Visa Europe – latest update on Greece

The Greek government has published a “Decree” that confirms that Greek banks will be closed from 29 June and will re-open Thursday 16 July. Capital controls will be imposed until 16 July, meaning the amount of money people can withdraw from banks will be restricted.

ATM restrictions:
Greek cardholders. ATM cash withdrawals will be limited to €60 per day per account for this period.
Non Greek cardholders. The €60 restriction on withdrawals does not apply to holders of foreign bank cards. For non-Greek card holders this means that credit and bank cards issued abroad can be used at ATMs, within their usual bank limits.

Visa card payment systems
Visa’s card payments system continues to work as normal and cards should still be accepted at Point-of-Sale (shops, restaurants etc.) and for ATM withdrawals within Greece and within the limits imposed by the Government decree.

Visa Europe position
Greek card holders. “The Bank of Greece has placed controls on ATM systems, limiting withdrawals to €60 per day per account. Visa’s card payments system continues to work as normal and your card should still be accepted at Point-of-Sale (shops, restaurants etc.) and for ATM withdrawals within and outside Greece, within the limits imposed. We continue to work with the authorities to minimise disruption to consumers.

Non Greek card holders. “The Bank of Greece has placed controls on ATM systems, which apply only to Greek bank card holders. Card holders from non-Greek banks should be able to make withdrawals, within usual bank limits. Visa’s card payments system continues to work as normal and your card should still be accepted at Point-of-Sale (shops, restaurants etc). We continue to work with the authorities to minimise disruption to consumers. Anyone experiencing problems should contact their bank, which may be able to arrange for an electronic cash transfer to a bureau de change, hotel or money transfer entity, although a fee may be applied. VISA Global Card Assistance Service may be able to help customers receive an emergency card replacement, with your card issuer’s approval.

Consumer advice
Greek card holders. Some shops continue to offer Visa cash-back services to Greek card holders.
Non Greek cardholders. Anyone experiencing problems should contact their bank, which may be able to arrange for an electronic cash transfer to a bureau de change, hotel or a money transfer entity, although a fee may be applied. VISA Global Card Assistance Service may be able to help customers receive an emergency card replacement, with your card issuer’s approval.