Money :
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, divided into 100 cents. Banks and bureaux de change are widely available and travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining euros.
Time :
Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 between the last Sunday in April and the last Sunday in October).
Electricity :
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the European-style two-pin and the round three-pin.
Language :
Greek is the national language, but English is widely spoken.
Getting Around :
A comprehensive bus system makes Crete easy to travel around, with frequent services along the north coast, and less frequent buses servicing places of interest on the south coast via the mountainous interior. There are also many tour companies in the towns and resorts that offer excursions to all the major sites around the island. Ferries link the towns along the south coast and the islands, but many only operate during summer. Taxis can be hired to all sites and are reasonable especially if shared with two or three people; travel agents can find drivers that speak English to act as a guide as well. For those with limited time on the island, hiring a car is the most flexible way to get around outside the cities and towns, although travellers should be warned that Crete has an exceptionally high road fatality rate due to rough surfaces and curving mountain roads, particularly in the south. It does however allow one to leave the overdeveloped tourist trail and explore the real Crete, and there is no shortage of car rental companies in all the main towns and at the airports. Mopeds and motorbikes can also be hired, but again can be dangerous on winding, potholed roads.
Health :
There are no specific health risks in Greece, but visitors who plan to walk through forested areas are advised to consider vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis. Medical facilities in Greece vary; those in major cities are excellent but many of the islands are some distance from a decent hospital. Food and water are safe, but those visiting for short periods should consider sticking to bottled water. UK nationals are entitled to a refund on emergency hospital treatment under a reciprocal agreement between the UK and Greece, and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be taken on holiday for this purpose. Despite this, all visitors are advised to take out medical insurance. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for those arriving from infected areas.
Tipping :
A service charge is often included in the bill at a restaurant. If not, leave between 10 to 15%. For drinks at cafes, round the bill up to the nearest euro. Taxis expect change as do cloak room attendants and porters.
Safety :
There is a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks and visitors are urged to be vigilant in public places, including tourist sites. The bombs that exploded in central Athens outside a police station on 5 May 2004 were not targeted at tourists, but visitors could be caught up accidentally in such incidents. Greece is otherwise considered a safe destination, but the height of the tourist season does usually see an increase in petty theft cases, particularly in crowded areas. Visitors are advised not to carry valuables on them. Violent crime is infrequent, but there have been incidents on some Greek islands and lone visitors are advised not to accept lifts from strangers.
Customs :
Indecent behaviour is not tolerated and the police will not hesitate to arrest or fine offenders. Some form of official identification should be carried at all times.
Business :
Business in Greece is conducted in a similar fashion to Italy or Spain rather than their northern European counterparts. A formal dress style is adhered to; dark, conservative suits for men and women are best. Punctuality is not often practiced in Greece and often hosts arrive late to meetings. A firm handshake with eye contact is the norm for greeting men and women for the first time. Business cards should be printed in both Greek and English, although there is no ritual surrounding the exchange. Greeks like to get to know their business colleagues before conducting any serious business so don't expect to close a deal at the first meeting. Greek culture adheres to a hierarchical structure and respect should be shown accordingly. The giving of gifts is common in social circumstances though not necessarily in business. Business hours are generally 8.30am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Duty Free :
Travellers from non-EU countries do not pay duty when entering Greece for 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco; 1 litre of spirits with alcohol volume over 22%, or 2 litres of dessert wine not exceeding 22% alcohol volume and sparkling wine, and 2 litres of table wine; 50g perfume or 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods for non-commercial value to the value of EUR175 for adults and EUR90 for children under 15 years.
Communications :
The international access code for Greece is +30. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The city code for Athens is 210. There are often surcharges on calls made from hotels and it is generally cheaper to use OTE (Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation) offices for local and international calls. Calls can also be made from public card phone booths and cards can be bought from kiosks or OTE offices. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Coverage is exceptional. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts and are cheaper than accessing the Internet from hotels.
Contacts :
Emergencies: 100 (Police); 166 (Ambulance), 171 (Tourist Police).
