  • Keep some money separate from your main wallet.

Cards and ATMs

  • Read withdrawal fees before accepting; a normal ATM fee is not itself a scam.
  • Cover your PIN and keep your card in sight when paying.
  • Enable payment alerts and keep your card issuer's contact details available.
  • Check card compatibility before travel; some ATMs may not accept five-digit PINs.

Your belongings

  • Keep closed bags in front of you on public transport.
  • Keep valuables out of exposed pockets.
  • Stay alert when people crowd around Metro doors.
  • Carry only the cash and cards you need for the day.

Nights out

  • Choose your own bar and decline sudden invitations from strangers.
  • Check drink prices before ordering.
  • Watch drinks being mixed and avoid suspiciously cheap imported spirits.
  • Keep track of your belongings and how much you drink.
  • Leave situations that look tense or threatening, especially late at night.

Police and officials

  • Carry your passport or identity documents.
  • Keep your wallet under your control during any claimed identity check.
  • Verify doubtful police approaches through police on 100.
  • If detained, ask to speak to your consulate.

What travellers say about Greece

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Is Greece safe for a first-time visitor?

Generally, yes. Theft and violent crime rates are low. Keep your belongings secure in crowds and watch for taxi overcharging and unwanted bar invitations.

How does the friendly stranger bar scam work?

Someone invites you to a bar, other people join and order expensive drinks, and you receive a huge bill. Threats may follow. Politely decline sudden invitations to a particular bar.

Where should I be most careful about pickpockets?

On the Athens Metro, especially airport-line interchanges, on buses and in crowded areas such as Plaka. Keep your bag in front and take extra care around crowded or apparently jammed doors.

How can I avoid taxi overcharging?

Agree whether the trip uses a meter or a legitimate fixed fare. Check the rate and extras. If overcharged, keep the receipt and number plate and call the tourist police on 171.

Should each friend pay a separate taxi fare?

Friends or family travelling as one group should pay one fare for that group. Separate groups sharing a taxi may pay separately. Confirm the arrangement before getting in, especially at Piraeus ferry port at night.

What should I do if someone claiming to be police asks for my wallet?

Keep your wallet under your control. A reported Athens scam uses fake badges and a drug accusation to distract you while money is taken. Ask to verify the officers through police on 100.

Is it safe to change money with someone in the street?

Refuse. Street exchanges and requests to break €20 or €50 notes can leave you with counterfeit money. Use a bank or an established currency exchange.

Are cheap branded souvenirs genuine?

Do not assume so. Fake goods are sold by pavement vendors in Plaka and Monastiraki and in shops in Chersonissos. Apparently antique coins from pavement sellers may be reproductions.

Why should I be careful with very cheap imported spirits?

They may be bomba, a locally distilled flavoured alcohol sold as whisky, gin or another imported spirit. Choose respectable venues and watch your drink being mixed.

How do I turn away sellers who approach my café table?

Show no interest or say ochi, meaning no. In Kavala, these sellers are described as usually leaving when you decline. Ask venue staff for help if an approach continues.

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