Canadian travellers worried about going to Greece amid financial unrest

WATCH ABOVE: Canadians travelling to Greece shouldn’t worry, credit and debits cards will still work, and social unrest shouldn’t become violent according to travel advisors. Peter Kim reports.

TORONTO — John Faux has been looking forward to his Greek getaway for an entire year. The elementary school teacher from Toronto leaves Aug. 7, but his excitement is tempered with a bit of uncertainty as Greece’s precarious financial footing looms in his mind.

“I’m just concerned about taking out money from ATMs and what currency we’ll use,” said Faux.

Concerns about the country’s stability are being echoed online.

But travellers, at least now, shouldn’t be concerned according to Skyway Tours travel advisor Eleni Agas.

“We have been told that tourists can use their credit cards and debit cards, and pull money out,” said Agas, who has been in daily contact with people on the ground.

“Bank machines will recognize your debit card as foreign and dispense cash.”

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But ATM withdrawals have been limited to 60 euros ($83.75) a day, so Agas recommends bringing cash – around 1,000 euros ($1,398) for a two-week trip if you plan on spending lavishly she said.

Greece has been teetering closer to financial ruin after rejecting an EU bailout agreement and austerity measures.

The Mediterranean nation owes around $240 billion euros ($335.6 billion) and recently defaulted on a $1.5 billion euro ($2.09 billion) payment to the International Monetary Fund.

“I also have some concerns about political protests and strikes that could affect my vacation,” said Faux.

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Fears so far that are not panning out in reality.

“It is safe because before it was worse than now. When they were protesting they had more problems; now, when they protest, they are quieter,” said Agas, adding tourists may also be seen as beneficial because of their foreign funds being pumped into an ailing economy.

Amid the financial uncertainty, prices for travel packages have not fluctuated according to Agas. A two-week inclusive package will still run you between $2,000 to $2,500.