Language: Greek is the national language, but English is widely spoken.
Currency: The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, divided into 100 cents. Banks and bureaux de change are widely available and travelers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining euros.
Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 between the last Sunday in April and the last Sunday in October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including
the European-style two-pin and the round three-pin.
Communications: The international access code for Greece is +30. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The city code for Athens is 210. There are often surcharges on calls made from hotels and it is generally cheaper to use OTE (Hellenic Telecommunications Organization) offices for local and international calls. Calls can also be made from public card phone booths and cards can be bought from kiosks or OTE offices. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Coverage is exceptional. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts and are cheaper than accessing the Internet from hotels.
Duty Free: Travelers from non-EU countries do not pay duty when entering Greece for 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco; 1 liter of spirits with alcohol volume over 22%, or 2 liters of dessert wine not exceeding 22% alcohol volume and sparkling wine, and 2 liters of table wine; 50g perfume or 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods for non-commercial value to the value of EUR175 for adults and EUR90 for children under 15 years.
Tourist OfficeGreek National Tourism Organization, Athens: +30 210 870 7000 or www.gnto.gr
EmergencyEmergencies: 100 (Police); 166 (Ambulance), 171 (Tourist Police).
Embassies
Greek Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 939 1300.
Greek Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7229 3850.
Greek Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 6271.
Greek Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3011.
Greek Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 7351.
Greek Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 676 7254.
Greek Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 7775.
United States Embassy, Athens: +30 210 721 2951.
British Embassy, Athens: +30 210 727 2600.
Canadian Embassy, Athens: +30 210 727 3400.
Australian Embassy, Athens: +30 210 870 4000.
South African Embassy, Athens: +30 210 610 6645.
Irish Embassy, Athens: +30 210 723 2771.
New Zealand Consulate-General, Athens (also responsible for Greece): +30 210 692 4136.
