Greece

Travel tips for Greece: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards work almost everywhere. Recent traveler reports confirm that Greek law mandates card acceptance, making tap-to-pay near-universal across the mainland and islands, though carrying a few euros for small tips or specific local buses is still helpful.

Try the food

Moussaka (Μουσακάς): Layers of eggplant, minced meat, and potatoes topped with a rich béchamel sauce baked to a golden brown.
Souvlaki (Σουβλάκι): Skewered and grilled pieces of marinated pork or chicken, often served wrapped in pita bread with tzatziki, tomatoes, and onions.
Spanakopita (Σπανακόπιτα): A savory pastry made of flaky phyllo dough stuffed with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs.

Say it in Greek

Hello: Γειά σου (Yia sou)
Thank you: Ευχαριστώ (Efcharisto)
Please: Παρακαλώ (Parakalo)
Excuse me: Συγγνώμη (Signomi)
How much is this?: Πόσο κάνει αυτό; (Poso kani afto?)
The bill, please: Το λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ (To logariasmo, parakalo)
Yes / No: Ναι / Όχι (Ne / Ochi)
Goodbye: Αντίο (Antio)

Essentials

Plugs: Type C / Type F
Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
Driving: Right side
Tap water: Usually safe
Emergency: 112 (general), 100 (police), 166 (ambulance), 199 (fire)
SIM tip: Purchase a prepaid tourist SIM from Cosmote or Vodafone at the airport or city center kiosks, or download an eSIM like Airalo before arrival for immediate connectivity.

Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not strictly mandatory; leaving a 5 to 10 percent tip in cash on the table for good service in restaurants is standard practice.