Police
100
Ambulance
166
Tourist Police
1571
Risk Map & Attractions
Common Scams
The Broken Camera Trap
A local or a seemingly friendly stranger will ask you to take their picture with their camera. After you hand it back, they will purposefully drop it, blame you for the damage, and aggressively demand money for the repairs. They often work in pairs or groups to intimidate the victim.
Never agree to take a picture for a stranger if they hand you their camera. Politely decline and keep walking. If confronted, call for the police immediately.
The Overcharging Taxi Meter
Taxi drivers, particularly those waiting at the airport, port, or major tourist squares, will refuse to use the meter, claim it's broken, or take a long, circuitous route to inflate the fare. They may also quote a fixed, exorbitant price or try to pick up extra passengers without your consent.
Always insist on the meter being used and visible. Know the approximate fare beforehand (e.g., fixed rate from the airport). Use ride-hailing apps or pre-book transfers when possible.
The Pigeon Poop Distraction
A scammer will 'accidentally' spray or drop a substance that looks like bird droppings on you. As you become distracted and busy cleaning yourself, a 'helpful' accomplice will offer assistance while simultaneously pickpocketing your wallet, phone, or bag.
If this happens, immediately cover your valuables and move away from the area to clean yourself in a safe, private location like a nearby shop or hotel lobby. Do not accept help from strangers.
The Fake Plainclothes Police
Impersonators dressed in plain clothes will approach you, flash a fake badge, and claim to be police officers investigating counterfeit money or drug trafficking. They will ask to see your passport and wallet, using the distraction to swap your real currency with fake bills or simply steal cash.
Politely refuse to show your documents or money to anyone not in uniform. Ask to see their official ID and insist on going to the nearest police station to verify their identity. Real police will not conduct street searches of tourists' wallets.
The Bar 'Friends' Inflated Bill
Friendly locals (often young women or men) will approach you near a bar or club and invite you to join them for a drink at a specific establishment. After a short time, you will be presented with an astronomical bill for all the drinks consumed by the group, who are all working together with the bar.
Be wary of overly friendly strangers inviting you to a specific bar. Always check the price list before ordering, especially for rounds of drinks, and stick to well-known, reputable establishments.
The ATM 'Helper' Skimming
A scammer will wait near an ATM and offer to 'help' you when they see you struggling or having an issue with your card. Their true intention is to distract you while an accomplice skims your card with a hidden device or watches you enter your PIN to steal your details.
Only use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, secure areas. Never accept help from strangers at an ATM. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN and check the card slot for any suspicious attachments.
The Free Gift/Rose Hustle
A person, often a woman or child, will approach you and press a 'free' item like a rose, a bracelet, or a small toy into your hand. Once you touch it, they will aggressively demand payment, often creating a scene to embarrass you into paying.
Do not accept anything offered for 'free' on the street. Firmly say 'No, thank you' and keep your hands in your pockets or on your bag. Do not engage in conversation.
The Shell Game/Guessing Game Distraction
A group of people will gather in a public area playing a 'game' (like the shell game or three-card monte) where one has to guess the location of a hidden object. The 'players' are all part of the scam, and the real goal is to distract the surrounding crowd for pickpockets to operate.
Avoid crowds gathered around street games. These are almost always a scam. Keep a close watch on your belongings and move quickly past the area.
The Fake Ticket Seller
Scammers pose as official ticket agents near popular tourist sites or transport hubs, selling counterfeit or invalid tickets for attractions, ferries, or tours. The tickets are either rejected at the entrance or the tour/ferry does not exist.
Only purchase tickets from official kiosks, websites, or verified tour operators. Never buy tickets from individuals on the street or in unofficial-looking booths.
The Metro/Bus Pickpocket Swarm
Thieves operate in groups on crowded public transport, especially the Metro line to the airport and the central lines. They may use a distraction (e.g., bumping into you, blocking the door) to create a moment of chaos while an accomplice quickly unzips a bag or slips a hand into a pocket.
Keep your bag in front of you, with the opening facing your body. Avoid keeping valuables in back pockets. Be extra vigilant in crowded stations like Omonia and Monastiraki.
Safe Attractions
Acropolis of Athens
Ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop.
Parthenon
Former temple on the Athenian Acropolis.
Plaka
Old historical neighborhood of Athens.
Acropolis Museum
Archaeological museum focused on the Acropolis.
Syntagma Square
Central square of Athens.