Health & Safety
No vaccinations or immunization are needed when travelling to Greece. In order to have access to necessary health care, tourists from countries other than the member states of the European Union wishing to visit Greece must consult their social security agency for information before travelling.
Keep in mind to practice normal precautions just like travelling to any European nation. Safeguard yourself from pickpockets: don’t keep valuables in your back pocket and don’t let anyone help you at an ATM stall. Make sure not to drink from tap especially in small islands, it is safer to buy bottled water.
Currency Information
As a member-state of the European Union, Greece uses its uniform currency – the Euro. Euro banknotes are: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500, while Euro coins denominations are: 1 Euro and 2 Euro, and the cents are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50.
Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies.
Currency exchange rates are displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks.
ATMs is widely accepted in the country; ATM machines are available in major cities but not much in the smaller islands. The most accepted card is Visa and MasterCard that can be use when purchasing at some shops and hotel, still better to have sufficient cash.
Tipping
Unlike some countries with standard tipping practices and rates, Greece has a variety of customs around gratuity. In restaurants, tipping is expected (particularly from tourists); leave at least 5% and as much as 10%, if you received great service. Aim to leave tips for waiters in cash, as it’s common for servers to not receive gratuities left on credit card transactions.
For private tour guide or private driver about €20 Euro per person per day,
In hotels, for bellboys/porter €1 Euro per bag; for housekeeping €1 Euro per day, for concierge about €2-5 Euros.
For the taxi drivers serving tourist expects tips, about 10 percent of the fare.
Photography
In general, it is allowed to take photos and video recording provided that you are not using tripods and flashlights. Furthermore, you can check or contact museum officials in advance in order to check if you need to pay an extra fee or get a special permission for the use of camera or video camera.
Photography is strictly prohibited at military establishments, such as camps and airports. It is also not allowed to take photos of monks in monasteries.
Internet Access
Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, cafes, bars and restaurant, most especially in the touristic areas in Greece. Alternatively, you can pick up a local SIM card with a data package for continuous internet access.
Greek Cuisine
Greek cuisine is rich in authentic flavors and aromas represents an age-old cultural unity. It has a history of around 4,000 years, with special characteristics based on pure and unique quality goods of the Greek land. Greek cuisine favors simplicity and relies primarily on fresh local produce. Olive oil and feta cheese are two essential staple for any Greek and fresh ingredients like vegetables, nuts, beans and grains.
When in Greece these are just few of the must try dishes: Moussaka, Fasolatha, Koulori, Loukomades, Souvlaki, Dolmades, Spanakopita, Gyros, Baklava, Pastitsio, Greek coffee and Greek Salad, Drinks-wise, locals will savor a Greek coffee at a kafeneio (coffeehouse) or glass of anise-flavoured ouzo (diluted with water) at an ouzeri – along with a couple of mezedhes (appetizers) – for hours. There’s also tsipouru (fermented distilled grape skins), raki (a tsipouru from Crete) and retsina (white wine flavoured with pine resin).
Climate
Greece’s coast and islands enjoy a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and windy, rainy winters, while the inland regions have a more continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. In the northern mountains, close to the Bulgarian border, the winters are cold with heavy snowfall, while the summers are relatively mild.
Electricity
Greece operates on a 230v standard voltage and 50Hz standard frequency and utilizes Type C “Europlug” and Type F “Schuko” two round-prong outlets.
Hotels’ Check in / Check out time and Room Types
The general check-in time in Greece is 14:00-15:00 and check out time is 12:00. Request for early check in and/or late check-out, depends on the availability of the hotel and it is not guaranteed. Additional charges will be made according to hotel’s rules and policies. Double room, twin bedded and single room are available to most hotels. For triple sharing, it is either double or twin room with 1 extra roll away bed or a sofa bed.
Domestic Flights
Athens International Airport (IATA code: ATH and ICAO code: LGAV) is the point of entry into Greece.
Athens International Airport is linked to the suburban network, the underground metro and with many bus routes that run to central destinations in Athens, as well as to the ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrion very convenient for passengers intending to depart the same day for the islands.
Another primary airport is the Heraklion International Airport (IATA code: HER and ICAO code: LGIR) it is situated on the island of Crete, Greece and is the second busiest airport in the country. This airport is popular most especially during summer, as it serves a gateway to all regions of the northern Greece. Airlines usually request the passenger to not take videos or photograph of the runway as the Hellenic Air Force base operates at the airport as well, it is a shared civil/military facility.
Travelling Between the Islands of Greece
All Greek islands are easily accessible by daily ferry boats. Ferries in Greece is a great and comfortable alternative to expensive plane tickets.
There are 3 main types of Greek ferries:
Car ferries – This is the largest and common, it carries vehicles apart from passengers. It is mostly used to cover short distances and are more economical but are also considered not eco-friendly.
Catamaran – It is a multi-hulled or two-hulled ship. Catamarans have a larger width compared to classical types of ships and therefore they are more stable on the water. They can also reach a greater speed because they do not get much drag. There is a type of catamaran that carries only passengers and another that carries both passengers and vehicles.
Small ferries – These ferries are like catamaran but smaller, Superjet and Supercat. These will have the bumpiest rides and are not a great choice if you have trouble with seasickness. They’re also more likely to get cancelled due to bad weather.
All ferries have good and clean toilets and snack bars that offer food and drinks on board that are on reasonable price and good quality.
Responsible Travel
- We are partnered with local Tour Operator Company that hires local driver, certified local guides to applicable local communities.
- We encourage to support rural communities and traditions. Community-based tourism based on accommodation, tours, restaurants and food from local producers that can provide and give opportunities to help local earn a living.
- Try to avoid buying mineral bottled-water. Fill a re-usable water bottle with filtered water.
- Wildfires are a major problem in Greece. When disposing flammable material such as match, cigarettes etc., be sure that it is completely out.
- Do not buy any coral products or natural sponges, most likely it is collected irresponsibly.
- When staying at hotels, conserve water and make sure to turn off all the lights and air-conditioning when going out.