Greece Information

Greece is located in south-eastern Europe, on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula at the meeting point of three continents – Europe, Asia and Africa.

Its borders are Bulgaria and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) to the North, Albania to the Northwest and Turkey to the Northeast. It is surrounded by the Ionian Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea.

Time Zone - GM + 2

Capital - Athens

Climate - Greece enjoys a Mediterranean Climate with sunshine, minimal rainfall and mild temperatures. In Summer (June-August) dry hot days are cooled by seasonal winds called the meltemi.

In Winter (December – February) temperatures are generally mild in lowland areas while snow can often be found on the mountains. Overall, cooler temperatures will be found in mountainous regions while mild heat can be experienced in coastal areas.

Population - 11, 306, 183 (2010). 98% Greek Orthodox, 2% Catholics & other religions.

Languages – Greek is the official language but English widely spoken followed by French/German.

Currency - The official currency of Greece is the Euro.

Credit Cards - Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners. Best exchange rates in banks.

Banking Hours - Mon-Fri 8.00 am-1.30 pm. Money exchange facilities are available on Saturday mornings and most afternoons. ATM facilities widely available.

Passport and Entry Requirements – Australian and NZ Passport holders granted 3 month tourist visa on arrival. Passports require a 6 month validity.

Australian Consulate
Cnr Kifisias & Alexandras Ave, Athens
Tel. 210 8704000

New Zealand Consulate
9 Semitelou St, Athens
Tel. 210 7710112

Health - No vaccinations required unless arriving from infected areas.

Duty Free - 1 litre alcohol, 2 litres of wine, 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco.

Voltage and Plugs - 220 volts,50 hertz,2 prong cylindrical plug.

Phone & Post - The international calling code of Greece is +30

Phone cards available at kiosks for public phones. Telstra, Optus and Vodafone mobile systems work in Greece. Vodafone & Cosmote have easy to use connections for mobile phones for non-residents.

Safety and Dress - There is no safety issue in Greece. Standard casual dress except for religious sites where modest attire is required.

Tipping - Service charges included with restaurants. Tipping optional. For taxis, porterage, drivers, guides and cruises tipping is expected.

Medical Services - Good standard of services. Best and faster services with private doctors. Travel Insurance is essential.

Emergency Service

Police: 100
Ambulance Service: 166
SOS
Doctors : 1016
Duty Hospitals and Clinics: 1434
Pharmacies: 1434
Open Line for Alcohol Drug Addiction: 210 3617089
Poisoning First Aid: 210 7793777

Transport - Most direct flights ex Australia via Bangkok or Singapore on Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Emirates, Gulf Air. Olympic Airlines operates a daily code share service with Gulf Air between Sydney and Athens via Singapore and with an immediate connection in Bahrain. Olympic Airlines also has an extensive operation within Greece and flies to most points in Europe and the Middle East.

From Airport - The NEW Athens airport of Eleftherios Venizelos is located 30Kms Northeast of Athens. The new Metro also links the Airport with the Athens city centre. An airport bus is available every half-hour to either destination from/to Syntagma Square and beyond at a cost of Euro 3 per ticket. Please allow between 60 and 90 minutes for the trip.

Internal Transport - Excellent,modern Metro network in Athens. Buses operate to all destinations 7 days a week. Regular taxis available. Multi-hire taxis also available. All islands are serviced by modern ferries and/or high speed hydrofoils. Some islands are also serviced by air.

Driving - Right hand side of road. Signs in Greek and English. Frequently used roads well maintained. Australian & International driving licence accepted for car rental.

Food and Drink - Greek food is simple and combines methods gleaned over the centuries from other neighbouring countries.The result is distinctively Greek. Popular snack foods are souvlaki and tyropita. Fruits, vegetables,salads, good value. Costs comparable with Australia if not cheaper.

Water - Tap water drinkable. Bottled water available.

Alcohol - No restrictions and freely available.

Entertainment - Rich and varied particularly during the summer months with festivals nationwide.

Shopping - A wide choice from modern shopping malls in the suburbs to souvenir shops with well-stocked handicrafts. Best buys are leather (shoes,bags), silver items and 18 carat gold items.

Public Holidays, Celebrations & Festivals

• New Years Day: 1st of January
• Epiphany: 6th of January. Sea water is consecreated in the area of Piraeus. The priests throw the Cross into the sea and young men dive to catch it.
• Ash Monday: 41 days before Easter. It is the day people begin Lent. On Ash Monday Greeks fly kites, eat meatless food and celebrate Koulouma. Athenians gather on Philopappou Hill.
• Independence Day and Celebration of Evaggelismos: 25th of March. Military parade.
• Easter: From Holy Friday until Easter Monday. On Holy Friday evening every church decorates the Epitaph (Bier of Christ). During the procession of the Epitaph the streets of every city or village in the country are full of people. It is a religious procession where everybody holds lit candles in their hands and sings hymns.
• Night of the Resurrection: It is celebrated at midnight before Easter Sunday with fireworks and candles.
• Easter Sunday: On Easter Sunday Greeks eat barbecue lamb. The celebrations include singing and dancing all day long.
• Labor Day: 1st of May. Flower feasts all around Athens.
• Pentecost: It is celebrated 50 days after Easter.
• Assumption of the Virgin Mary: 15th of August.
• 28th of October: National Celebration. Military parade.
• Christmas: 25th-26th of December.