Helpful Tips For Your Visit To Greece

Helpful tips for your visit to Greece

The Greek people are known to be hospitable and friendly.  I have traveled all over Greece for years, alone and with my family.  I have made so many new friends who would not let me leave without taking something home with me.  I have been offered numerous bottles of homemade wine, breads, cheeses, various sweets and many little knick-knacks.  My children have been given tons of free ice cream, chocolate bars, hard candy and in some cases they were even given small toys by total strangers.  Many tourists enjoy biking or hiking around Greece and some have told me about locals who saw them sleeping on the beach and offered their homes or others who were stopping for a break and they were brought a cold drink or a plate of food.  

Crime is something new to the Greek people and when I say crime I mean the things you see in your news everyday are relatively new to us.  You should use the same personal precautions that you would at home and keep an eye on your possessions.  The chances of being robbed or part of some kind of violent crime are slim to none but it is still a very good idea to be prudent about your surroundings and belongings.   

Expect things to be different here in Greece.  You are not traveling through your own country or any other country, this is Greece – there is no comparison.  We have different customs, a different mentality, different foods, different ways of doing things, different music, different passions and things that make us angry, and although everything may not be agreeable to you, please do try to respect us while here.  The Greek people are mostly very laid back and like to enjoy good food, music, drink and good company with animated conversations.  Yet being very passionate people you can expect some tempers to be short and some discussions to get loud.  During my first week in Greece I saw two men arguing in the street.  It looked like they were ready to start hitting each other.  Arms flailing, pointing in different directions, both shouting... I couldn't imagine what was happening.  I asked my friend who told me that one guy was giving the other guy directions!  

The best advice I can offer is to just go with the flow, try everything, say hello to everyone you interact with, learn a few words in Greek (which will be GREATLY appreciated) and taste anything that is offered to you!  I tried "patsas" after a night out because everyone was eating this soup that was the common after hours go to.  The bowl arrived and I was mortified because it was made from sheep entrails.  I tried it, knowing I wasn't a fan of liver and being certain I wasn't a fan of anything else in that bowl.  I didn't like it but the people I was with were laughing, graciously took my bowl away and asked me if I would prefer a bowl of beef soup or some crepes. I went for the gyro and they loved it that I tried to like Patsas.     

General information for your trip:

Many shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards and some may charge a fee for accepting them.  Visa and Master Card are your best bet, Discover does not exist here.  Always ask in advance if you plan to use a credit card. 

During the spring, summer and fall, there are lots of mosquitoes and flies, especially on the islands.  Mosquito repellant is helpful, and the supermarkets sell a clever device that plugs into any wall socket and keeps mosquitoes away while sleeping.  They also keep flies away so it is good to purchase one when you arrive and keep it with you wherever you go.  You can purchase the device with a bottle of liquid or tablets which will be enough to last throughout your visit. 

Tap water on most Greek islands is not potable so note to drink only bottled water.  Bottled water is available at every shop that sells food and at the kiosks and supermarkets.  Drinking the local water should not make you sick but it does not taste very good.  Use tap water for your bath or shower and for brushing your teeth without worry.

Money exchange is done at just about every bank in Greece.  You will also find money exchanges in tourist areas such as Syntagma in Athens.  It might be helpful to comparison shop for the commission rates as some are higher than others.  The currency is the Euro (€), and the exchange rate fluctuates throughout the year.  For shopping, you can use cash, travelers' checks and credit cards, but many merchants who honor credit cards charge an extra 5% on your purchase and travelers checks are frowned upon as they are difficult to cash.  The Alpha Bank will cash American Express Travelers Checks without a fee.  It's always cheaper and easier to use cash and in most shops you can haggle a bit with cash.  Cash advances against your credit and debit cards can be made at the local banks, and all banks now have cash machines, this is usually the best way to travel as most banks do not charge an international fee (check with your bank for details) and the commission ranges from a euro to 2 euro per transaction. Banks are open Monday thru Thursday, 08:30 - 14:30, and on Friday, 08:30 - 14:00.  Capital Controls do not apply to tourists.

Language is always a challenge!   Most shops, restaurants, and hotels have English-speaking personnel, but it's always appreciated when you make the effort to speak the local language.  Foreign language newspapers and magazines are sold at the news shops. 

Coffee is something like a national pastime in Greece although the official national pastime is backgammon (you can usually find a board in every coffee shop).  Coffee is available in several forms.  The traditional Greek/Turkish coffee is available everywhere.  All hotels and restaurants also serve instant coffee (Nescafe), and fresh-brewed is beginning to catch on just about everywhere.  Also popular and refreshing is a form of iced instant coffee called frappe and the latest addition is the Italian “Freddo” which is a cold version of the traditional Italian cappuccino and of course cappuccino.   

Kiosks are tiny booths located throughout Greece that sell cigarettes, candy, film, water, soft drinks, etc. They are usually open from early morning until late at night. 

Inexpensive cell phones can be purchased at phone shops such as “Vodafone,” “Germanos,” and “OTE Shop.”  You can purchase units of €5, €10, €15 & €20 at just about any phone shop, supermarket or kiosk to go with them and have a phone while you are here.

Pack clothing and personal belongings sparingly.  You will not find help carrying your luggage through airports or on and off ferryboats.  By law drivers and those who work on the ships, planes and trains are not required to assist passengers and are requested to try not to handle your luggage. 

Laundry services are available at most hotels for a fee and the fee is usually quite high.  Unless you are renting a house with a washing machine, bring clothing that is easily hand-washed. There are few or no self-service Laundromats in Greece but there are Laundromats where you can take your clothing to be laundered for you, for a fee.  Professional dry cleaning is available but is a bit expensive. 

Razors, hairdryers and other small appliances use 220 volts in Greece.  If your appliances do not convert to this current, bring a transformer purchased from home (adapters only work if your appliance clearly states it will accept 220 volts).  The difference; you plug your 110v hairdryer into a transformer which actually converts the electrical input from 220v so your blow dryer does not get too much electric and burn out.  An adapter is a small plug ending that you put on your blow dryer and it fits into the wall outlet.  If your appliance does not clearly state 220v, it will burn, if it accepts the voltage and you have an adapter, you are ready to go.  Take this advice from me and heed it, I have burned many appliances!

Except for any special prescription drugs you may be taking, most general drugs and medications are readily available at local pharmacies without a prescription.  Supplies for contact lenses are sold here as well.

Quiet time in Greece (the siesta) is usually between the hours of two and six in the afternoon.  Everything is open Monday-Friday from 8am until about 14:00.  Most shops reopen at 18:00-22:00 (on Mon. Wed. & Friday) hours may be longer or different on the islands.  Tavernas, cafes and restaurants close by 15:00 and reopen for dinner at 19:00, though the locals tend to eat much later.

As you can see, schedules and times in Greece are based on the 24-hour clock, i.e., one o'clock in the afternoon is 13:00.  Weights, measures and distances are Metric.

Always wear comfortable walking shoes and sun block, and having a hat and a bottle of water handy, are important for all of your adventures in Greece! 

Travel Safe & Enjoy our BEAUTIFUL country!!

Kalo Taxidi!!