Greece

Greece

General

Time
The time in Greece  is two hours ahead of BST (and 3 hours ahead of GMT). Set your watches and clocks two hours ahead. This applies to both summer and winter months as the clocks change on the same dates throughout Europe.
 
Language
Greek, but English and German are often understood.

Border formalities

Travel documents
Greece is a member of the European Union. UK citizens (including children under 16) and citizens from other EU countries need only a valid passport.  Holders of non-EU passports should check with the appropriate consulate to see if a visa is required.

Car papers
- valid UK (or other EU) driving licence (not a provisional licence)
- car registration document (‘log book’)
- international green card - extra motor insurance is not compulsory but is advisable
- GB sticker on the back of the car  and caravan (or integral in the registration plate)

Caravans
There are no special regulations for caravans

Pets
Under reciprocal regulations some pets may be taken into Greece if accompanied by a passport, chip and the relevant  vaccination. The regulations cover proof of vaccination, breeds and health certificates etc.  You are strongly advised to check with your vet for the most recent information and restrictions. Take care to request information in plenty of time. Some vaccinations need to be administered a considerable time in advance. You will need to inform the ferry or tunnel operator when booking. Depending on the route your pet may need to stay in the car or in special cages which can usually be rented on the ferry.  Bringing pets back into the UK is strictly controlled with severe penalties for infringement. More information is available on http://europa.eu/abc/travel/pets/index_en.htm 
 
Currency
The currency in Greece is the euro, which is divided into 100 cents. Approximate exchange rates (September 2007): £1 =  €1.48. Most debit and credit cards issued in the UK can be used in cash machines and to pay for goods and services in Greece. Cards with the Cirrus logo can be used to obtain cash and cards with the Maestro logo can be used at some outlets as Chip&Pin cards. Credit cards are accepted in many places though not as widely as in the UK. Make certain you know your PIN code before you leave as signatures are not always accepted. UK bank cheques (except travellers cheques) and Eurocheques are no longer accepted. Take care when using cash machines as some ATMs give you the cash first and then return your bank card. Banks are open from 08:00 to 14:00  All banks are closed on Sundays. In Athens and at airports they are open 24 hours.

Customs regulations
For travel between EU countries you are permitted to take as much luggage ‘as you would reasonably need for personal use’. You may be required to prove that your possessions are personal and not for commercial use. Borders between EU and non-EU countries are more strictly controlled. There are restrictions on the amount of tax-free goods you may import from non-EU countries. More information from HM Revenue & Customs on http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/

Medical cover
UK and Irish citizens should apply for the free EHIC (European Health Insurance Card which has replaced the old E111 form). Each member of your group will need a separate EHIC Card. It covers the cost of basic emergency expenses in Greece (and all other countries in this guide except Andorra, Croatia and Turkey). It can be ordered online, by phone or by post. More information on http://www.dh.gov.uk/ or http://www.oasis.gov.ie/

Opening times and Public holidays 

Post
Greek post offices are called ‘tachydromeia’. They are open on weekdays from 08:00 to 14:00. They stay open longer in larger towns, sometimes until 20:00. They are also open there on Saturday mornings. Post offices are closed on official public and local holidays.

Shops
Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays open from 09:00 to 14:30, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 09:00 to 13:30. Also  on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 17:00 to 20:30. Supermarkets are often open all day.

Kiosks
These can mostly be found in cities and sell almost everything. They are nearly always open and also function as public telephone boxes.

Museums
Museums and archaeological sites are genereis closed on Mondays. Check with the Tourism Service for opening times. Museums are free on Sundays from October till March. You can find more information on museums on http://www.culture.gr/ 

Public holidays
- New Year’s Day
- 6 January (Epiphany)
- 6 March (First Monday of Fasting)
- 25 March (Independence Day)
- Good Friday
- Orthodox Easter
- 1 May (Labour Day)
- Whit Monday
- 15 August (The Assumption)
- 28 October (National Holiday)
- Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Roads and traffic

Traffic regulations
Traffic Rules: remember, all traffic in Greece drives on the right and overtakes on the left!  Headlight deflectors are advisable to prevent annoying oncoming drivers. Traffic rules are similar to the UK but road users often have different attitudes to driving. Two lane roads with a double continuous white line and an overtaking ban are frequently treated as a dual carriageway. Unless otherwise shown the speed limits are:
- 50km/h (±30mph) in built-up areas
- 90km/h (±56mph) on other roads, 70km/h (±44mph) for motor bikes
- 120km/h (±75mph) for cars on motorways.

Traffic coming from the right has priority in built-up areas, traffic on main roads has priority outside built-up areas. Use of anti-radar equipment is prohibited and phones may only be used handsfree whilst driving. A fire extinguisher, first aid kit and emergency triangle are compulsory. Seat belts in the front seats are also compulsory. Children under 12 may not sit in the front. Maximum permitted alcohol level is 0.05%. The state of the roads is reasonable, but much worse around Athens. The roads there are full of holes, bumps and cracks.

Fuel
LPG is virtually unavailable in Greece. There are plenty of service stations close to main towns but far fewer in rural areas. Prices in rural areas vary considerably, so take care.

In the event of breakdown
If you have breakdown insurance you can call on the services of the Greek Automobile Club (ELPA) on telephone number 104 (24 hours). Patrol vehicles are yellow and show the name ‘ELPA”. The charges for towing, parts, and special services are calculated using ELPA’s official rates. The national emergency number for fire, police and ambulance is 112.

Camping

Free camping is not allowed in Greece. Most camp sites are of reliable quality. Bear in mind that in the early and late seasons most camp sites by the sea are quieter than during the summer. It can happen that not all amenities are in use. On more remote islands the number of camp sites with suitable facilities for caravans and motor homes is limited. It is advisable to get more information before departure. Tap water is not suitable for drinking in Greece. Use bottled water or boil water before drinking it. Mains voltage is 220V.

Deep sea diving is possible in specially allocated areas. It is only permitted when accompanied by a qualified diving instructor. More information is available from the Greek Tourist Office. There are numerous ferry services to and from Greece.

Useful addresses

Embassy of Greece/Consulate
1A Holland Park
London W11 3TP
tel: 020 7229 3850 (Embassy)
tel: 0207 221 6467 (Consulate)
tel: 0891 171 202 (Visas)
e-mail: political@greekembassy.org.uk  
website: http://www.greekembassy.org.uk/

Greek National Tourism Organisation
4 Conduit Street
London W1S 2DJ
tel: 020 7495 9300 
e-mail: info@gnto.co.uk
website: http://www.gnto.gr/