Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Piraeus, Attikí, Greece

1. Piraeus Taxi Scams

Unlicensed taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Always use official taxis with a meter.

Selling fake ferry tickets or overpriced ones. Only buy from the official ticket booths at the port.

Official Ticket Booths: Look for the Ferries of the Greek State (FAES) logo.
Check Schedules: Confirm ferry schedules and ticket prices online beforehand.
Avoid Street Vendors: Never buy tickets from unofficial vendors around the port.

Shopkeepers may charge inflated prices for souvenirs. Bargain or shop at less touristy areas.

Bargaining: Never accept the first price offered, negotiate.
Less Touristy Areas: Visit local markets or less-touristy neighborhoods for fairer prices.
Avoid Street Vendors: Shop at established stores with fixed prices.

Receiving fake currency instead of change. Carefully check your money before leaving the store.

Check Quality: Feel the texture and examine the security features of the bills.
Use ATMs: Withdraw money from trusted banks or ATMs.
Keep Track: Count your change carefully before leaving the store.

Selling fake museum tickets or overcharging for them. Buy only from the official ticket office.

Official Ticket Office: Look for the museum's logo and staff uniform.
Check Operating Hours: Confirm the museum's opening hours before your visit.
Avoid Street Vendors: Never buy tickets from unauthorized vendors near the entrance.

Charging for unused dishes or overpricing the bill. Choose restaurants with visible prices.

Visible Prices: Check the restaurant's menu for prices before sitting down.
Avoid Empty Restaurants: Choose busy restaurants with good reviews.
Check Receipt: Examine the bill carefully before paying, and ask for a receipt.

Selling fake or overpriced shore excursions. Book through your cruise line or trusted tour operators.

Book Through Cruise Line: Check for the cruise line's logo on the excursion offer.
Research Tour Operators: Choose reputable and experienced tour operators.
Check Reviews: Read reviews of the excursion providers online.

Hiring unqualified or fraudulent tour guides. Use official tour guide services.

Official Guide Services: Look for the tourist guide license displayed.
Check Certification: Ensure your tour guide is certified by the Greek National Tourism Organization.
Avoid Street Guides: Never accept unsolicited offers of guided tours.

Beware of performers who pressure you for money. Enjoy performances, but only tip if you wish.

Enjoy the Performance: Appreciate the art and culture without feeling obligated to donate.
Avoid Aggressive Solicitation: Ignore performers who demand payment or follow you.
Tip at Your Discretion: Reward good performances with a tip, but don't feel pressured to do so.

Insecure public Wi-Fi networks may steal your personal information. Use a VPN or avoid accessing sensitive data.

Use VPN: Connect to a reliable and secure VPN service.
Avoid Sensitive Data: Limit accessing sensitive data on public Wi-Fi networks.
Check Network Names: Be wary of unofficial or suspicious network names.

Fraudulent car rental agencies may charge hidden fees. Choose a reputable rental agency.

Reputable Rental Agency: Research the rental agency online and check customer reviews.
Check Contract: Thoroughly read the contract before signing.
Inspect the Car: Document any pre-existing damage before taking the car.

Selling fake SIM cards or overpricing them. Buy from reputable providers.

Reputable Providers: Choose well-known and established mobile network operators.
Check Coverage Areas: Ensure the SIM card has good coverage in Piraeus and the areas you plan to visit.
Avoid Street Vendors: Never buy SIM cards from unauthorized vendors.

Fraudsters may install skimmers to steal your card information. Only use ATMs in well-lit and busy areas.

Well-Lit Areas: Choose ATMs located in well-lit and public locations.
Check for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering or unusual devices.
Use Card with Care: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder-surfing.

Fraudsters may offer to let you ride the train without a ticket. Always purchase valid tickets.

Purchase Tickets: Buy tickets at authorized ticket booths or vending machines.
Check Train Schedules: Confirm train schedules and ticket prices online before your journey.
Avoid Ticketless Offers: Ignore any offers to ride without a ticket.

Unscrupulous baggage handlers may steal or damage your luggage. Keep a close eye on your belongings.

Keep Belongings Close: Never leave your luggage unattended, especially in public places.
Check for Damage: Inspect your bags immediately upon arrival and report any damage.
Use Trusted Services: Choose reputable luggage handling services when necessary.