Frequently Asked Questions about Greece
QUESTION
What are must items to pack in the case?
ANSWER
As little as possible. Forget heavy stuff like sun cream – there are plenty of shops selling basic goods. Things I always pack are tea bags (for a decent cuppa), sink plugs (scarce for some reason) and an old jumper (for sitting on as much as wearing – especially boat seats and taverna chairs).
QUESTION
Should I get a health card?
ANSWER
The old E111 form was scrapped in 2006. If you are travelling to Greece you now need an EHIC – European Health Insurance Card. This covers basic healthcare on short trips around Europe. It entitles you to the same level of healthcare as a local. The card is valid for five years and is only available to UK residents. You can get a EHIC card quickly online at EHIC or call 0845 605 0707 for more information.
QUESTION
Do I need health insurance?
ANSWER
While the EHIC above will cover emergency treatment, it is essential to get good travel insurance. The EHIC card will not cover flights home, accommodation, drug costs etc. It will also not cover loss of luggage or other personal items. Remember too that treatment covered will be for that received by locals and this can vary among EU member states.
QUESTION
Do I need a visa to get a job?
ANSWER
EU nationals can enter Greece indefinitely with just ID. You need a driver’s license for vehicle rental or to drive your own. You can also get work. Authorities, like police, banks, always prefer lots of ID so take some that includes a photo.
Most non- EU Europeans need no visa but can only stay up to 90 days. A three month extension can be negotiated at the local police station. If you are at all unsure check with the Greek embassy.
QUESTION
Should I avoid the Greeks touting for rooms when the ferry comes in?
ANSWER
You often get a good deal this way. Don’t take the first one and compare the prices. Ask to be brought back to the quayside if you decide you don’t like the room. They are usually happy to do this for a small tip. Try asking at the local taverna. The waiter usually knows someone, who knows someone. I’ve often got very good deals by asking around, especially at local car rental firms.
QUESTION
How much should I pay for a room?
ANSWER
Depends on the island and the time of year. Prices drop considerably out of the high season and owners are always prepared to haggle. If you aim for €40 for a double bed, shower and kitchen you should be able to find something decent.
Will my electrical stuff work? A Yes. The standard in Greece is 220V AC (50Hz) but you will need a three-to-two pin adapter.
QUESTION
Greek holiday driving
ANSWER
Are taxis expensive? A Taxi fares are regulated though some drivers will try to rip tourists off. All drivers must switch on the meter when you get in and it is always good to agree a price (per trip not per person) before you get in. Latest fares are on my Info/Travel page. Don’t be alarmed if the driver picks up another fare, this is usual though the driver should ask first if it is OK.
QUESTION
Should I hire a car now or when I get there?
ANSWER
Car hire outfits are plentiful on the islands and most offer good rates. Online firms are very competitive and you get proper insurance cover. For online car hire see my holiday finder pages
QUESTION
Must I wear a seat belt?
ANSWER
Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers though I have yet to see a Greek wearing one,
QUESTION
Do I have to wear a crash helmet?
ANSWER
For emergency roadside help dial 104, for police dial 100, for an ambulance166 and for fire 199. The Automobile and Touring Club of Greece provides 24-hour information to foreign motorists on 174.
What should I do in an accident? A Dial 112 This free 24-hour service was launched in 2001 for visitors. Callers get information in English, French and Greek about ambulance, fire, police and coastguard services, Operators stay on the line in case a tourist needs help with translation.
QUESTION
Are the roads safe?
ANSWER
Greece has one of the highest rates of traffic fatalities in Europe, mostly down to bad driving. Most accidents are on the mainland but island drivers must also contend with poor road surfaces, inadequate signs, unfenced cliffs and stray animals such as goats. Drive very carefully.
QUESTION
Can I drink and drive?
ANSWER
No. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 % with a heavy fine or even prison for offenders. Police take random tests.
QUESTION
What are the speed limits?
ANSWER
Built up areas 50 km/h
Main roads 90 km/h
Motorways 120 km/h
QUESTION
Where can I get the latest ferry timetables?
ANSWER
You can find the latest ferry information posted at the port. Timetables are published and posted on the internet but the information may not be accurate and you shouldn’t rely on it. It is only time the ferry operators hope for. Always allow plenty of leeway in any ferry journey times. There is no need to pre-book, in fact it is best not to as your ferry may not even turn up.
QUESTION
Do I need to pre-book ferry tickets?
ANSWER
Not normally. Check on sailing at the port and buy tickets then. Youmay need to pre-book on popular routes in August and for festivals when the Greeks take their holidays and they all go home to the islands for the break.
QUESTION
Is it OK to drink the water?
ANSWER
Yes, but many find it bitter as it usually has a high mineral content. Personally I think it tastes foul and always buy bottled water.
QUESTION
What is the beer like?
ANSWER
Lager is ubiquitous with Amstel and Heineken the main brands. There are some better Greek beers though. Try Alpha, Fix, Mythos.
QUESTION
Where can you buy food?
ANSWER
Most villages have small mini-markets where you can buy most foodstuffs and other household items. Some villages have bakeries with delicious fresh bread.
QUESTION
Should I leave a tip?
ANSWER
A service charge is 15 per cent and is usually included in the bills but, if service is good, it is customary to leave 10 per cent.
QUESTION
Are Greek pharmacies any good?
ANSWER
A They are usually excellent often having a trainee doctor or some other qualified medic on the staff. Someone usually speaks good English. Medicines can be more expensive than at home.
QUESTION
Do I need a vaccination?
ANSWER
Greece requires no medical inoculations unless you are studying here, in which case an Aids test is required.
QUESTION
What if I need a prescription?
ANSWER
Take your E11 to the doctor, dentist etc and you will be given a health services booklet and directed to an IKA clinic or doctor. Consultation and treatment are free but you may have to pay for any specialist treatment. If you are charged get a receipt and apply for a refund on return to the UK
QUESTION
Are there nude bathing beaches on the islands?
ANSWER
A Public nudity is illegal in Greece but every island has at least one beach where nudity is common.
Is it OK for women to go topless on beaches?
Yes.
QUESTION
Is it safe for women to travel on her own?
ANSWER
Greece is not free from problems but a woman is safer in Greece than many other countries. Stay away from troublespots like Faliraki in Rhodes, Laganas in Greece and anywhere on Ios. There are rising incidences of rape but only in places where loutish behaviour is common among tourists, not Greeks.
QUESTION
Can I phone home?
ANSWER
Getting prepaid phone cards is the cheapest way to make local or international calls. Get them from kiosks and mini-markets. Don’t try call at busy times like early evening.
QUESTION
Should I take my mobile?
ANSWER
Buying a local sim card is the cheaper. A street kiosk will sell one for 15 euros. Calls in Greece cost 0.39 euros/minute and calls back to the UK cost 0.85 euros/minute – much cheaper than roaming on a UK mobile.
QUESTION
Will my mobile work?
ANSWER
In Greece you can use all GSM mobile phones but US cell phones do not work. You will pay fairly high rates for outgoing calls and incoming calls are more expensive, because you pay for the international part of the call.
QUESTION
Can I send letter and parcels?
ANSWER
There are stamp vending machines and post-boxes outside all central post offices. Parcels must be inspected, so don’t seal them beforehand. Brown paper, envelopes and boxes can be bought at post offices. Post offices signs are usually bright yellow as are post-boxes.
QUESTION
Can I use my laptop?
ANSWER
Yes. You can buy internet dial up cards at most street kiosks. You can go online when you want and for how long you want.
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Greek money
QUESTION
Are there any cash machines on the islands?
ANSWER
Cash machines are everywhere apart from the remotest islands where there are no banks anyway. Bank trading hours are Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 14:30 and Friday from 08.00 to 14:00 for most banks.
QUESTION
Can I change money when I get there?
ANSWER
Almost every island has moneychanging facilities though commission can vary. Greece has joined the euro and there have been complaints about higher prices since the switch
Is it OK to take children?
Greeks adore children and make a great fuss of them. Children under eight may be eligible for discounts. Better hotels may do baby-sitting.
Is there a dress code anywhere?
Religious buildings such as churches and monasteries do not like t-shirts and shorts. Women should wear a skirt and buttoned up blouse, men a shirt and trousers. Women are not allowed to enter some monasteries.
When is the best time to visit?
Depends what you are looking for. Spring has wild flowers but you can get rain. High summer has crowds and heat (especially at night). Autumn has warmer seas, cooler nights.
Is winter a good time to visit?
Not generally. Winters on the Greek islands are fairly bleak. Weather can be wet and cold with deep snow and sea storms. All the tourist tavernas and cafes are closed and village resorts can appear deserted. Only southern Crete stays open in the winter.
Do I need to learn Greek?
No. Most Greeks have good English, especially those invloved in the tourist industry. Greeks however have great regard for those that try to speak Greek so it is a good idea to learn a few phrases.
Should I get an island map?
Get a map if you intend to travel about but it is better to get a Greek language one as well as an English one. The Greek place names are more likely to tally with the local road signs. Beware that many maps can have little or no relation to the roads, especially in rural areas. Road Editions maps are usually the most accurate.