Going to à ATHÈNES: Formalities and administrative steps
Organize your stay à ATHÈNES
Money à ATHÈNES
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 à ATHÈNES
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 à ATHÈNES
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 à ATHÈNES
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 à ATHÈNES
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 à ATHÈNES
No vaccinations are required before you leave.
Security à ATHÈNES
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 à ATHÈNES
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 à ATHÈNES
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 à ATHÈNES
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 à ATHÈNES
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 à ATHÈNES
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.
Daily life à ATHÈNES
Hello? à ATHÈNES
To call an Athenian phone number from a foreign number, remember to add the Greek code: +30 (i.e. 0030) without the initial zero. To call to France from Athens, use the French code +33. Since 2017, roaming charges have been eliminated in the 27 member countries of the European Union. However, a cap may have been set by your operator.
Accessibility à ATHÈNES
Unfortunately, people with reduced mobility and babies in strollers are not a priority in Greece. Accessibility is therefore limited, especially on local buses. However, in Athens, several hotels have made arrangements to facilitate access and stay for people with reduced mobility. In museums, access has been provided to the first floor rooms, which fortunately are the richest in exhibits. There is still a lot of work to be done to make the archaeological sites accessible, but fortunately the Parthenon has recently been made accessible by elevator. For a comfortable stay, it is advisable to contact a specialized agency.
Health à ATHÈNES
There is no risk in traveling to Athens. However, make sure that your vaccinations (DT Polio, etc.) are up to date. Also remember to protect yourself against mosquitoes by using a special cream or lotion. A lotion against sunburns is also essential. It is also very important to stay well hydrated in Athens, especially in summer: remember to always carry a bottle of water with you.
In case of illness or serious problem, do not hesitate to consult a pharmacist (tel. on call: 14 494): they are usually very competent.
The medical services in Athens are very efficient and competent. The city has a large number of public hospitals that are on call on a rotating basis, as well as clinics and dispensaries. There are also two public hospitals in and around Piraeus. Do not hesitate to ask passers-by for help: they will do everything to help you. It is, however, advisable to travel to Greece with the European Health Insurance Card. This card is issued by the French health insurance services.
On the website of the French embassy, you will have all the numbers available in case of any kind of emergency, the list of medical practitioners and medical auxiliaries (French speaking doctors) including: https://gr.ambafrance.org/Listes-des-avocats-medecins-et-notaires-francophones#Athenes-8e91
Emergency numbers à ATHÈNES
Greek emergency number: 166
On the website of the French Embassy, you will find all the numbers available in case of emergency
(https://gr.ambafrance.org/Numeros-d-urgence) or call + 30 210 33 91 200.
Securty à ATHÈNES
For EU member countries, the emergency number is 112.
Athens is among the safest capitals in Europe. Everywhere in the city and in Attica there is a police station, while in Piraeus and the port cities the authorities are also responsible for port security. Although there are very few problems to report in and around the Greek capital, it may be useful to note the police switchboard (100) where an operator who usually speaks English will answer you.
However, there are a few precautions to take: it is best not to venture near Omonoia Square or in the Metaxourgheio area and those places where the lively nightlife has not yet taken over the dark corners after 10pm, nor around the train stations of Peloponissou and Larissis.
Also be careful when walking in the tourist areas or using public transportation during rush hour: pickpockets are usually on the loose! It is therefore a good idea to leave important documents in your room. No need to panic either. Athens remains a safe destination, but it is better to remain vigilant.
For more information, please visit the French Embassy website: https://gr.ambafrance.org/Conseils-aux-voyageurs-11405
LGBTQ à ATHÈNES
Athens is a popular destination for the gay community. Although few structures have been put in place, accommodation in mainstream establishments will pose no problem. If you encounter a problem, don't hesitate to contact an LGBTQ association in Athens, which will be able to protect you or advise you on safe, gay-friendly places. For younger people, there's ColorYouth, and for middle-aged people, ΟΛΚΕ (http://olkegr.blogspot.gr/).
Agencies specializing in this population of travelers are members of IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association) and ISGLMP (International Society of Gay and Lesbian Meeting Professionals).
Embassies and consulates à ATHÈNES
The Embassy of France in Greece is located just a stone's throw from the Greek Parliament and Syntagma Square and more precisely at 7, Vassilis Sofias Avenue. On the website, you will find all the necessary information concerning your stay in Athens and in Greece: https: //gr.ambafrance.org/-Francais-. Opening hours (by appointment): Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm.
The Consulate of France in Greece is located at 6, Akadimias Street. For more information, please visit: https://gr.ambafrance.org/-Consulat-a-Athenes-
Mail à ATHÈNES
You will find post offices easily: however, you can check on the Internet. The post office is called "EΛΤΑ" (ELTA) and has an English-language site to help you find the offices: www.elta.gr/en-us/home.aspx. The site tells you about opening and closing times. The post offices usually close at 2:00-2:45 p.m. at the latest, Monday through Friday, and are closed on weekends, except for the one in Omonia Square. You can buy stamps or send parcels there. A stamp for France or the European Union is worth 1 €, for a simple sending. It takes about three working days for a card to arrive at its destination in Europe, but services can sometimes be considerably slowed down for reasons that escape us. Please note that in order for your packages to reach their destinations, you should send them by registered mail. The mailboxes are yellow, and are usually only located next to a post office and not everywhere in the city.
Local media à ATHÈNES
Television. Greeks watch a lot of television, despite the average quality of most of the programs broadcast. The TV market was opened in 1989, and since then only one media group is public, ERT (consisting of three generalist channels: ET1, ET2 and ET3). In June 2013, the government of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras had decided to close the public channels abruptly, creating an international outcry. Suddenly, the screen of the public channels went black and the employees found themselves unemployed. With Alexis Tsipras coming to power in January 2015, ERT reopened; this was one of his campaign promises. A parliamentary station also exists, To Kanali Tis Voulis. Among the private channels: Alpha TV, Star, Antenna, Skai, Open, etc. Practically all households receive the French channel TV5. Pay-TV packages such as Nova or Cosmote TV offer channels dedicated mainly to sports and cinema. The payment of the TV licence fee is compulsory (even for those who do not have one!) and is included in the electricity bill.
Press. The most widely read newspapers are Ta Nea (center), Kathimerini (center-right), To Vima (center-left) and I Efimerida ton Syntakton (more left-wing). Even though digital subscription and home delivery of newspapers (including international press) are quite developed, Athenians still prefer to buy their newspapers at newsstands. Newspapers use tools such as DVDs and giveaways to increase their sales, which has contributed to the success of circulation.
Radio. The best music radio stations are Kosmos (93.6) for world music, Diesi (101.3) which plays good Greek music among others, Pepper (96.6) which plays more alternative music. Kiss FM (92.9) is more focused on pop and new modern songs. Best (92.6) is also a radio for modern music and pop-rock, and EnLefko (87.7) for jazz. Lampsi FM (92.3) and Melodia (99.2) are classified as popular Greek music stations. The municipality of Athens broadcasts its own radio: Athens 98.4.
odysseus.culture.gr is the official website of the Greek Ministry of Culture. It is available in English and lists all the archaeological sites in Greece, with detailed descriptions and practical information. Particularly useful to track down the many changes of schedule of the great historical sites.
www.visitgreece.gr : the very nice official site of the Greek tourist office. Available only in English or Greek, it is full of information about Athens and its surroundings, the islands, the hotels and the different means of transport between and within the islands.
www.greece-is.com : a complete lifestyle site about Greece, in English, which offers special reports about Greece (gastronomy, heritage, sites to visit, anecdotes and portraits of local life).
