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Practical Information

Practical Information

Northern Greece, Greece

Local Connectivity

Staying connected is straightforward in Ioannina.

SIM Cards & Mobile Access

  • Major providers: Cosmote, Vodafone, Wind Hellas.
  • Prepaid SIM cards purchasable at official stores/kiosks. Passport for registration. Airalo eSIMs are an option.
  • Cost for basic prepaid SIM: €10-€20.

Internet & Wi-Fi

Internet access is widely available across the city.

Access Points

  • Most accommodations in Ioannina offer free Wi-Fi.
  • Many cafes and restaurants have free Wi-Fi.
  • Reliable 4G/5G coverage in Ioannina; coverage spotty in remote mountain regions. Solis Wi-Fi for portable access.

Language Resources

Navigating conversations in Greek is manageable with some preparation.

Language Support

  • Official Language: Greek. English widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • For conversations or less touristy areas, a language barrier exists. Rosetta Stone for language learning.
  • Google Translate App: Download Greek language pack for offline use.

Essential Greek Phrases

These phrases ease interactions and show goodwill.

Greetings & Requests

  • Yassas (YAH-sahs): Hello (formal/plural)
  • Efharisto (ef-hah-rees-TOH): Thank you
  • Parakalo (pah-rah-kah-LOH): Please / You're welcome

More Helpful Phrases

Basic Responses

  • Nai (neh): Yes
  • Ohi (OH-hee): No
  • Signomi (seegh-NO-mee): Excuse me / Sorry
  • Kalinychta (kah-lee-NEEKH-tah): Good night

Dining & Shopping

  • Kalimera (kah-lee-MER-ah): Good morning
  • Kalispera (kah-lees-PEH-rah): Good evening
  • Poso kani? (PO-so KAH-nee?): How much is it?
  • Logariasmos, parakalo (lo-gah-ree-AHS-mos, pah-rah-kah-LOH): The bill, please.

Communication Tip

A small Greek phrasebook can be useful for basic interactions and shows goodwill. Many signs, especially in tourist areas, are bilingual (Greek/English).

Business Hours & Schedules

Understand typical operating hours for smooth activity planning.

Shops

Generally 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Many observe mid-day siesta: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Tue, Thu, Fri). Mon, Wed, Sat often close by 3:00 PM, no reopening.

Supermarkets

Typically 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Mon-Sat). Often closed on Sundays. Larger supermarkets may have slightly different hours.

Pharmacies

Similar to shops, with rotating emergency duty outside regular hours. Schedule posted on doors.

Dining & Leisure Hours

Restaurants and cafes follow varied schedules.

Meal Times

  • Lunch service: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM/4:00 PM.
  • Dinner service: Starts 7:00 PM/8:00 PM, continues late. Many close mid-afternoon.
  • Cafes/Bars: Open early morning until late night, often past midnight on weekends.

Banking & Financial Access

Access to financial services is readily available.

Financial Services

  • Banks: Typically Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM/2:30 PM. Closed weekends.
  • ATMs: Widely available 24/7 in city center, near banks, at airport.
  • Cash usage still common for smaller transactions.

Calendar & Seasonal Notes

Public Holidays

  • Greece observes many public holidays (e.g., New Year's Day, Epiphany, Orthodox Easter).
  • Most businesses (shops, banks, post offices) close on public holidays.
  • Museums/archaeological sites may have reduced hours or close.

Seasonal Adjustments

  • Smaller guesthouses or businesses in seasonal areas close during deep off-season.
  • Attractions may have shorter winter hours. Verify specific operating hours if traveling low season.
  • Orthodox Easter is most significant, impacts travel/services for days. Plan accordingly.

Important Planning Reminder

Always verify specific operating hours of attractions and businesses, particularly if traveling during holidays or the low season. For comfortable airport experiences, consider Priority Pass for lounge access. Should your flight experience delays or cancellations, Compensair assists with compensation claims.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Interacting respectfully with Ioannina's culture.

Greeting & Attire

Basic customs for initial interactions and appropriate dress.

Common Practices

  • Handshake common for introductions. Close friends/family kiss on both cheeks (start right).
  • "Yassas" (formal/plural) or "Yassou" (informal/singular) for greeting.
  • Religious Sites: Shoulders and knees covered for men and women.

Dining & Photography

Dining customs and photography considerations.

Behaviors

  • Waiters in Greece generally do not rush you; meals for leisurely enjoyment.
  • Ask for the bill ("Logariasmos, parakalo").
  • Generally fine to photograph public places/attractions. Ask permission for individuals.

Cultural Sensitivities

Positive Interactions

  • Political discussions best left to locals.
  • Respect religious sites and their practices.
  • Avoid the "OK" hand gesture (thumb and forefinger circle); offensive in Greece.

Gestures & Social Norms

Social Awareness

  • The "moutza" (extended open palm, fingers spread) highly offensive, never use.
  • Public displays of affection by same-sex couples increasingly accepted in larger cities; discretion still good in traditional areas.
  • Legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals exist, but societal attitudes vary.

Photography & Religious Site Etiquette

Photography Ethics

  • Always ask before photographing individuals, especially children.
  • Respect decisions if they decline.
  • Discreet photography for religious ceremonies or private moments. No flash where disruptive.

Religious Site Conduct

  • Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered for all.
  • Speak softly and maintain respectful demeanor. Silence mobile phone.
  • No disruption to services or private prayers. Follow posted rules.

Social Considerations

Gender & Safety

  • Greece generally a safe and welcoming country.
  • Public displays of affection increasingly accepted in larger cities.
  • Ioannina more conservative than Athens or Thessaloniki.

Inclusivity Notes

  • Discretion advisable in very traditional or rural areas.
  • Legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals exist.
  • Societal attitudes vary.

Transportation Etiquette

When hailing a taxi, a simple wave of the hand usually suffices. For uncertainty, ask your hotel reception to call one for you.

Accessibility Information

Ioannina's accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges is improving but still has some difficulties.

Infrastructure & Public Spaces

The city center has some pedestrianized areas with smoother surfaces. However, the Kastro (old town) features cobblestones and uneven terrain.

Mobility Considerations

  • Kastro can be challenging for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
  • Newer buildings, hotels, and public facilities have ramps and accessible restrooms.
  • Many modern hotels offer accessible rooms.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

Accessibility varies across sites and transportation options.

Navigation Insights

  • Newer public buses may have ramps; confirm specific routes.
  • Taxis are an option for direct transport; request assistance with getting in and out.
  • Some main attractions, like the Archaeological Museum and parts of the lake promenade, are relatively accessible.

Sensory Impairment Services

Limited specific services are widely advertised for tourists with visual or hearing impairments.

Support Information

  • In main tourist areas, visual cues for navigation assistance are generally lacking.
  • Auditory cues for navigation assistance are also generally lacking.
  • Planning ahead and relying on digital aids or human assistance is recommended.

Resources & Planning

Consult specialized resources for more detailed information.

Information Channels

  • Consult travel blogs or specialized disability travel forums for Greece.
  • These often provide firsthand accounts and specific tips.
  • Contact specific hotels or attractions directly to inquire about their accessibility features before your visit.

Accessibility Progress

New Building Standards

Newer buildings and public facilities incorporate ramps and accessible restrooms, enhancing inclusion.

Public Transport Efforts

Newer public buses might feature ramps, but confirming specific routes ahead of time is wise.

Historical Site Challenges

Historic sites, especially within the castle, retain stairs and uneven surfaces, posing accessibility challenges.

Accessibility Recommendation

Direct contact with hotels and attractions before your visit provides the most accurate and current information regarding their accessibility features, assisting your travel arrangements.