FAQ
What is the currency in Greece?
Greece is a European Union member; euros have been the official currency of Greece since 2001. Having some euros in your pocket when you arrive can give you peace of mind for the start of your trip. Banks will have the best exchange rates but your best bet in getting local currency is to use your debit card via ATMs located everywhere throughout Greece.
What is the official language in Greece? Do most people in Greece speak English?
Although the official language is Greek, a large majority of people in the tourist industry speaks English. English is also part of the standard school curriculum, therefore, most Greek’s will have a good command of the English language as well as a few other languages as well (ex. French, German, Italian etc).
Greek is a particularly difficult language to pick up, so no one will be upset if you do not speak any Greek. Greeks are friendly people who are always eager to help and love it when they hear a stranger speaking their language. So, when planning your trip to Greece, try to learn a few common Greek words like ‘please’ (parakalo), ‘thank you’ (efharisto) and ‘hello’ (yasou) and you will get a favourable response as you try to communicate with the locals.
Street signs in the cities are typically bilingual, but if you’re heading further afield, it’s worth learning the Greek alphabet as well, to help you navigate.
In which time zone is Greece?
Eastern European Time (EET), UTC +2
Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), UTC +3) starts March 28, 2021
What’s Greece’s calling code?
The country code for Greece is +30 which will allow you to make an international call to Greece from another country. Greece telephone code 30 is dialed after the IDD (International Direct Dialing). Greece’s country code +30 is followed by an area code and phone number.
National Celebrations & Public Holidays
Greece has public holidays of which some are fixed into a certain date and others are moveable:
Public Holidays in Greece That Are Fixed
- New Years Day: 1st of January
- Epiphany: 6th of January|
- 25th of March: Independence Day & Celebration of Evangelismos (Annunciation)
- 1st of May. Labor Day: Flower feasts all around Greece.
- 15th of August: Assumption of the Virgin Mary
- 28th of October: National Celebration
- Christmas: 25th-26th of December
- Ash Monday: 41 days before Easter. It is the day people begin the Lent. On Ash Monday Greeks fly kites, eat meatless food and celebrate Koulouma.
- Easter: From Holy Friday until Easter Monday.
- Pentecost: It is celebrated 50 days after Easter
Do I need a Visa to Visit Greece?
Greece is a Member-State of the European Union, and has signed the Schengen Agreement. While traveling within the E.U., you only need your Identity card. However, a passport is necessary for a number of other transactions, such as currency exchange, purchases, etc.
Visas are not required by European citizens from countries that are part of the Schengen Area. Greece as a member of the Schengen Agreement, has abolished controls on common internal lands, at air and sea borders and allows Member-State citizens to travel around without a visa for a short stay period of up to three (3) months. However, keep in mind that airlines and other carriers require a valid passport and/or identity card.
Citizens coming from countries that have not yet joined the Schengen Area may require a visa to enter Greece. The E.U. visitors from these countries can acquire further information from the Hellenic Embassies or Consulates in their countries, or from their travel agencies. Before visiting Greece, please consult the detailed information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website and find out whether you require a Visa. Note: During your stay in Greece, if you require a Visa, you are advised to have suitable insurance coverage for emergency medical or other needs.
Where can I find more traveler rights information?
For more info on travelers rights in Greece please visit https://eeke.gr/en/traveler-primer/.
Is Greece safe to visit?
Greece is considered one of the safest destination countries in the world. Travelers are, of course, advised to use the normal precautions that they would in any other European country.
Are there any Health requirements to visit Greece?
No special vaccinations or immunizations are needed when travelling to Greece.
In order to have access to necessary health care, tourists from member states of the European Union (EU) wishing to visit Greece must be holders of the European Health Card (EHIC) or any other legal Community document issued by their competent social security agency. Tourists from countries other than the member states of the European Union must consult their social security agency for information before travelling.
What are the most important emergency telephone numbers to remember when travelling within Greece?
- European emergency number: 112
- Ambulance Service: 166
- SOS Doctors : 1016
- Duty Hospitals and Clinics: 1434
- Pharmacies: 1434
- Poisoning First Aid: 210 77 93 777
- Police: 100
- Tourist Police: 1571
Am I protected as a tourist-consumer in Greece?
As a tourist-consumer you are protected by Greek Legislation concerning consumer protection for all your transactions while traveling in the country. In case of an omission or an infringement of the afore-mentioned, you may call the Tourist Police at 1571. In case you need to file a complaint please contact the Greek Ministry of Tourism by sending an email to: touristcomplaints@mintour.gr.
When is the best time to visit Greece?
Greece has a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine, mild temperatures and a limited amount of rainfall. The sun is shining over Greece all year round. The climate is one of the best in Europe, with mild winters and very hot summers, ideal for tourism. So you can Visit Greece whenever you like and it's convenient to you to discover its history and culture and visit its beauties!
In summer, the dry hot days are cooled by seasonal winds called the meltemi, while mountainous regions have generally lower temperatures.
The winters are mild in lowland areas, with a minimum amount of snow and ice, yet, mountains are usually snow-covered. Moreover, a common phenomenon is the occurrence of different climatic conditions during the same season (for instance, mild heat in coastal areas and cool temperatures in mountainous regions).
If you want to travel to the Greek islands in order to avoid the tourist-packed high season or/and the summer heat, you are advised to visit in autumn, September to mid-October, or spring and early summer, mid-April to end May.
If you need further information about the weather please, check the weather on the destination page or contact us back. We will be happy to assist you!
Can I travel with my pet in Greece?
With a safe rural environment and great nature, the Greek islands and mainland destinations are fantastic places for pets. Here are some practical rules and legal regulations about traveling with pets in Greece.
The standard requirements for bringing a pet into Greece are that your pet must be micro- chipped and registered, blood tested and must have had a rabies vaccination within the last 12 months, more than 30 days prior to travel.
Cats and dogs travelling to Greece will need to comply with the Pet Passport Scheme. Throughout the EU there are standard rules for the issuing of a Pet Passport and animals travelling within the EU are required to have one.
Is Greece a kids- friendly destination?
Your children can really have the time of their lives here. Smiley faces and hospitality, family warmth and peace, security, untouched nature and magnificent food give a unique combination, making Greece the number one family destination worldwide. Either way, mums and dads, be prepared to relax and have a good time in a country where everyone, young and old is a kid!
Can I use my electric appliances in Greece?
Electric current- The “norm” in Greece is 230V AC (50Hz). Appliances from North America need a transformer and those from England an adaptor.
