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Today
6:00 am
+2h from you
Weather in Greece
Greece
16°
Slight rain
Wed
9
16
Thu
7
18
Fri
11
16
Sat
9
16
Sun
8
17
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.
Getting around Greece
Language in Greece
Tipping in Greece
Tipping is customary in Greece for good service. While not mandatory, it's a appreciated gesture.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving €1-2
Taxi
Rounding up the fare
Hotel Porter
€1-2 per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
€1-2 per day
Tour Guide
€5-10 per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour
Safety in Greece
Tips for British travellers
Greece is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry your passport with you at all times, as the police may not accept a copy.
Police can arrest you for rowdy or indecent behaviour, especially when linked to excessive drinking, which may result in a fine or prison.
It is illegal to smoke in indoor public places, and you could be fined up to 500 euros.
Take care of your valuables as thefts of wallets and handbags are common on the metro and in crowded tourist spots.
At clubs and bars, keep an eye on your group's drinks and use pre-arranged transport or licensed taxi apps at night.
Bonus tips:
Make sure you time stamp your ticket on public transport, as unvalidated tickets can lead to a fine.
When hiring a moped, ensure you have a valid driving licence with at least category A1, as the UK category P is not valid in Greece.
Driving in Greece
A UK driving license is accepted in Greece. Ensure you have your license with you while driving.
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
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
Greece uses plug types C and F. The standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. UK travelers will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Widely accepted in tourist areas and larger establishments. 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
Widely available in cities and tourist areas, less so in rural areas and smaller islands.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are common in Greece, particularly in tourist areas. Ensure you have a four-digit PIN and, be aware of potential transaction fees.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of EU-wide free roaming has ended. Check with your mobile provider before travelling to Greece to understand the roaming charges you will incur. Many providers offer daily roaming packages for use outside of the UK.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 25 EUR (~£21)
Network coverage
4G, 5G, LTE
Local carriers
Cosmote, Vodafone Greece, Wind Hellas
WiFi & internet
Widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and bars, especially in tourist areas.
Average speed
40 Mbps
WiFi is readily available in most populated areas and tourist establishments. Internet speeds are generally good for browsing and social media.
Health & vaccinations in Greece
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Greece. However, it's still advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance, particularly for private healthcare, repatriation, and other expenses not covered by GHIC/EHIC.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for Greece. However, it's always recommended to consult your GP or a travel clinic for personalized advice based on your medical history. Ensure you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations like measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and polio.
Calling Greece
Country code
+30
To call Greece from the UK, dial 00 30 followed by the Greek area code and local number.
To call the British Embassy in Athens from the UK: 00 30 210 7273 000
The country code for Greece is 30. When calling from abroad, dial your country's exit code, then 30, followed by the local number.
UK Embassy in Greece
British Embassy Athens
1 Ploutarchou Street, 106 75 Athens
Airports in Greece
Frequently asked questions
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.