Organize your stay Athens
Money Athens
On January1, 2002, Greece joined the European Monetary Union, and the euro replaced the drachma as the currency in circulation. Euro banknotes are the same regardless of the issuing country, but coins are specific to each state. Banks are only open in the morning, generally between 8am and 2pm. They are closed at weekends and on public holidays. ATMs are available 24 hours a day in tourist areas as well as in and around the Greek capital. However, to avoid unpleasant surprises, it's always a good idea to carry some cash with you. To find the nearest cash dispenser, a cash dispenser geolocation tool is available. Go to visa.fr/services-en-ligne/find-a-distributor. As a general rule, avoid carrying too much cash. It could be lost or stolen without recourse. Pay with your credit card whenever possible.
Acceptance of credit cards. In Athens, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, museums and other tourist-related services. However, certain habits die hard, and in small guesthouses and tavernas, credit cards may be refused. When visiting such establishments, be sure to withdraw cash from an ATM beforehand. Credit card payments are free everywhere, unlike withdrawals, which are subject to a withdrawal fee of around 2-3 euros, depending on the bank.
Budget & Tips Athens
Despite the gradual recovery from the crisis and inflation, the cost of living in Greece remains lower overall than in France. However, life in Athens is more expensive than in some other provincial regions, but prices are significantly lower than in Europe. For the moment - and especially out of season - the traveler will still be surprised by the low prices in bars and restaurants. And in hotels, it is still possible to find a room at a good price and negotiable outside the months of July and August, always saturated with tourists. It is sometimes enough to postpone your stay by a week, towards the beginning of July or mid-September, to see your budget melt by about 30%.
To have a more precise idea of the budget per person, in high season, it is necessary to count 90 € per day with a night in a standard room and from 130 € per day if you choose more luxurious hotels.
You should count around 40 € per person for an outing with a full meal and two drinks in a bar afterwards. A cocktail costs on average 10 €, a beer between 4 and 6 €.
Passport and visas Athens
A valid identity card or passport is sufficient for all European Union citizens. Unaccompanied minors must have an authorization to leave the country (forms are available at city halls or police stations). For Canadian nationals, a visa is not required if their stay is less than three months. For Swiss nationals, it is necessary to be able to show a valid identity card or passport. Documents required if you are coming by car: a pink three-part national driving license (not to be forgotten if you plan to rent a car or a motorcycle) or an international driving license and a green insurance card.
It is a good idea to photocopy all the documents you take with you before you leave. In case of loss or theft, the renewal process will be much simpler with the consular authorities.
Non-European nationals should contact the Greek Embassy in Paris (17, rue Auguste Vacquerie - Paris 16e - 01 47 23 72 28 - www.mfa.gr/france) and the Consulate General (23, rue de Galilée - Paris 16e - 01 47 20 40 64 - open Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 1 pm).
You can also keep copies on the official website (mon.service-public.fr). All you have to do is create an account and scan all your identity documents and other important documents in the confidential space.
Driver's license Athens
A driving license issued by an EU country is recognized throughout the EU: French and Belgian driving licenses are recognized in Greece and will be accepted by all rental companies, whether for a car or a scooter. Please note: the classic French B license included the driving of scooters (but did not include) 125cc scooters. However, some rental companies will refuse to let you have a scooter (even a 50cc) if you don't have a special motorcycle/scooter license or if you can't prove that you have followed the two-wheeler training now mandatory in France.
Health Athens
Greece presents no major health risks. In Athens, the water is drinkable and hygiene is on a par with France. Beware, however, of mosquito bites and sunburn.
For advice before your trip, don't hesitate to consult your doctor. You can also contact the travel medicine society at the Institut Pasteur medical center at ✆ 01 45 68 80 88 (www.pasteur.fr/fr/sante/centre-medical) or visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website under "Conseils aux voyageurs" (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs).
In the event of illness or serious problems, call 166 (Greece - Athens) or 112, and be sure to contact the French consulate if necessary. For international-standard establishments, visit www.diplomatie.gouv.fr and www.pasteur.fr
Mandatory vaccination Athens
No vaccinations are required before you leave.
Security Athens
Athens is one of the safest capitals in Europe. However, as in most major tourist centers, but much less than elsewhere, pickpockets are in action in tourist areas or in the metro or buses during rush hours. Therefore, remember to check the locks of your bag and avoid putting your identity papers, cell phone and wallet in the back pocket of your backpack. A certified photocopy of your documents 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 two-wheeler, 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 quickly as possible.
Stay away from glass surfaces, high furniture, mirrors, windows.
Turn off all appliances.
Take cover under a solid table or desk.
If you are outside:
Stay in 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 information on local safety, consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website under the heading "Advice to travelers": www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs. However, you should know that the dangers listed on this site are not very encouraging: Athens remains, despite everything, a destination where safety is not in question.
Time difference Athens
Greece is in the GMT + 2 time zone, which means that there is an hour difference with France: when it is 9 am in Paris, it is 10 am in Athens, winter and summer.
Spoken languages Athens
The official language in Greece is modern Greek. However, 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's salute the effort of the Greeks who often speak a foreign language. There are different ways to learn some of the basics of the language and the offer for self-study can be done on different media: CDs, workbooks or even directly on the Internet. However, the best method of learning remains the effort to communicate with the locals.
Communication Athens
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 4-5G on your mobiles at no extra cost.
The Greek capital is up to date in the field of Internet and in most cases it works very well. Public wifi is now available in some places in the city center.
Electricity and measurements Athens
Electricity: as in Western Europe, Athenians 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, don't forget an adapter, as it will not be easy to find one on site.
Weights and measures: the metric system was adopted in 1959. In Greece, we speak in meters and kilometers, grams and kilograms.
Luggage Athens
The Athenians will tell you that the climate of Attica, very special, is the most clement of the country. The omnipresent brightness dresses the capital and brightens its colors: blue of the sky, white of the walls; impressive as soon as you get off the plane. In July and August, the heat can be torrid. It becomes milder from March to June, then from September to mid-November. There are still a few winter months during which a jacket is required. All in all, it is better to bring light clothes, made of natural fibers such as cotton, without forgetting your bathing suit, a towel and a good hat. Don't forget sunglasses and sun cream, 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 is blowing, the air can get cooler. A sweater or windbreaker may be useful, as well as a scarf to cover the throat.
