If you have no money

Transferring Funds

British Consulates do not have a loaning facility. If you need funds, you will need to ask a relative, friend or UK employer etc to arrange a money transfer to a bank in Greece. Also, many British Tour Operators can arrange for money transfers on behalf of their customers. Alternatively, various commercial services can be used to transfer funds to you. A few non exhaustive examples are:

MoneyGram
Western Union  
SendMoneyHome.org

Funds may be deposited by phone, online or cash at any branch in the United Kingdom bearing the above mentioned trademarks. The depositor should state the city and country where the funds should be sent i.e. Athens-Greece giving the receiver’s full name exactly as it is shown in their passport. After the deposit has been made the equivalent amount should be made available for collection in Euro within 30 minutes. A list of agent locations in Greece can be found on the money transferor’s website. Both the depositor and the receiver will need to show valid photo identification during the transaction. In order to collect your funds you will need to quote the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN). If you are having problems collecting your money because your passport has been stolen, please contact your nearest Consulate as they may be able to assist.

To call the UK directly, dial 0044 followed by the UK area code without the prefix ‘0’. If you cannot afford to call the UK, you should call operator services on free phone 008004411 from a landline and ask to be connected to the person you wish to speak to. You need to provide the telephone number. To find a telephone number, please visit BT or 192.com online or call Greek Telephone Directory for abroad at 11889. If you are out of credit on your UK mobile, you may dial 00800125910 to connect to 0800 Reverse a toll-free service. 0800 Reverse allows you to make a reverse call from some mobile phones and most land lines to most UK land lines, at no cost to you.

Prepaid Airline Tickets

Prepaid tickets with any airline which flies from Greece to the UK can be booked by a UK contact at any travel agent or airline office in the UK. At the airport check in counter you must either show your electronic ticket or quote your reservation reference number. A valid passport is required to travel. If you need to travel urgently and your standard passport is not available, your nearest Consulate may be able to help you with emergency travel documentation.

Credit Cards and Travellers Cheques

If you lose your credit card or have it stolen you should cancel it immediately to prevent fraudulent use. You may find a list of emergency telephone numbers for card issuers here: Financial Fraud Action UK. If you do not have the resources to do this then contact a friend/relative in the UK or your local Consulate, who may be able to assist you. Most banks will accept reverse charge calls in an emergency. Further report the incident with your Travel Insurance and at the nearest Police Station (dial 100) immediately and obtain a statement.

If your Traveller Cheques are lost or stolen, you will need to contact the relevant Travellers Cheque Customer Service Centre immediately. Below numbers are toll free from a landline telephone:

American Express: 00800 44127569               Thomas Cook MasterCard: 00800 44131409
Visa: 00800 44131410                   CITICORP: 0018 136231709 (Canada)

You will be asked for the Travellers cheque numbers and other verification details. They should then authorise reimbursement in Greece and will inform you from which bank branch or agent around Greece you can collect funds.

112 - The emergency number in Greece

If you have been involved in a serious incident or emergency which requires immediate action, you can connect to the Greek emergency services i.e. Police, Ambulance or Fire Brigade by dialling the European emergency number 112 from a landline or mobile, free of charge.