Greece Travel Guide

Public Transport

Most cities in Greece are small enough to be explored by foot. The only cities you'll require public transport at are Athens, Patra, Kalamata and Thessaloniki of which only Athens is large enough to have an underground metro network. KTEL (Koino Tamio Eis Praxeon Leoforion) are blue/orange/teal-green painted, long-distances busses that run in almost every urban city and are modern and comfortable. The busses in villages are unfortunately older and less comfortable, these buses run on a daily schedule and stop mostly outside coffee houses. Also, the busses in rural areas do not facilitate sign boards or timetables in English, it's best to head to the nearest station and enquire in person. Remember to checkin your seat number which is noted on the bus ticket and labeled on the back of the seats.

Taxi & Airport transfer

Getting a taxi from Athens airport to the city is a pretty sorted task and so is the fair break up. There will be a line of yellow-coloured taxis right outside the arrival hall, wait in the queue and when your turn comes, the police personnel will signal you. The fare from the airport to the city is fixed and includes all costs and taxes. You will be charged 3100 from 5AM till midnight and 4050 between 12AM and 5AM. Keep in mind that the driver might try to overcharge you, so be informed about the rates and make sure he turns the meter on.

Transport & city passes

In Greece, Athens offers two flat fare passes, one for travel within the city, which includes downtown and suburbs, and is not valid on any long distance buses/Orange/KTEL/E22/Airports. The second flat fare pass is for long distance travel from the airport to out of the city limit. These passes prove to be very economical as compared to cost of renting a car or buying single trip paper tickets. Greece also offers a special 3 day (72 hrs) 'visitors' pass with unlimited travel all around the city and trips to the airport too, it costs 1220 INR.

Driving & Car rental

Most cities in Greece are not that large and do not require car rentals. If you want to drive your way between two cities, there are various car rental service providers, some of the popular ones being Alamo, Budget and others depending on which website you are booking from. A car rental will cost you anywhere between 4000-8000 INR/Day and note that the price of fuel in Greece is on the higher side. Make sure to abide by the road rules and other safety measures applicable to Greece.

Culture & Etiquette

People in Greece are very laid back and welcoming, they are known for their hospitality. When you are over at a friend's place for dinner in Greece, do not refuse food, as it is taken as a sign of insult, and if you have to, do give a reason. Asking for a second serving is considered a compliment and indicates that you like the food. While meeting strangers let someone introduce you, and greet them with a firm handshake. People in Greece might ask personal questions that you are not used to, but they mean no harm. In fact, it is just their way of developing relationships beyond a formal level.

Major events & Public holidays

Greece is the land of festivals and celebrations and most holidays are celebrated with zest and excitement, some of which are Easter, the Carnival season- Apokreas, Independence day and Agios Pnevmatos. Festivals like christmas are considered personal and are celebrated in respective houses, but you'll still see the entire country covered in beautiful lights. Another intersting festival in Greece is the 'Saint's day', each church in the country is devoted to a particular saint and the saint's name day is celebrated with a festival (panigiri), so enquire about when the panigiris of the church you are visiting is and if it happens to be during your stay, tag along and be a part of the celebration.

Road rules and driving license

Greece follows right-hand side driving. Short-term visitors (up to 90 days) from other countries, including the USA, Australia and Canada, may drive in Greece with their national licence, but they must also have an International Driving Permit (IDP) or "notarized" (officially certified) translation of their drivers license before coming.

Know your Greek

Greek is the main language spoken by the locals which is also the official language of Greece, and almost 99% of the population are native Greek speakers. Most of the locals do not speak fluent English. So, the following words will be of great help for anyone wanting to hold a conversation with the locals.

Hello - Chaírete

How are you? - Pós eísai?

Good morning - Kaliméra

Good evening - Kaló apógevma

Thank you - Efcharistó

Excuse me - Me synchoreíte

Sorry - Sygnómi

How much does this cost? - Póso kostízei aftó?

The cuisines in Greece is inspired by age old recipes, belief in tradition, quality ingredients and the right combinations to create a beautiful symphony of flavours. A trip to Greece is a trip back in time, back to traditional cuisines.

Amygdalota: Amygdalota is an almond cookie that tastes perfect with a cup of coffee. In Greece, Amygdalota represents good times and warm relationships.

Courgette Balls: Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, Courgette Balls are a hint of mint and a dash of salty feta cheese.

Tomatokeftedes: A hint of mint, tomato and onion to please your taste buds, these tomato fritters are a traditional element of the Santorini cuisine.

Feta Me Meli: Honey drizzled filo pastry with salty feta stuffing, Feta Me Meli plays the perfect symphony of sweet and salty flavours.

Bougatsa: Semolina custard covered in phyllo pastry sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon on top, best enjoyed on the streets of Greece.

Dolmadakia: Ground lamp/beef covered in grape leaves for the authentic Greek touch.

Ellinikos: Served in long copper cups called ‘birki’, Ellinikos is Greece's favourite style of coffee.

Frappe: Water mixed with powdered instant coffee is all that goes into this addictive, frothy and cold authentic Greek coffee.

Electricity

• The power sockets in Greece are type F and C.
• The appliances with plug types D and M will require a power plug adaptor for these socket types.
• The standard voltage in Greece is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz.
• Since the standard voltage is same as that of India, you can easily use your electrical appliances and would not need a transformer.

Sim & Data Roaming

• When traveling to Greece, it is best suggested to bring an unlocked phone which is not bound to a single carrier.
• It is very easy to install an European SIM card to your mobile.
• The famous mobile operators in Greece are Cosmote, Vodafone and Wind and basic call+data packages start from 1800 Rs for 7 days.
• To be flexible with your plan and to stop it whenever you want, it is suggested to get a prepaid plan.

Cash & Cards

• Euro is the only currency accepted.
• The average cost of one meal/person is 10 Eur which is close to 750 Rs.
• The expenditure in Greece for a day per person will be around 80 euros which is about Rs 5250 which includes your meal & other personal expenses.
• For your trip, we'd advise you to keep 30% as cash and 70% loaded into your Forex card.

Health & Insurance

• If you are bringing a sizeable amount of medicines, carry a doctor's certificate to avoid problems with the Customs.
• It is recommended you carry sunscreen, wide brimmed hats and shades while stepping out in the sun. If you want to avoid the sun, avoid the beaches between 10 am and 2 pm - it is hottest then.

Emergency contacts

Embassy of India in Greece

No.3 Kleanthous street, Athens, Athina 106 74, Greece

Ph no: +30 21 0721 6227, Email: ‎embassy@indianembassy.gr

Police: 999, Ambulance: 997, Fire department: 998