Northern Greece, Greece
Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova (formerly Wind) are the main mobile providers in Greece. You can purchase local SIM cards at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) or at official stores in the city center. Bring your passport for registration. These providers feature various prepaid packages with data, calls, and SMS.
Wi-Fi is widely available and generally reliable in hotels, apartments, cafes, restaurants, and many public areas (e.g., Aristotelous Square, White Tower area). Look for "Free Wi-Fi" signs. Mobile data coverage is generally good in Thessaloniki and throughout most of Greece.
ELTA (Hellenic Post) is the national postal service. Post offices carry a yellow sign with the ELTA logo. Services include mailing letters, postcards, and packages. Stamps are available at post offices and some kiosks.
Official Language: Greek. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. This covers hotels, major attractions, restaurants, and many shops. Younger generations often have good English skills. Many signs are also in English.
Learning a few basic Greek phrases locals value highly. It communicates respect and willingness to engage.
Schedules in Greece often differ from other countries.
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday: Generally 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (or 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Saturday). Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: Generally 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM (split shift due to afternoon siesta). Sunday: Most shops are closed.
Typically operate continuously from 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM on weekdays, and 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM on Saturdays. Some may have limited Sunday hours or be closed.
Cafes open early, usually from 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM and stay open late (until midnight or later). Restaurants typically start dinner service around 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM and can continue until late (midnight or later).
Banks generally open Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM, and Friday from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Closed on weekends and public holidays. ATMs are widely available 24/7 throughout the city.
Greece observes several public holidays, many religious. On these days, banks, post offices, and many shops close. Public transport may have a reduced schedule.
Always check operating hours for businesses and attractions, especially during public holidays or the off-season.
This section communicates respect for the culture.
Formal: A handshake is common upon meeting someone. Informal: Among friends, a kiss on each cheek (starting with the right) is common, even between men. General: A direct "Yiasas" (formal) or "Yiasou" (informal) is appropriate when entering a shop or restaurant.
Churches/Monasteries: Modest dress. Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. Some places may offer wraps. General: Casual dress for most daily activities. For evenings out or upscale restaurants, smart casual is appropriate.
Meals are social events. It is common to share dishes. Greeks often linger over coffee or meals for extended periods. Do not rush. Tipping: While valued, it is not expected to be a large percentage. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% is typical.
Generally, it is acceptable to photograph public spaces, attractions, and landscapes. People: Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in rural areas or religious settings. Honor their decision if they decline.
Learning a few Greek phrases locals value highly.
Thessaloniki has improving, but still varied, accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges.
Modern Areas: Newer infrastructure, like the waterfront promenade (Nea Paralia), some modern hotels, and shopping malls, tends to be more accessible with ramps and elevators. Older Areas: Older parts of the city (e.g., Ano Poli, parts of the city center) present significant challenges. This covers narrow, uneven sidewalks, cobblestone streets, and a lack of ramps.
The Archaeological Museum and Museum of Byzantine Culture are generally accessible. The White Tower has an elevator to its upper levels. Public Transportation: Newer OASTH buses have ramps for wheelchair access, but not all bus stops are fully adapted. The upcoming Thessaloniki Metro is built to be fully accessible with elevators at all stations.
Limited specific services are widely advertised for tourists. Major institutions may have some provisions (e.g., audio guides). Assistance: It is wise to travel with a companion or arrange specialized assistance in advance through a travel agency that caters to accessibility needs.
Local disability organizations in Thessaloniki can give more detailed, up-to-date information. Check with specific attractions or hotels regarding their accessibility features before visiting. Contact them directly to confirm suitability.
Check specific attraction or hotel accessibility features before your visit for a comfortable journey.
