TRAVEL GUIDE

English (and occasionally other international languages) is widely understood in ho-tels, restaurants, and shops in areas that see many foreign tourists such as Athens and the islands.
Greek is quite difficult for short time visitors to pick up more than a few words. However, just making the effort to speak will be greatly appreciated by Greeks as a sign of respect.
Even just using the following basic phrases, without worrying about the pronunciation, can make you instantly popular!

  • Goodmorning: Kaliméra
  • Hello: Yiasou
  • Thank you: Efcharisto
  • You are welcome/ Please: Parakaló
  • Goodbye: Antio
  • Yes: Né
  • No: hi
  • Can I have some water please? : Ligo nero parakaloó
  • How much is this? : Poso kani?
  • My name is… : Me léne …..
  • What is your name? : Pos se léne?

Greece is 2 hours ahead of London (GMT/UTC +2) and 7 hours ahead of New York (GMT/UTC -4). Daylight saving time (DST) changes do not necessarily occur on the same date every year. However, it is generally between April and October.

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Pack light, natural fabrics and loose-fitting clothes, as well as a sweater or light jacket because it can get chilly at night, even in August. Bring comfortable walking shoes, as well as sandals for the beach. Sunscreen is a must due to the strong summer sun. A wide-brimmed hat is also a good idea, as well as an umbrella (for both sun and rain).

Tip for ladies: For shoes, fat sandals with an ankle strap are perfect. Avoid high heels on the islands’ cobblestone streets; it is better to choose a pair of comfy wedges.

Tipping is optional but is often done in Greece, especially in the tourist industry. In general, a 15% tip is sufficient. Please bear in mind that waiting staff are salaried, so tips are not a required part of the compensation package. Vat at 24% is currently charged on all food and drink. Usually, the prices indicated on menus include all applicable taxes unless stated otherwise.

Tipping guide for various services

  • Transfers | Long drive: €40-50 | Short drive: €10-20
  • Helicopter transfer: €200
  • Tour Guides | Full day: €50 | Half day: €30
  • Motor Yacht Cruises | Full day: €200 | Half day: €100
  • Sailing Yacht Cruises | Private: €100 | Shared: €20

Standard voltage is 220 V (50 Hz AC). Plugs are continental type with two round pins. It is advisable to bring a USA/ European adaptor.

  • Police: 100
  • Fire Department: 199
  • National Health Service: 166
  • Port Police: 108
  • Tourist Police: 171
  • European Emergency Number: 112
  • Food Poisoning Call Centre: 210 7793777

For a detailed list of all the diplomatic missions in Athens, please visit the website of the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs at www.mfa.gr.