How Things Work in Greece
Everything Tourists Need to Know
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory — 5–10% for good service is the norm.
Updated 2025-06
Athens has an excellent metro, and ferries are the main way to travel between the islands.
Updated 2025-06
EU residents can use their EHIC card for public healthcare; all visitors should carry travel insurance, especially on the islands.
Updated 2025-06
Drug laws are strict, removing archaeological artifacts is a serious criminal offense, and nudity is illegal on non-designated beaches.
Updated 2025-06
Dial 112 for all emergencies (EU standard), 100 for police, 166 for ambulance, and 1572 for coast guard sea emergencies.
Updated 2025-06
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting Orthodox churches and monasteries; there is no strict national dress code elsewhere.
Updated 2025-06
The legal drinking age is 18 and alcohol is widely available with no strict closing times in tourist areas.
Updated 2025-06
Bargaining is not standard in shops or restaurants but some flexibility exists at flea markets and souvenir stalls near closing time.
Updated 2025-06
Photography is generally permitted at archaeological sites and most attractions, but tripods, military installations, and some church interiors have restrictions.
Updated 2025-06
Many shops close on Sundays, but restaurants, tavernas, and most tourist businesses stay open seven days a week.
Updated 2025-06
Taxis are metered and reliable; Uber and the Beat app operate in Athens using licensed taxi drivers.
Updated 2025-06
Tap water is safe to drink in Athens and most of the mainland, but many islands have unpleasant or brackish tap water — check locally.
Updated 2025-06
Avoid Euronet ATMs due to high fees — stick to bank ATMs such as Alpha Bank, Piraeus, or National Bank of Greece.
Updated 2025-06
Cosmote offers the best island coverage; tourist SIMs are available at airports, phone shops, and kiosks.
Updated 2025-06
Greece uses Type C/F (Schuko) plugs at 230V/50Hz — British visitors need an adapter and American visitors need both an adapter and voltage converter.
Updated 2025-06
The main tourist scams are overcharging taxis, restaurant menu-switching, and fake gold rings — stay alert in central Athens.
Updated 2025-06
Greece is generally very safe; the main risk for tourists is pickpocketing in central Athens and leaving valuables unattended on beaches.
Updated 2025-06
Greeks are warm and hospitable — philotimo (honour and generosity) is central to the culture, and rushing or being brusque is considered rude.
Updated 2025-06
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few Greek words is warmly received and makes a strong positive impression.
Updated 2025-06
Greece has outstanding beaches with many EU Blue Flag awards; watch for seasonal jellyfish and sea urchins, and note that organised beaches charge for sunbeds.
Updated 2025-06
Drive on the right; EU, US, and UK licences are valid; island roads are narrow and winding, and ATV rentals carry significant injury risk.
Updated 2025-06
Greek food culture centres on shared meze, very late dinners, and fresh fish priced by weight — always confirm fish prices before ordering.
Updated 2025-06
Cover shoulders and knees at all Orthodox churches and monasteries; women may need to wear a skirt rather than trousers at some monasteries.
Updated 2025-06
The best times to visit are April–June and September–October — warm, uncrowded, and with lower prices than peak summer.
Updated 2025-06
Free beaches, cheap street food, supermarket wine, and free museum entry on the first Sunday of the month (October–March) make Greece very affordable on a budget.
Updated 2025-06