Athens Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards

COSMOTE, Vodafone, and Nova are the main mobile network operators in Greece.

Acquisition & Use

SIM cards can be obtained at Athens International Airport or official provider stores in Piraeus.
Your passport is needed for registration. Look for tourist packages.
Prepaid SIM cards typically come with data, call, and SMS bundles. A basic SIM with data costs around €10-€20.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is widely available and reliable in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces.

Connectivity

Many establishments provide free Wi-Fi for customers.
Solis Wi-Fi offers portable Wi-Fi devices for consistent internet access.
Mobile data coverage is strong in urban areas like Piraeus and most popular islands.

Postal Services

Hellenic Post (ELTA) offices are available in Piraeus and throughout Greece for sending mail and parcels.

Mail & Parcels

Stamps can be obtained at post offices or kiosks.
Locate post offices in Piraeus and across Greece.
Send postcards and souvenirs home.

Language & Translation

The official language is Greek (Ελληνικά). English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Support & Understanding

Many signs, especially in tourist areas, appear in both Greek and English.
You will generally find it easy to communicate in English in Piraeus.
The Google Translate app (download offline Greek pack) greatly supports quick translations.

Important Phrases

Basic Greetings

Hello (formal/plural): Yassas (Yah-sas)
Hello (informal/singular): Yassou (Yah-soo)
Good morning: Kalimera (Ka-lee-MEH-ra)
Hello: Kalispera (Ka-lee-SPEH-ra)

Phrases

Thank you: Efharisto (Ef-ha-ree-STO)
Please/You're welcome: Parakalo (Pa-ra-ka-LO)
Cheers!: Yamas! (Yah-mas!)
Do you speak English?: Milate Anglika? (Mee-LA-teh Ang-GLEE-kah?)

Communication Tips

A local SIM or portable Wi-Fi device keeps you online.

Business Hours & Schedules

Familiarize yourself with essential phrases and typical operating hours.

Shop Hours

Generally open Monday to Friday from 09:00 or 10:00. Many smaller shops observe a siesta (closing from approximately 14:00 to 17:00) before reopening until 21:00. Each Saturday, hours are usually 09:00 - 15:00. On Sundays, nearly all shops remain closed.

Dining Hours

Lunch service typically runs from around 12:30/13:BETWEEN 12 and 16:00/17:00. Dinner service usually starts from 19:00 or 20:00 and continues late into the night, often past midnight, especially during summer.

Cafe & Pharmacy

Cafes open early in the morning (around 07:00) and remain open until late evening/night. Pharmacies typically follow standard shop hours. Emergency pharmacies operate 24/7 on a rotating schedule; check local signs for information.

Banking Hours

Banks typically open Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 14:30 and Friday from 08:00 to 14:00. Banks are closed on weekends and national holidays.

ATMs & Access

ATMs are widely available 24/7 outside bank branches.
Find ATMs at the airport and in busy commercial areas.
Always use ATMs located at official bank branches.

Religious & Public Holidays

Greece observes numerous public and religious holidays, during which banks, government offices, and many businesses are closed or operate on reduced schedules.

Dates

Major holidays include New Year's Day, Greek Independence Day, and Easter.
Greek Orthodox Easter often falls on a different date than Western Easter.
Check specific dates for Greek public holidays for your travel period.

Seasonal Closures

Island Specifics

Some tourist-oriented businesses, especially on smaller islands, close during the low season (winter).
Winter months see reduced operations in purely tourist areas.
High season brings full operations and extended hours.

Piraeus & Mainland

In Piraeus, most businesses operate year-round as a result of its status as a major city and port.
A few coastal tavernas might display reduced hours during off-peak times.
Check local listings for seasonal adjustments.

Smooth Scheduling

Knowing operating hours and phrases streamlines your visit. Always verify specific times for attractions.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Navigate Piraeus respectfully with awareness of local customs.

Greeting Customs

A handshake is a common greeting for introductions, notably in formal settings or when meeting someone new.

Polite Welcomes

Among friends and family, a kiss on both cheeks (starting with the right) is customary.
A simple "Yassas" (Hello) or "Kalimera" (Good morning) to staff is polite.
Showing courtesy is always appreciated.

Attire & Dining

Dress appropriately and understand local dining customs.

Dress & Meals

Smart casual attire is common. Greeks generally dress neatly for outings.
For religious sites, modest attire is needed: shoulders and knees covered.
Greeks value leisurely meals. Sharing appetizers is common.

Photography Ethics

Photography is generally permitted in public spaces and at archaeological sites for personal use.

Capture with Care

Always ask permission before photographing inside churches or monasteries.
Always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially children.
Be discreet and respectful, especially in sensitive or quiet moments.

Sensitive Subjects

Some topics are best avoided in conversation with strangers.

Topics to Note

Avoid discussing Greek politics or the economic situation.
The Cyprus issue remains a sensitive topic for many Greeks.
Avoid discussing income or personal wealth.

Travel Caution

Important Notes

Greece is generally welcoming. Urban areas are more accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Public displays of affection might be more discreet outside of specific venues. Rural areas can be more traditional.
A slight upward nod or raised eyebrows, sometimes with a "tsk" sound, can signify "no".

Travel Contingencies

Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas.
Priority Pass offers lounge access for comfort during delays.
Compensair supports claims for flight delays or cancellations.

Religious Site Etiquette

Church Visits

Maintain silence and a respectful demeanor.
Avoid touching artifacts or religious icons.
Dress appropriately, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered.

Photography Rules

Adhere to any certain rules regarding photography or flash.
If a service is underway, enter quietly and remain at the back.
Consider waiting until the service concludes.

Cultural Awareness

Observe local customs for a more enriching experience. Respectful interaction provides opportunities for genuine connections.

Accessibility Information

Information for travelers requiring special assistance in Piraeus.

Mobility Infrastructure

Many pavements in Piraeus, especially in older areas, are uneven, narrow, or have obstacles.

Navigation Challenges

Pavements are difficult for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
Many historical sites and older buildings feature stairs and lack ramps.
The main port area is mostly flat, but the space between gates might require assistance.

Accessible Transport

Public transport options differ in accessibility.

Getting Around

Newer Metro stations (lines 2 and 3) are generally accessible with elevators.
Trams are generally modern and accessible, offering a smooth ride.
Some buses offer low-floor and wheelchair access, but not the entire fleet.

Sensory Impairments

Services for travelers with disabilities are limited but improving.

Support & Aids

Guide dogs are generally accepted in public places.
Some museums offer audio guides or tactile exhibits.
Check specific attractions for available resources.

Support Resources

Finding current information is essential for a smooth accessible journey.

Information Channels

Contact the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) for current information.
Forums for travelers with disabilities provide valuable peer advice.
Pre-booking accessible transfers and tours creates a smoother trip.

Thoughtful Planning

Research specific needs ahead of time. Communication with providers streamlines your accessible travel experience.

Athens Travel Tips