Organize your stay Crete
Money Crete
Since January1, 2002, Greece (and therefore Crete) has entered the European Monetary Union: the euro is in circulation, replacing the drachma. If the euro banknotes are the same whatever the issuing country, the coins are specific to each state. Banks are only open in the morning, usually between 8am and 2pm. They are closed on weekends and public holidays. ATMs are available 24 hours a day in major cities and tourist areas. However, in remote villages, ATMs are not stocked as frequently, so plan to withdraw cash before you go. To find the nearest ATM, you can use the ATM geolocation tool. Go to visa.fr/services-en-ligne/find-an-ATM. In general, avoid carrying too much cash. Prefer to pay with your credit card when possible. Also note that payment by bank card is free, whereas withdrawals are subject to a commission of about 3 euros, depending on the bank.
Budget & Tips Crete
Despite the recent economic crisis that has hit Greece hard, Crete has managed to come out of it a little better thanks to the influx of tourists and its agricultural development. The cost of living remains lower than in other European countries, especially if you choose to follow the local way of life: shop at the market and in the supermarkets rather than in the mini-markets of the seaside regions! Accommodation is generally more expensive during the high tourist season, so it's best to book in advance. Prices in restaurants, bars and taverns remain the same whatever the season. However, you need to be careful and check the prices on the menu. As a general rule, a stay in Crete in winter or early spring will be just as enjoyable and much cheaper than in midsummer. In season, the budget varies according to the type of accommodation and the lifestyle you want to lead! Let's just say that, without depriving yourself of the lively Cretan nightlife, you should count on 60 euros per person per day if you're staying with a local(domatia:rooms for rent), from 95 euros if you opt for a charming hotel and over 150 euros if you prefer to treat yourself to a luxury stay.
Passport and visas Crete
EU citizens must have an identity card or passport. For unaccompanied minors, an authorization to leave the country is required and must be presented to the authorities along with the passport or identity card. Canadian nationals do not need a visa for a stay of less than three months. Remember to photocopy all the documents you are going to take with you (international driver's license among others): in case of loss or theft, this makes it much easier to renew. If possible, take out insurance against theft before you travel: this can be very useful.
For non-European nationals who have chosen France as their point of departure, the Greek Embassy in Paris and the Consulate will provide you with information on the procedures to follow: Embassy of Greece: 17, rue Auguste Vacquerie - Paris 16e - 01 47 23 72 28 - www.mfa.gr/france. Consulate General: 23, rue de Galilée - Paris 16e - 01 47 20 40 64 - open Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 1 pm.
Driver's license Crete
The driving license issued by an EU country is recognized in all member countries. In Crete, as everywhere else in Greece, the French and Belgian driving license is recognized and accepted by all car rental agencies. A special license is required to rent a boat or a sailing boat without a skipper. A special motorcycle/scooter license is also required as Cretan rental companies do not take the risk of renting a scooter, regardless of the category, if the client does not have a document attesting that a two-wheeler training has been followed.
Health Crete
No major health risks are known to exist on Crete. However, you should remember to buy a few bottles of mineral water (Rouvas, Νera Kritis, Samaria, among others, are local waters of excellent quality) to stay hydrated during your excursions or swimming. Make sure you stay protected during the hottest hours of the day to avoid sunburn: prefer beach umbrellas, the shade of a tree or a cliff. Remember to include mosquito repellent and cream in your trousseau in case of bites. In the event of serious illness, call 166 (Greece-Crete) or 112, and don't forget to contact the French Consulate if necessary. For international-standard establishments, visit www.diplomatie.gouv.fr and www.pasteur.fr
Mandatory vaccination Crete
No vaccinations are recommended for travel to Crete.
Security Crete
Crete is exemplary in terms of safety: it is one of the richest regions of the country and there is no geographical overcrowding. Not to mention the soothing nature and the good climate. So why should the Cretans be violent? However, they are far from being asleep and, aware of their extreme wealth, they are careful to preserve this tranquility as well as their identity: if the latter is in danger, the Cretan people's bloodthirsty temperament awakens at once. Be careful with private properties, do not enter them without permission, the Cretans are armed people! On the other hand, Cretan hospitality is accompanied by a certain bonhomie. Underneath their sometimes rough appearance, the Cretans show a great warmth towards visitors: the welcome in the guesthouses is generally friendly and gives the opportunity to share a little of the daily life of this Cretan way of life.
Rarely in Crete, but, it is better to be careful, there are robberies by pickpockets, who concentrate their action in the tourist poles. Therefore, be careful with your bags and especially your backpacks, and avoid carrying your identity documents. A certified photocopy is as valid as the original in case of need. Also note that the Greek police switchboard operator (tel. 100) answers in English. Otherwise, for those who travel by car or on two wheels, the greatest caution on the roads is required.
In case of fire, please inform the local authorities or call the fire department (tel. 199).
Finally, it is advisable to refer to the recommendations published by the French Embassy in Greece, before your departure, concerning the measures and precautions to take in case of earthquake. Among them:
If you are inside a building:
- Stay calm and do not rush outside
- Protect your head and face
- Do not use the elevator or try to get out as soon as possible
- Stay away from glass surfaces, high furniture, mirrors, windows
- Turn off all appliances
- Take shelter under a solid table or desk
If you are outside:
- Stay there and away from windows, buildings, electrical wires or telephone poles. Avoid sidewalks along buildings or high rise hotels
If you are in a vehicle:
- Stay calm and try to stop in a safe place without blocking the road
- Stay away from bridges, overpasses and buildings
- Do not try to get out of your car if electrical wires have fallen on it. Wait for help
Finally, for all the information you need about safety in the country, consult the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website under the heading "Conseils aux voyageurs": www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs. However, you should know that the potential dangers listed on this site are not very encouraging: Crete, in spite of everything, remains a destination where safety is undeniable and its inhabitants are constantly watching over it.
Time difference Crete
As in the rest of Greece, the time in Crete is GMT+2. This means that there is a 1-hour time difference with France (e.g.: if it's 7 a.m. in France, it's 8 a.m. in Crete). The winter and summer time changes take place on the same dates, so this time difference remains in effect all year round.
Spoken languages Crete
The official language in Crete is modern Greek. However, due to tourism, the Cretans have been forced to learn foreign languages. Most of the locals speak English or even French, which makes communication easier. Nevertheless, it is always useful and much appreciated to learn a few words of Greek before leaving. Let us salute the effort of the Greeks who often speak a foreign language. However, the best way to learn is to communicate with the locals.
Communication Crete
Since June 2017, when you use your French cell phone in an EU member country, you don't pay for the call, whether you make the call or receive it: mobile roaming charges have been eliminated. Also, roaming is free in the EU and you will be able to use mobile data and 3-4G on your cell phones at no extra cost.
Crete is up to date in the field of Internet. Most of the time it works very well, except in case of storms, then there might be some slowdowns on the wifi networks. Internet cafes are less and less numerous because almost all hotels, bars, cafes, train stations... offer free wireless connection (wifi), still you need to have your own laptop, tablet or smartphone. Public wifi is now available in major cities. The Ktel intercity buses offer their passengers the possibility to connect to the wifi for free, to cross the island while staying connected.
Electricity and measurements Crete
Electricity: As in Western Europe, the Cretans use 220 volts. So don't panic before bringing your electrical appliances, they can be used during your stay. As for those who still use 110 volts, you should not forget an adapter, because it will not be easy to find one on the spot.
Weights and measures: The metric system was adopted in 1959. In Crete, we speak in meters and kilometers, grams and kilograms.
Luggage Crete
The Cretan climate is of course sunny and dry! The summer daytime temperature is around 30-35°C, sometimes a little higher. It is therefore best to bring light clothes, made of natural fibers such as cotton, a bathing suit, a towel and a good hat. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen, which are absolutely essential. As for shoes, take a pair of flip-flops or "open" shoes and sneakers if you like walking. You should also remember to bring pants for men and a skirt or long dress for women if you wish to visit the religious buildings, where decent dress is required (no shorts or mini-skirts and no open necklines). In the evening, and sometimes when the wind blows, or in altitude (Crete is a mountainous country!), the air can get cooler. A sweater or a windbreaker can be useful, as well as a scarf to cover the throat.
