Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting Greece. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
Euro (€)
Best SIM Provider
Cosmote
Main Ride App
Beat
Payment
Cash preferred
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
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Medication Restrictions
General medications
Carry prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter.
Essential Apps
Free NowMost popular in Athens (formerly Beat)
Uber
BoltNotes for Visitors
- Book ferries in advance in summer
- Siesta 2-5 PM - many shops close
- Island time is real - be flexible
SIM Cards & Internet
Cosmote has best coverage. SIMs available at kiosks.
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
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Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
Cards widely accepted in tourist areas. Cash needed for small shops, islands, and tavernas. Always carry some euros.
ATM Tips
Use bank ATMs (Alpha Bank, Piraeus, NBG). Airport ATMs often have higher fees.
Tipping Culture
Round up or 5-10% at restaurants. Not expected but appreciated.
Recommended Travel Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees with these travel-friendly cards
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Track your trip prep
Get a personalized checklist you can tick off as you go — free to set up.
Getting Around
From the Airport
Direct line to city center
X95 to Syntagma Square
Fixed rate from airport
Local Transport
Clean and efficient
Essential for island hopping
Intercity bus network
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit required
Greece requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or rent a car legally. Rental agencies often won't ask — but if you're pulled over, local police may require it and fines can be significant. Also required if your license isn't in the local language or script. Costs around $20, takes about a week, and you can't get one once you've left.
Strictly enforced — checks are common.
Side of road
Right
Speed limit (km/h)
50 city / 130 hwy
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Right on red
Not allowed
Min rental age
21
Renting a car in Greece
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in Greece across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
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Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- Greece is very safe for solo female travelers — violent crime is rare and locals are welcoming
- Islands are particularly safe, though be cautious around nightlife areas in Mykonos and Ios late at night
- Athens is safe during the day; avoid Omonia Square and Exarcheia after dark if you're unfamiliar with the area
- Use Beat or Uber for rides at night rather than hailing taxis on the street
- Ferry travel between islands is very safe — book through FerryHopper for verified operators
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Greece legalized same-sex civil partnerships in 2015 and same-sex marriage in 2024, becoming the first Orthodox-majority country to do so. Athens has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene centered around Gazi and Metaxourgeio. Mykonos is one of Europe's most famous LGBTQ+ destinations.
- Athens' Gazi neighborhood is the heart of the LGBTQ+ scene — bars, clubs, and community events are concentrated here
- Mykonos is legendary as a queer-friendly destination with inclusive beaches (Elia, Super Paradise) and nightlife
- Smaller islands and rural mainland areas are more conservative — discretion may feel more comfortable there
In Partnership With
Everywhere Is Queer
Want to check out local queer businesses on your trip? Everywhere Is Queer maps queer-owned bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops so you can spend your money where it matters. Not every city is on the map yet, but coverage is growing fast — check if your destination is live.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Greece is gradually improving accessibility, but the combination of ancient ruins, cobblestoned streets, steep island terrain, and older buildings makes navigation challenging for wheelchair users. Athens' newer metro is fully accessible, and major museums have made significant improvements.
- Athens metro has elevators at all stations
- Acropolis has a wheelchair-accessible elevator (arrange in advance)
- Many island ports have limited accessibility — research specific islands before booking
- Newer hotels in tourist areas typically have accessible rooms
Pickpocket Hotspots
- Athens Monastiraki flea market
- Syntagma Square and metro station
- Crowded ferries during peak season
- Plaka tourist district
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
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Scams to Watch Out For
Restaurant Overcharging
Tourist restaurants add hidden charges or overcharge.
Prevention: Check prices on menu. Ask for itemized bill.
Unlicensed Taxis
Unofficial taxis overcharge or don't use meters.
Prevention: Use Beat app or official taxi stands.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
Greece's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
7-14°C (45-57°F)
Medium rainfall
Cool, carnival season
Mar – May
12-20°C (54-68°F)
Low rainfall
Pleasant spring, Easter season
Jun – Aug
24-33°C (75-91°F)
Very Low rainfall
Peak summer, very hot
Sep – Nov
16-23°C (61-73°F)
Medium rainfall
Pleasant autumn
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
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Tap Water
Tap water safety depends on where you are.
In some places the tap water is fine to drink, and in others it is not. Ask your hotel or host, and choose sealed bottled water, or water that has been filtered and treated, when you are not sure. If you stick to bottled water, use it to brush your teeth too.
In Greece
On smaller islands like Santorini and Mykonos, water may be desalinated or brackish; stick to bottled water for drinking.
A travel water filter can help, but filters differ. One that removes bacteria and parasites does not remove viruses, so for that you need a purifier, or you can boil the water. Boiling is the best way to make water safe.
Sources: CDC, food and drink considerations when traveling; CDC, water treatment while hiking, camping and traveling.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
230V
Frequency
50Hz
Plug Types
C, F
Standard European plugs. Same as most of Western Europe.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
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Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
English Proficiency
English widely spoken in tourist areas, especially islands and Athens. Older generation may speak less English.
Essential Phrases
Γεια σας (Yassas)
Hello (formal)
YAH-sas
Ευχαριστώ (Efharisto)
Thank you
ef-ha-ree-STOH
Πόσο κάνει; (Poso kani?)
How much?
POH-so KAH-nee
Ναι/Όχι (Ne/Ohi)
Yes/No
neh / OH-hee
Παρακαλώ (Parakalo)
Please / You're welcome
pa-ra-ka-LOH
Γεια μας (Yamas)
Cheers
YAH-mas
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Greek cuisine has many naturally plant-based dishes from the Orthodox fasting tradition — gigantes (giant beans), fasolakia (green beans in tomato sauce), briám (roasted vegetables), and horta (wild greens). However, feta, honey, and yogurt appear in many dishes unexpectedly. Say 'χωρίς τυρί και γάλα' (without cheese and milk). Crete is especially good for plant-based eating.
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
Vegetarians do very well in Greece. Spanakopita, Greek salad (hold the feta if vegan), stuffed tomatoes, fava (split pea purée), and countless vegetable mezze are available everywhere. Tavernas usually have multiple meatless options. Say 'χορτοφάγος' (hortofágos) — most waiters understand.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
Rice, potatoes, and corn are common staples alongside bread. Grilled meats, seafood, and salads are naturally gluten-free. Souvlaki meat (without the pita) works well. Say 'χωρίς γλουτένη' (horís glouténi). Awareness is growing in tourist areas, and many restaurants now mark gluten-free options on menus.
Traveling with a Pet
Pet-friendliness information coming soon for Greece.
Cultural Tips
Siesta is real — shops close 2-5 PM, especially on islands. Don't fight it. Go to the beach.
Meals are meant to be shared. Order multiple mezze plates for the table instead of individual entrées.
Say 'Kalimera' (morning) or 'Kalispera' (evening) before any interaction — skipping a greeting feels cold
Dinner starts at 9 PM at the earliest. If a restaurant is empty at 7:30, it's not bad — it's early.
Tipping 5-10% at tavernas is appreciated but not mandatory. Leave cash on the table rather than adding to the card.
Greeks will insist on paying the bill. If you're invited for a meal, let them — you can reciprocate next time.
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
Name days are celebrated more than birthdays — if your name matches a saint's day, you're expected to buy treats for everyone, not the other way around
Greek freddo culture is intense. A freddo espresso or freddo cappuccino is ordered year-round, and the ratio of foam to coffee is a topic of real debate.
Greek coffee fortune reading (kafemanteia) is still practiced — flip the cup, let the grounds dry, and your aunt/grandmother will interpret your future
'Opa!' and plate smashing at celebrations is real but rarer now — most restaurants use flowers instead. The spirit remains.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Only visiting Santorini
Rushing island time
Not booking ferries in advance
Visiting in August crowds/heat
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in Greece
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
Browse tours on ViatorWant the tour list shown right here?
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Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
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Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
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FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
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TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
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Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
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Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
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Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
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Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
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Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
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Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
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Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
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Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
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Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
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Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
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Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
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Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
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TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
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TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
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Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
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Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
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