UsefulInformation

Greece’s currency is the euro (€).

There are various ways to access your funds in Greece. You can exchange money at any foreign or Greek bank (National Bank, Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank) or at currency exchange bureaus, which you can find at the Athens International Airport, the port of Piraeus, and in the most popular areas downtown like Syntagma and Omonoia.

You can withdraw some money from any ATM and receive euros. This is probably the easiest and least expensive option. ATMs are available in every central town and city, and every Greek island has at least one machine.

Greek ATMs also only accept 4-digit PINs; if yours is different, check with your bank to change your number before you depart.

NOTE: Avoid ATMs with the ending net (e.g., Moneynet), as they charge up to 20% commission.

All major credit cards are widely accepted in Greece, though some establishments may not accept American Express and Diners.

According to the US State Department, Greece is considered safe and a “Level One” destination. The department advises travelers to use “normal precautions.”

In other words, exercise the same level of awareness and savviness you would in any other European nation. Safeguard yourself from pickpockets: don’t keep valuables in your back pocket, don’t let anyone “help” you at an ATM, and keep your wits about you in busy areas or scooter-heavy thoroughfares.

In Greece, plug types C and F are used, with a 230V supply voltage and a 50Hz frequency. Round 2-pin plugs are used.

North American visitors will need a converter, and British visitors will need an adaptor. Most hotels may be able to provide these adaptors; otherwise, you can buy them at the airport or electrical supply stores.

Tap water is safe to drink on the mainland in larger cities like Athens, but stick to bottled water if you’re in a smaller town off the beaten track or if you’re exploring the islands.

You may wear whatever suits you best and makes you comfortable; smart casual is accepted everywhere, even in high-end restaurants. Try to avoid shorts and flip-flops in high-end places. We recommend casual clothes for your walking tours and when visiting archaeological sites.

One notification: Long trousers for men and overcoats that cover the shoulders and skirts up to the knee for women when visiting religious places (monasteries churched, etc.)

Tipping is optional in Greece, and the amount depends on the quality of the services you receive. Since there is no typical percentage of the tipping amount, you do not need to worry about over or undertipping.

You may find an indicative tipping list:

• Licensed tour guides: 20-50 Euros, depending on the duration of the guidance
• Airport porters: 5-10 Euros
• Drivers: 5-10 Euros for a transfer and 20-60 Euros per day for a day tour or a multi-day tour
• Coffee shops-Bars-Restaurants: 5-10% of the bill

It is entirely up to you whether you choose to tip or not, and no one will be offended either way.

Greece has mild winters and warm summers, cooled by different seasonal winds.

Greece’s summers are characterized by sunshine and very little rainfall, so great temperatures and successful summer holidays are guaranteed.

The weather of the Aegean islands and the Ionian seas is milder. Even during the hot summer days, there is a pleasant breeze at night, and on most days, a light jacket is required.

Summer in Greece usually starts in April and lasts until mid-November.

• 6 March (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
• 18April (International Monuments Day)
• 18May (International Museums Day)
• The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
• 28October (National Holiday), and
• every first Sunday of each month from November 1st until March 31st