Greece Travel Tips & Useful Information

By Robin Salvador @vinzsalvador23

Before you go to Greece, you should contact your local health practitioner and ensure that you are up to date on all required vaccinations. Just make sure you're vaccinated against the vaccines that your home country recommends, including measles, mumps, and polio. Other possible vaccines include Tetanus and Tick-borne Encephalitis.

What kind of food is served in Greece?

The ancient history of Greek cuisine is long and illustrious. Although the country's rocky terrain restricts agricultural production, cooking and food are important to Greek culture. The local diet includes olives, cheese, and wheat, which may be found in salads, stews, or breads. Fresh seafood from the Mediterranean Sea is common at restaurants on the Greek islands, particularly squid , octopus , mussels , and fish .

Greek cuisine is straightforward yet extremely varied. Many restaurants and tavernas serve moussaka (aubergine & lamb casserole), souvlaki (spit-roasted meat), and dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with meat and herbs) in addition to other dishes, some of which might be regional variants. Meatless alternatives include briam (roasted vegetables in tomato sauce), as well as Greek salad with olives and feta cheese. Drinks are an important component of traditional dining. Ouzo, a powerful anise-flavored liquor produced from pressed grapes, is Greece's most popular alcoholic beverage, typically served as an aperitif with iced water and little nibbles. It's best not to drain your glass too quickly since it's a potent drink intended to be sipped over time.

Safe eating while travelling in Greece

Food poisoning is uncommon in Greece, owing to the country's strict food hygiene regulations. Food borne illnesses are unlikely to occur due to a lack of access to clean drinking water. It's vital to be careful with any meat or fish that has not been fully cooked everywhere in the world. If food appears old, unclean, or inadequately prepared, it is best avoided.

Is it standard to tip in Greece?

Tipping habits in Greece are diverse. The service charge may be included on the bill, although tipping is still widespread, particularly in popular tourist destinations. If the service was exceptional, a little extra bonus is appreciated. At some restaurants, a small mandatory "cover charge" for bread and water is included in the bill (usually about one Euro per person). Taxi drivers expect to be tipped and it's customary to tip hotel porters and local tour guides as well. People often give between 1 and 2 Euros to taxi drivers if the concierge has gone out of his or her way to help them.

What's the shopping like in Greece?

Greece is a cultural refuge, and you'll find a diverse range of arts and crafts in every region. Locally produced ceramics, textiles, wood carvings, and jewelry are all excellent souvenirs from Greek islands. Many destinations take pleasure in producing particular goods - the monasteries at Meteora are known for hand-painted religious icons, for example. If you're looking for antiques, be sure to avoid fakes and deal with reputable dealers.

In today's Athens, the ancient agora tradition (public gathering) is preserved in areas such as the Monastiraki market, where you can get anything from handcrafted leather sandals to mass-produced Parthenon replicas. The island of Thessaloniki also offers shoppers a number of shopping options, including a boutique-filled main square and malls nearby.

If you're searching for presents for foodies or something to bring back from Greece, there are a plethora of goods to choose from. Olive oil from the Peloponnese, honey from Attica, and Santorini wines are some great options.

Is bargaining acceptable in Greece?

In Greece, bargaining is sometimes accepted when buying from street vendors or visiting local flea markets; not if there are clearly displayed fixed rates. Bargaining is generally not permitted in shops, restaurants, and other enterprises.

Is Greece a safe destination for solo female travelers?

Although Greece is not an unsafe country for women to visit alone, solo travelers are advised to be on their guard, especially in major cities like Athens or popular island resorts like Mykonos. When traveling, it is critical that tourists stick to main streets, well-lit locations, travel in groups whenever feasible, take taxis over walking late at night, and keep an eye on their drink when out in bars and clubs. When travelling alone, women may be targeted by men in a variety of ways. Ignoring this might make the males stop. Keep an eye on your belongings when traveling to Greece, just as you would any other tourist destination. Greece is a safe and lovely country to visit as a single woman overall.

What is the currency in Greece?

Before traveling, you may exchange your pounds sterling, dollars or other important currencies in local banks or bureau de change. In most major hotels, restaurants and stores, credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted readily, but it's a good idea to pack some cash especially on the islands and in smaller towns.

What do things cost in Greece?

Greece is still a relatively inexpensive destination, despite its recent rise in popularity. If you're on a budget, we recommend avoiding the pricey restaurants and cafés that line the main squares and eating somewhere a few blocks off. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant with beverages will cost around $12, whereas a pint of domestic beer costs about $4.10. A one-way ticket on public transportation will only set you back about $1.65, regardless of how long you stay or where you go (excluding any possible delays).

What sort of plugs are required for Greece, and what is the voltage?

The standard voltage is 220-240 volts. European two-prong round pins are required for primary sockets. If you're traveling to the United States, we recommend bringing a travel adaptor. In order to utilize U.S. appliances, you'll need a voltage converter and plug adaptor.

Is there a lot of Wi-Fi in Greece?

Greece is a modern, developed nation with Wi-Fi availability in most hotels, restaurants, cafés, and bars. Although rural areas may experience connection issues, this is to be expected in virtually every location. In some hotels, Wi-Fi access might be limited to hotel rooms, but it will almost always be free in the lobby.

Is Greece in the same time zone as you?

Greece is in the Eastern European Time Zone, which is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2). Daylight-saving is observed in Greece during the summer, when the time is advanced by 1 hour to become 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +3). In 2017, daylight savings will begin on March 26th and conclude on October 29th.