Advices for Travellers


Is this your first time to the beautiful country of Greece? Don’t worry! Below, you will find an interesting list with all the things you should know before you travel in the country. This is a very useful article for the organization of your vacations, the best way to familiarize with the reality of Greece!

GENERAL ADVICE

Do not forget your passport. Always have the needed travel documents with you, and also get informed for the phone number of your Embassy in Greece in case you need it.

Book your hotel early. As Greece is one of the most visited countries, it is advisable to make your bookings early including accommodation and transportation.

It is advisable to visit one or two islands in your summer visit. Island hopping is a nice experience; however, the majority of the islands are big and one day is not enough to explore them. Give every island the time it deserves.

If you are a person with special needs, it is advisable to book early your special cabin in the ferries of Greece. Make sure your hotel is easily accessible for you. Generally, the country is not organized very well for the disabled persons. However, people will be more than helpful with you.

Always have cash with you. In some cases, restaurants and shops do not accept credit cards. So make sure you find an ATM and always have a credit card with you.

Mainland Greece hides an abundant number of beauties. Let’s say, it includes the less advertised areas of the country. Make the difference and search for the destinations of Mainland Greece. It’s always a good idea to bring binoculars with you!

You may encounter stray animals on the streets. This is one of the main problems of the country. Dogs and cats walk on the streets of every city and island. Locals are friendly enough to feed them. So, don’t be afraid. The stray animals are usually friendly!

In Greece, there are many churches and monasteries. The main religion of the country is Christian Orthodoxy, so the majority of the people are bonded with religion. Visitors should be properly dressed when visiting the religious sights.

The Internet connections in Greece are easy enough. If you have a laptop, tablet or smart phone, you can easily connect in various several WIFI spots in squares, malls and tube stations. Also, the hotels offer Internet connection along with Internet cafes and shops.

Get informed of the working days and hours of the museums and the archaeological sites before visiting. Usually, they are open from morning till midday except from Mondays and Sundays. Some archaeological sites are open till sunset.

SHOPPING ADVICE

You can find shopping stores almost everywhere in the country. From large malls to small shops and gift shops, Greece has everything. Also, there are flea markets and open grocery markets in various areas.

The majority of the shopping stores accept credit cards. However, small local stores including grocery stores, taverns and flea markets usually do not accept credit cards. So, always have cash with you.

Shopping hours in Greece vary. Generally, the shopping hours are from 09:00 to 15.00 on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and from 09:00 to 14:00 and 18:00 to 21:00 on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Large malls are open till evening in weekdays. Shops in the island are usually open all day long on a daily basis.

Tipping in Greece is compulsory. You can tip, as you like.

MONEY ADVICE

Euro is the official currency of Greece.

Currency exchange rates are displayed in the banks accepting currency exchange while credit card holders can acquire money from the cash machines (ATM) of the collaborating banks.

Banks in Greece are open for the public from 08.00 to 14:30 from Monday to Thursday and from 08:00 to 13:30 on Fridays. The banks are closed on Public Holidays.

Foreign currency exchange offices are usually situated in the airports, main ports, large cities and main destinations. A passport is required for exchanging currencies.

Always have cash with you. In some cases, restaurants and shops do not accept credit cards. So make sure you find an ATM and always have a credit card with you.

PACKING ADVISE

When travelling in Greece, it is advisable not to forget your map, your camera, your sunglasses, your plug adaptor and you sun screen.

Make sure you get informed on the weather conditions of the period you visit the country, before packing your suitcase. Whether it is winter, summer, autumn or spring, visit the weather websites to get informed.

The camera is one of the most important gadgets of your visit in Greece. You will definitely regret it if you forget it! So, make sure you bring all the camera accessories with you including batteries and storage cards.

SAFETY ADVICE

Greece is a safe country. No matter what you might have heard, the crime rate of the country is not that high. Crime in smaller areas is almost inexistent.

It is advisable to lock your valuable objects in your hotel safes.

Pay attention when crossing a street, as some drivers might ignore pedestrian signs.

Always have a bottle of water with you especially in the summer. Temperatures can be high enough.

Call 100 for the police or 166 for hospital care.

COMMUNICATION ADVICE

It is easy to communicate with Greek people, as they are familiarized with travelers. Even if you don’t speak English fluently, you will be able to communicate. So, don’t you worry about that!

The signs of the streets are usually both in Greek and English. So, if you decide to rent a car most probably you will not get lost. However, always have a map with you!

Greeks are friendly. Always ask for their help if you need it!

It is an insult to show your palm with the fingers extended in Greece. It is widely known as mountza and it shows disappointment.