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 overall cost of living in Greece remains lower than in France. Although Athens is more expensive than some other provincial regions, prices are significantly lower than in Europe as a whole. For the time being - and especially out of season - travelers will still be surprised by the low prices in bars and restaurants. And in hotels, it's still possible to find a room at an advantageous and negotiable price outside the months of July and August, which are always saturated with tourists. You may even need to postpone your stay by a week, towards the beginning of July or mid-September, to see your budget shrink by around 30%.
To get a more precise idea of the budget per person, in high season, you should expect to pay €90 per day with an overnight stay in a standard room, and from €130 per day if you choose more luxurious hotels.
An outing with a full meal and two drinks in a bar afterwards costs around €40 per person. A cocktail costs an average of €10, and a beer between €4 and €6.
Passport and visas Athens
A valid identity card or passport is sufficient for European Union nationals. Unaccompanied minors require an authorization to leave the country (forms available from town halls or police stations). Canadian nationals do not require a visa if their stay is less than three months. For Swiss nationals, a valid identity card or passport is required. If you're coming by car, you'll need a pink, three-part national driving license (not to be forgotten if you plan to rent a car or motorcycle) or an international license, and a green insurance card.
It's a good idea to photocopy all the documents you take with you before you leave. In the event of loss or theft, this will make it much easier to renew them 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, 9.30am to 1pm).
You can also keep copies on the official website (mon.service-public.fr). Simply create an account and scan all your identity papers and other important documents into the confidential area.
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. It should be noted, however, that the classic French B license included scooter driving (but did not include) 125 cm³ scooters. However, some rental companies will refuse to let you have a scooter (even a 50 cm³) if you don't have a special motorcycle/scooter license, or if you can't prove that you've taken the two-wheeler training now compulsory 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 Europe's safest capitals. However, as in most major tourist centers, but much less so than elsewhere, pickpockets are active in tourist areas and on the metro and buses during rush hour. So be sure to check your bag fastenings, and avoid putting your identity papers, cell phone and wallet in the back pocket of your backpack. A certified photocopy of your documents is just as valid as the original, should the need arise. Note also that the Greek police switchboard operator (tel. 100) answers in English. Otherwise, if you're traveling by car or two-wheeler, please exercise extreme caution on the roads.
In the event of fire, notify the local authorities or call the fire department (tel. 199).
Finally, we advise you to refer to the recommendations published by the French Embassy in Greece before you leave, concerning measures and precautions to take in the event of an earthquake. These include
If you are inside a building:
Stay calm and don't rush outside.
Protect your head and face.
Don't use the elevator, or try to get out as quickly as possible.
Keep away from glass surfaces, high furniture, mirrors and windows.
Turn off all appliances.
Take cover under a sturdy table or desk.
If you're outside:
Stay inside and away from windows, buildings, electrical wires or telephone poles. Avoid sidewalks alongside high-rise buildings or 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.
Don't try to get out of your car if wires have fallen on it. Wait for someone to come and help you.
Finally, for full information on local safety, consult the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, under "Conseils aux voyageurs": www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs. You should be aware, however, that the dangers forecast on this site are not very encouraging: Despite everything, Athens remains 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.
