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Pre-Trip Checklist

Pre-Trip Checklist

Greece

Essential Preparations

Follow this timeline to miss nothing.

Planning Timeline

A chronological guide for your trip preparations.

1

Months Ahead

Passport Validity

Passport valid for 3 months beyond departure, issued within 10 years.

Visa Research

Research visa and ETIAS requirements for Greece entry.

Flight Bookings

Book international flights for better prices, dates.

2

Month Ahead

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive medical and trip cancellation (World Nomads).

Idp

Obtain International Driving Permit if renting vehicles.

Bank Notification

Inform banks of travel dates to avoid card blocking.

3

Week Ahead

Confirmations

Reconfirm all flight, accommodation, and tour bookings.

Packing

Pack according to climate and activities.

Document Copies

Make digital and physical copies of all documents.

Home Care

Arrange home and pet care before you leave.

Departure Checklist

  • Inform family of itinerary
  • Arrange mail collection
  • Set house security
  • Pay bills due during absence

Advance Bookings

Secure popular options early for peace of mind.

Important Reservations

  • International and domestic flights
  • Accommodation during peak season
  • Popular ferry routes
  • Specific guided tours

Documents

Keep essential papers accessible.

Travel ID

  • Passport, valid and current
  • Visa, if applicable
  • International Driving Permit
  • Photocopies of all documents

Financials

  • Credit card companies informed
  • Euros planned for initial use
  • ATM withdrawal strategy
  • Emergency cash

Connectivity

  • Offline maps downloaded
  • Translation apps ready
  • Ferry schedules app
  • Airalo Greece eSIM for data

Pro Tip

Always carry physical copies of important documents separate from originals.

Arrival Checklist

These steps ensure a smooth arrival in Kos Town.

Immediate Steps

  • 1
    Clear Immigration and Customs

    Proceed through passport control and customs procedures at Kos International Airport or Kos Town Port.

  • 2
    Collect Luggage

    Retrieve your checked luggage from the baggage claim area.

  • 3
    Locate Transfer

    Find your pre-arranged airport/port transfer (bus, taxi, rental car pick-up) or proceed to public transport options.

Orientation

  • Walk around the neighborhood

    Take a short walk around your immediate neighborhood to get acquainted.

  • Locate ATMs and pharmacies

    Find nearby amenities for convenience.

  • Find bus stops and supermarkets

    Identify transport and shopping spots.

Initial Purchases

Currency

Withdraw Euros from an airport ATM.

ATM withdrawal is often the best exchange method.

Connectivity

Purchase a local SIM card if not using eSIM.

Mobile data and a local number are then active.

Essentials

Consider light snacks for arrival.

Locate water supplies for hydration.

Important Note

Downloading offline maps for Kos beforehand is highly recommended for navigation.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for a smooth departure from Kos Town.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Be mindful of airline baggage allowances.

Considerations

  • Large souvenirsInquire about shipping
  • Fragile itemsCheck shipping options
  • Baggage allowancesBe mindful of airline limits
  • VAT refundsKeep necessary forms

Timing & Final Checks

  • Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights
  • 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights
  • 30-60 minutes before ferry departures
  • Confirm return details and boarding passes

Departure Tip

Recharge all electronics and lay out travel clothes the day before.

Always perform a final check of immediate travel necessities.