11:33 pm
+2h from you
Weather in Greece
Greece
16°
Light drizzle
Sun
11
16
Mon
10
16
Tue
10
15
Wed
11
18
Thu
10
14
SPF level in Greece
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Transportation in Greece
Language in Greece
Tipping in Greece
Tipping is customary in Greece for good service. While not mandatory, it's a way to show appreciation.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill, or round up for smaller bills.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave a small tip (€1-€2) for good service.
Taxi
Round up the fare.
Hotel Porter
€1-€2 per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
€1-€2 per day, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
€5-€10 per person for a good tour.
Safety & security in Greece
Tips for British travellers
Greece is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry your passport at all times as police may not accept a copy for identification.
Be aware that thefts of passports and wallets are common on the metro and in crowded tourist places in central Athens.
Police can arrest you for rowdy or indecent behaviour, especially when excessive drinking is involved, which may lead to heavy fines or prison.
Always time stamp your ticket on public transport to avoid a fine for having an unvalidated ticket.
Be cautious when crossing the road, as drivers do not always stop at pedestrian crossings and the green signal sometimes allows cars to turn right onto them.
Bonus tips:
It is illegal to smoke in indoor public places, and you could face a fine of up to 500 euros.
Always book water sports at a licensed centre and ensure you get a safety demonstration and know how to call for help.
Driving in Greece
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
130 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Greece drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
100
Ambulance
166
Fire
199
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Greece
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, hotels, and restaurants in tourist areas. Smaller shops and tavernas may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Greece
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. May be less frequent in rural areas and smaller islands.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are readily accessible in most locations. Ensure you have a chip and PIN enabled card. Be aware of potential transaction fees from your bank.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming regulations no longer automatically apply. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Greece. Many providers offer specific roaming packages or add-ons.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 30 EUR (~£26)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Cosmote, Vodafone Greece, Wind Hellas
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces in tourist areas.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Internet access is generally good in Greece. WiFi is common, especially in tourist areas, and mobile data speeds are decent in urban areas.
Health & vaccinations
As a UK resident, you can use a valid UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Greece. However, consider comprehensive travel insurance for additional coverage, including repatriation and private medical care. Ensure your GHIC/EHIC is valid before travelling.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for Greece. However, stay up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Tap water is generally safe in major cities, but bottled water is recommended on the islands. Sunstroke and dehydration are risks, especially during summer. Ensure you have adequate sun protection and drink plenty of water.
Calling Greece
Country code
+30
To call Greece from the UK, dial 00 30 followed by the Greek phone number (without the leading zero if there is one).
To call the British Embassy in Athens from the UK, you would dial 00 30 210 7273 000.
The country code for Greece is 30. The international exit code from the UK is 00.
UK Embassy in Greece
British Embassy Athens
1 Ploutarchou Street, 106 75 Athens
Airports in Greece
Frequently asked questions about Greece
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.