Greek Revenue Body Launches ‘Apodixi Please’ Campaign to Nab Tax Evaders

Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) is urging tourists to always ask for a receipt with their transactions whether in cash or credit through a new campaign informing them of their consumer rights.

Running under the title: “Apodixi Please” (translating into Receipt Please), the AADE informs visitors to Greece that “under Greek law, all hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés, car rentals and, in general, almost all suppliers of goods and services (with a few exceptions, such as taxi drivers and kiosks) are obliged to accept debit, credit or prepaid cards”.

According to the AADE’s drive, all services and goods providers are obliged to have electronic cash registers and are not allowed to issue handwritten receipts.

In the cases of certain services suppliers, such as hotels, clinics, doctors, and lawyers, receipts are printed and must include name, address and nine-digit tax identification number (ΑFM) of the supplier.

Source: AADE

Besides informing travelers of there consumer rights, the AADE aims at the same time to tackle tax evasion which is rampant at popular tourist destinations.

The campaign goes on to note that all suppliers of goods and services are obliged to issue receipts to their customers and informs consumers that they are not obliged to pay in cash or by card if they are not given a valid receipt.

Meanwhile, posters depicting tourist hotspots such as beaches, cafes and restaurants with guidelines and info as to what a receipt should look like will be displayed at airports across Greece and through Google ads.

The campaign concludes: “One more thing. By using your card for your payments and asking for a receipt, you help the Greek Tax Administration collect taxes that are already included in the price you pay. Practically, you contribute to Greece’s financial recovery and offer us the opportunity to provide you with even better services next time you come to our country. Enjoy your stay!”