Greece’s ‘Apodixi Please’ Campaign Calls on Tourists to Request Receipts

Greece’s tax authorities are telling tourists to always ask for a receipt for their transactions as part of the latest “Apodixi Please!” (Receipt Please) campaign, launched this week for the third year in an attempt to tackle tax evasion.

The country’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) said the campaign is aimed at informing foreign visitors about their consumer rights through “Apodixi Please!” posters at airports countrywide which also provide examples of what legal receipts should look like.

The poster encourages tourists to request a receipt for products or services adding that they do not have to pay if they are not given one and that they do have the option of paying with credit card.

Among others, according to Greek law, hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, car rental services and suppliers of goods and services (taxis and kiosks are exceptions) are required to accept debit, credit or prepaid cards.

All of the above establishments are also required to have electronic cash registers and are not allowed to issue documents that are handwritten or printed on plain paper.

At the same time, a QR Code on the poster links back to the Greek tax authority’s webpage where additional information is provided on consumer rights.

Lastly, in its announcement, AADE notes that “by using your card for payments and requesting a receipt, you help Greek tax authorities collect taxes which are already included in the price you pay. In effect, you are giving us the opportunity to provide you with even better services the next time you visit our country”.

The previous Apodixi Please! campaigns were launched in 2018 and 2019.