Foreign visitors exempt from Greek bank run

The capital controls introduced by the Greek government do not apply to foreign visitors to Greece, the Greek Ministry for Economy, Infrastructure, Shipping and Tourism said Wednesday.

Foreigner visitors are free to make financial transactions, such as ATM withdrawals and credit or debit card payments that are issued outside Greece, the Greek Embassy to Seoul said, citing the Greek Tourism Ministry.

There are adequate fuel supplies, products and services throughout the Greek mainland the islands, the ministry added.

The announcement came two days after Greece imposed capital controls and shuttered local banks starting June 29, after the talks between the country and its creditors collapsed.

“Visitors currently in Greece as well as people planning to visit Greece will not be affected by the latest developments and they can continue to enjoy their holidays in Greece without any problems whatsoever,” Elena Kountoura, deputy minister for tourism in the ministry said.

“Greece guarantees the highest quality of tourism services to its visitors, who have ranked Greece as one of the best destinations worldwide,” she added.

By Chung Joo-won  (joowonc@heraldcorp.com)