Greece

Important to Know before you Go

Overview

Capital:
Athens
Population:
10.75 million
Currency:
Euro (EUR)
Languages:
Greek
Drives on the:
Right
Time zone:
UTC +2

Visa & Entry

Any Traveler must have a passport which is valid for at least six months after your entry date, and at least 90 days after your return date. Canadian, European Union and US passport holders do not need a visa to enter Greece for stays up to 90 days, It is recommanded to check with the Consulate in your country before traveling

Health

There are no health requirements for entering Greece. However, you might want to consider getting a hepatitis vaccination. Ask your physician when planning a trip to Greece.

Weather

Greece enjoys relatively mild winters and lovely, temperate autumn and spring. Average temperatures between January and March tend to range between 10 °C and 15 °C (degrees Celsius), with rain most likely during January. Rain is less likely during February and March. Average temperature in April thru August is about 25 °C to 32 °C degrees. In September through November temperatures can range from 15 °C to 25 °C.

Dressing

Since the weather can be unpredictable anywhere in the world and to be sure you are comfortable during your trip and prepared for all types of weather possibilities, we suggest that you carry a small folding umbrella and take with you a lightweight jacket or sweater
Please dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Arms and legs should be covered. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted. Covered shoulders and skirts below the knee for women, shorts below the knee for men are highly suggested.

Credit Cards & Money

The official currency in Greece is the Euro. Major cities have ATMs. The hotels and some stores will be able to accept major credit cards. However, for street shopping, you will need local currency. You will be able to exchange US dollars, Swiss Frank or Sterling Pound to Euros at the airport, bank, or foreign exchange bureau. Although ATMs are available in major cities, we strongly suggest you bring enough cash. Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted in Greece. If you intend to use traveler’s checks during your trip, please verify they are still accepted in the places visited on your tour.

Shopping

You will certainly have time for shopping, and Greece offers a great variety of goods to satisfy different tastes and price ranges. It is always a good idea to comparison-shop, and exercise the “buyer-beware” rule, just as you do at home. Be sure to inspect the merchandise before you leave the store. Most stores will not allow you to return or exchange purchased items.

Electricity & Power

The electrical current at the hotels in Greece is 230 volts with 50 cycles. On the cruise ships, the electrical current is 220 volts with 50 cycles. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.

Cell Phones & Internet

Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Check in google world connections before

Photography

Cameras and video recorders are allowed almost everywhere in Greece, and in fact, you will want to take plenty of pictures of the magnificent panoramas you’ll encounter as you travel. Photography is generally permitted everywhere except at airports and military installations. Memory cards for digital cameras will also be readily available, especially in major cities.

For your info

The Olympic Games originated in Ancient Greece, with the first event held in 776 BC in Olympia near Greece’s southwest coast.
About 16.5 million tourists visit Greece each year, which is more than the country’s entire population.
Greece is one of the sunniest countries in the world, averaging more than 250 sunny days per year!
Olive trees have been cultivated in Greece since ancient times, and some planted in the thirteenth century are still producing olives today!
There are over 2,000 islands in Greece, but only 170 of them are populated.
Although 170 of the islands are inhabited, 40% of Greece's total population can be found in Athens