The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, divided into 100
cents. Banks and bureaux de change are widely available and
travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs
are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient
method of obtaining euros.
Currency Exchange Rates
EUR 1.00 =
rate 1.36
rate 0.68
rate 1.51
rate 1.66
rate 9.47
rate 1.00
rate 1.85
Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.
Language:
Greek is the national language, but English is widely
spoken.
Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens require a passport valid for at least three months
after the end of their stay. No visa is required for a stay of up
to three months if coming as a tourist.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland) require a passport valid for the intended period of stay,
but a visa is not required. If passport is endorsed with British
National (Overseas), Isle of Mann, Jersey, or Guernsey and its
dependencies, then visa exemption is for up to three months. Other
UK passport holders require a visa.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians must have a valid passport (must be valid at least
three months beyond period of intended stay). No visa is required
for a stay of up to three months, provided coming for touristic
purposes.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians require a passport valid at least three months
beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay
of up to three months.
Entry requirements for South African:
South Africans must have a passport valid at least three months
beyond expiry date of the visa. A visa is required. Greece accepts
visas issued by other Schengen States according to the Schengen
Agreement. Visitors must hold medical travel insurance.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals must hold a passport valid for the period of
their intended stay, but no visa is necessary.
Entry requirements for New Zeland nationals:
New Zealand citizens require a passport (must be valid at least
three months beyond period of intended stay). No visa is required
for a stay of up to three months, provided coming for touristic
purposes.
Passport/Visa Note:The borderless region known as the Schengen area
includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these
countries issue a standard Schengen visa that allows the holder, in
principal, to travel freely within the borders of all. Travellers
to Greece must hold visible means of support. It is recommended to
hold return/onward ticket. If arriving with a one-way ticket,
passengers may be asked for proof of sufficient funds for the
return/onward journey. Passports must be valid for at least three
months after period of stay, or three months after the expiry of
the visa.
Embassy or Consulate in US:
Greek Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 939
1300.
Embassy or Consulate in UK:
Greek Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7229
3850.
Embassy or Consulate in Canada:
Greek Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 6271.
Embassy or Consulate in Australia:
Greek Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3011.
Embassy or Consulate in South Africa:
Greek Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 7351.
US Embassy or Consulate:
United States Embassy, Athens: +30 210 721 2951.
UK Embassy or Consulate:
British Embassy, Athens: +30 210 727 2600.
Canadian Embassy or Consulate
Canadian Embassy, Athens: +30 210 727 3400.
Australian Embassy or Consulate:
Australian Embassy, Athens: +30 210 870 4000.
South African Embassy or Consulate:
South African Embassy, Athens: +30 210 610 6645.
Health:There are no specific health risks in Greece, but visitors
who plan to walk through forested areas are advised to consider
vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis. Medical facilities in
Greece vary; those in major cities are excellent but many of the
islands are some distance from a decent hospital. Food and water
are safe, but those visiting for short periods should consider
sticking to bottled water. UK nationals are entitled to a refund on
emergency hospital treatment under a reciprocal agreement between
the UK and Greece, and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
should be taken on holiday for this purpose. Despite this, all
visitors are advised to take out medical insurance. Yellow fever
vaccination certificates are required for those arriving from
infected areas. Bird flu was detected in swans in northern Greece
in February 2006, but stringent measures have been taken to contain
the outbreak; no human infections have been reported. The risk to
people is believed to be very low, but visitors are advised to
avoid any contact with caged, wild or domestic birds, and to ensure
that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked as a
precaution.
TippingThe tip is often included in the bill in a restaurant. If
not, leave between 10 to 15 percent. For drinks at cafes, round the
bill up to the nearest euro. Taxis expect change as do cloak room
attendants and porters.
SafetyThere is a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks and
visitors are urged to be vigilant in public places, including
tourist sites. The bombs that exploded in central Athens outside a
police station on 5 May 2004 were not targeted at tourists, but
visitors could be caught up accidentally in such incidents. Greece
is otherwise considered a safe destination, but the height of the
tourist season does usually see an increase in petty theft cases,
particularly in crowded areas. Visitors are advised not to carry
valuables on them. Violent crime is infrequent, but there have been
incidents on some Greek islands and lone visitors are advised not
to accept lifts from strangers.
Customs: Indecent behaviour (e.g. mooning) is not tolerated and the
police will not hesitate to arrest or fine offenders. Some form of
official identification should be carried at all times.
Communications: The international access code for Greece is +30.
The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0044 for the United Kingdom). The city code for Athens is 21. There
are often surcharges on calls made from hotels and it is generally
cheaper to use OTE (Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation)
offices for local and international calls. Calls can also be made
from public card phone booths and cards can be bought from kiosks
or OTE offices. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks
and have roaming agreements with most international operators.
Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts and are
cheaper than accessing the Internet from hotels.
Duty Free:Travellers from non-EU countries do not pay duty when
entering Greece for 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50
cigars, or 250g tobacco; 1 litre of spirits with alcohol volume
over 22%, or 2 litres of dessert wine not exceeding 22% alcohol
volume and sparkling wine, and 2 litres of table wine; 50g perfume
or 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods for non-commercial value
to the value of EUR175 for adults and EUR90 for children under 15
years.
