Travelers heading to Greece should
make sure they bring enough euros in cash to cover emergencies, given that
banks in the country will be closed from June 29 to July 6, advised the U.K.’s
Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The Greek government decided to
close the banks and establish strict limits on ATM withdrawals after bailout
negotiations between the country and its creditors stalled over the weekend.
The Greek government said it is
not limiting withdrawals on cards issued outside of Greece, but long lines have
formed at ATMs in the country, making it difficult to get cash quickly,
according to reports.
The system for paying with debit
and credit cards for retail transactions continues to function, noted the U.K.
government, but travelers should have sufficient cash with them in case those
banking services fail.
Travelers should take appropriate
security precautions against theft, added the U.K. government.
Bailout terms from
the European Union and the International Monetary Fund have been rejected by
the Greek government. The Greek people will vote on whether to accept the terms
in a snap referendum on July 5. If the vote is no, Greece could default on its
debt and leave the eurozone.