The Introduction Of the Euro and Value For Money

This is probably the only negative thing that you will ever here us say about Corfu!

We have been disappointed to note that some tavernas have sought to use the introduction of the Euro as an excuse to increase prices. The casual visitor to Corfu may not realise this as the prices, when compared to much of Europe and the UK in particular, still represent good value.

It seems to us that many people involved in tourism have neglected the fact that Corfu is an unusual island in that many of the visitors return year after year and sometimes as in our own case pre-retirement, many times a year. We are not stupid! We do know that prices have increased way above inflation and we are also capable of making the simple calculation to convert the old prices in drachma to euros and vice versa! I would add that this calculation is still a mystery to many establishments who will work out bills in drachma and then convert it to euros!

All this was summarised perfectly in a short article that appeared in the "Sunday Times" dated August 18th 2002.  The following is quoted verbatim:

Greece: price hike
CURRENCY CHANGES in the eastern Mediterranean have had a dramatic effect on costs for holidaymakers, making Greece much more expensive, but Turkey cheaper.
Sunvil (020 8568 4499), a specialist operator to Greece, says: "There has been a noticeable increase in prices this year. They've had a slow summer, and it's the Greek mentality to raise prices to compensate. Also, the introduction of the euro means tourists don't benefit from the exchange rate with the weak drachma, and locals have rounded up prices." Last year, an average meal for two would have cost about £8; this year, £22 is typical.
The Greek Institute For Consumer Protection has reported that traders have hiked up prices by up to 200% since January, particularly in the restaurant industry.
Turkey, however, has become much cheaper as the lira has plummeted by 20% in the past six months.
The tourist board says: "It's probably the cheapest it's been in Turkey for the past 10 years."

As we have stated, prices are certainly cheaper in most cases than in the UK, but the price hikes have not gone unnoticed! However, for the benefit of those that intend predominantly to 'self cater', we can report that the supermarkets do not seem to have adopted the same attitude, particularly the larger ones nearer Corfu Town. (E.g., AB (formerly Trofo), Diellas, Lidl etc.). Corfu market still represents excellent value for money. 

The Last Word on Prices!
Our concerns around taverna prices first came to a head when I was charged ten euros for four large Amstel beers. At the current exchange rate with Sterling this is about £6.30 or £1.57 each bottle. I was not impressed, particularly when I consider that 500 - 600 drachma was a regular price last year (Around £1 or less)

As a result of this we have conducted something of a mini survey. Hey! It's a tough job, but someone has to do it! We can report that, so far, we have discovered a variation on the north of the island ranging from €1.40 to €2.5. Neither are misprints and in each case the prices relate to a large bottle of Amstel beer! Interestingly, we have noticed that beers like Heineken which we believe to be imported are frequently the same price.

This might be a naughty thought, but I wonder if there is the same profit margin on imported beers! .....................