Language

Greek is one of the oldest languages in Europe, dating back to the 14th century BC. But don’t stress if you don’t speak it—most young Greeks speak English, and signs are usually in both Greek and English. You’ll be fine.
Learn one word though: “kalimera” (good morning). Use it and you’ll instantly get better service. Grab a pocket phrasebook if you want to dig deeper into the culture.

The Basics: Hellenic Republic vs. Greece

Officially it’s called the “Hellenic Republic,” but everyone calls it Greece. The capital is Athens, home to about a third of the country’s population. Most Greeks live in a handful of major cities.

>> more information on the Flag of Greece

Time Zone

Greece runs on Eastern European Time (GMT+2, or GMT+3 in summer). Clocks jump forward in spring for daylight saving, back in fall.

Dates and Numbers

Dates are written day-first: 12/11/07 means November 12th, 2007, not December 11th.
Numbers flip the US system—commas and decimals swap places. So €10,30 is ten euros thirty cents, and €5.300 is five thousand three hundred euros.

Greece uses the metric system and Celsius for temperature.

Electricity

Power is 220V/50Hz with European two-pin round plugs. If you’re coming from the US or UK, bring an adapter. US visitors might also need a voltage converter for some devices.

Currency

Greece uses the Euro (€). Bills come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 denominations. Coins have Greek national symbols on one side.

Banks and ATMs

Banks open 9 AM to 2 PM. ATMs are everywhere—cities, towns, tourist areas—and they’re your best bet for getting cash. Visa and MasterCard work fine. Just check your withdrawal limits and foreign transaction fees before you leave home.

Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and most shops now, though some small tavernas, island businesses, and traditional markets still prefer cash. Always ask before ordering.

Keep your ATM receipts for a few months in case of any billing issues (rare, but it happens). Some small islands might not have ATMs, so grab cash when you first arrive.

Using the Telephone

Greece’s country code is +30. Most travelers use mobile data and WhatsApp these days. If you’re from the EU, your phone plan likely covers Greece. Non-EU visitors should check roaming fees or pick up a local SIM card if you have an unlocked phone.

Emergency number: 112 (ambulance, police, fire)

Visa Requirements

Visa rules vary by nationality and change regularly. Make sure to check the current requirements before you make travel arrangements.