Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Crime has heightened in Athens with the onset of the financial crisis. Though violent
street crime remains relatively rare, travellers should be alert on the streets, especially at
night, and beware the traps listed here.
Streets surrounding Omonia have become markedly seedier, with an increase in prosti-
tutes and junkies; avoid the area, especially at night.
Pickpockets
Favourite hunting grounds are the metro, particularly the Piraeus-Kifisia line, and
crowded streets around Omonia, Athinas and the Monastiraki Flea Market.
Taxi Scams
»
Most (but not all) rip-offs involve taxis picked up from ranks at the airport, train sta-
tions, bus terminals and particularly the port of Piraeus. At Piraeus, avoid the drivers at
the port exit asking if you need a taxi; hail one off the street.
»
Some drivers don't turn on the meter and demand whatever they think they can get
away with; others claim you gave them a smaller bill than you did and short-change you.
Only negotiate a set fare if you have some idea of the cost.
»
Some drivers may try to persuade you that the hotel you want to go to is full, even if
you have a booking.
Bar Scams
»
Scammers target tourists in central Athens, particularly around Syntagma. One scam
goes like this: friendly Greek approaches solo male traveller; friendly Greek reveals that
he, too, is from out of town or does the 'I have a cousin in Australia' routine and sug-
gests they go to a bar for a drink. Before they know it, women appear, more drinks are
ordered and the conman disappears, leaving the traveller to pay an exorbitant bill. Smiles
disappear and the atmosphere turns threatening.
»
Some bars lure intoxicated males with talk of sex and present them with outrageous
bills.
»
Some bars and clubs serve what are locally known as bombes, adulterated drinks di-
luted with cheap illegal imports or methanol-based spirit substitutes. They leave you
feeling decidedly low the next day.
EMERGENCY
Police
( 100)
Police Station
Central
(
210 770 5711/17; Leoforos Alexandras 173, Ambelokipi;
Ambe-
lokipi)
; Syntagma
(
210 725 7000; Mimnermou 6-8;
Syntagma)
.
