Currency

The currency unit is the Euro (€). Euro may be obtained at any Greek bank. (The Greek Drachmae is now obsolete.) The rate of exchange fluctuates a bit from day to day. Railroad stations, airports, and most travel agencies and hotels also offer exchange services. Importation of foreign currency, gold and gold coins is free and unlimited. Banknotes more that $1000 (U.S.) must be declared at customs.

For the most current conversion rates see Currency Conversion Calculator.

Formalities for Entering Greece:

Passport/Visa Requirements
American and Canadian citizens entering Greece for a period of less than 3 months require a valid passport, not a visa. For visits exceeding 3 months, authorization must be obtained in person by applying to the Greece Aliens Bureau at least 20 days prior to the 3-month expiration date.

Note for Corporations, especially concerning the Olympics:
Customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call 212-354-4480, send an e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org, or visit http://www.uscib.org for details.

Additional Info:

Greek Embassy

Greek Embassy US Offices

US Embassy in Greece

Passport & Visa Requirements (Greek Embassy)

Travel Insurance Requirements (Greek Embassy)

B&Y Charters International Travelguard Travel Insurance

Athens International Airport

US State Department: Greece Consular Information Sheet

US Consulate in Thessaloniki Greece

Weddings:  Requirements for Getting Married in Greece

List of Foreign Embassies in Greece

Lonely Planet Synopsis

Customs:

Duty free allowance is $400.00 for all US citizens. Keep a record of receipts for purchases. Any amount of foreign currency and gold may be freely imported, but any sum of excess of $400.00 must be declared on arrival if it is to be re-exported.

Note on Forbidden substances:
Drugs, explosives etc. Travelers in possession of codeine-based medication are subject to severe penalties, unless they declare their possession.

Appliances:

The electricity supply in Greece is alternating current, 220 volts, 50 cycles. Appliances for 110 or 120 volts may be operated by using stepdown transformers of 220/110 volts connected to each outlet, provided that these transformers have two separate windings which will eliminate any danger of electric shock. Greek television systems are PAL-SECAM-M. Therefore portable TV sets with the American system (NTSC) only, will not operate in Greece.

Cell Phones:

Dual voltage (220/110 volts 50/60 hz) power adapters for wireless telephone sets are required. Check with your wireless carrier for access to Greece. It is very convenient to just rent a cell phone at the airport. Also, there are several companies that will deliver a phone to your hotel (less expensive, too!). A definite plus: No charge for incoming calls! As an example, see this link for cell phones in Greece. (Note: Phone service may NOT be available on some islands and in transit. Please review your itinerary and check with the telecom carrier.)

Computer/Internet Access in Greece:

For internet connectivity, there are several cybercafes all over Greece and the islands. There are also access points for wireless internet access (802.11b). The Athens airport has some commendable services for corporate users. See Athens International Airport Wireless Connectivity Information.

List of Athens Internet Cafes
List of Internet Cafes over the rest of Greece and the Islands

Shipping To and From Greece:

The UPS Store/Mailboxes, etc. Greece Locations
FedEx Greece
US Post Office International and International Rate Calculator

Legal Holidays:

January 1,January 6, Lent Monday, March 25, Holy and Great Friday, Easter Monday, May 1, Holy Trinity, August 15, October 28, December 25,26

Business Hours in Greece:

Banks:

A list of Foreign Banks in Athens

Shopping:

Mon, Wed: 9am - 2.30pm Tue, Thu, Fri: 9am - 1.30 and 5.30pm - 8.30pm Sat: 9am - 3pm
Hours: Some shops are open 8am - 9pm.
Sunday: closed, except neighborhood corner stores and some kiosks, usually open till around 10pm. Hours are extended during Christmas and Easter holidays as well as in summer.

Climate:

Current Greece Weather Report
Current Greece Weather Satellite View
Greece Regional Weather (by City)

Average Temperatures

Maps of Greece:

Lonely Planet Map:


Interactive Maps of Greece
Greece Physical Map
Greek Island Maps