GREECE
Prime Travel Data
Athens, capital city, postal codes, telephone codes, languages, electrical voltage,
holidays, embassy, consulates, USA embassy, guide books, maps, history.
Carpe diem. Vivere bene! Gratia Deo.
HOW TO EUROPE: The Complete Travelers Handbook - - Appendix: Greece - -
This entire book is placed on-line gratis by the author, photographer, and webmaster. That's me, John Bermont. My DIY project comes with help from my daughter Stephanie. I welcome questions, comments, and complaints.
Last update . For contact information please see Your Blow Back at the foot of this page.
Your Go-To Travel Store
NEED TO KNOW
So here you are in Greece and you need to know some elementary stuff — like how to make a phone call, get local money, or contact the American Embassy to report your stolen passport. Here is a convenient source for that information, plus a bit more.
This web page originally appeared in the first editon of my book How To Europe: The Complete Travelers Handbook in a section titled "Country Data Sheets" over thirty years ago. I've updated and improved it for 2016.
| Important information about this data sheet. | |
|---|---|
| Native name | Hellas |
| Capital | Athens |
| Postal code | GR |
| Telephone code |
+30
See chapter 19, Telephoning to, from, and within Europe. |
| Language | Greek |
| Currency |
Euro, €
See The Euro and Other Currencies. |
| European Union |
Member.
See chapter 25, Customs Duty, USA and Europe. |
| Schengen Agreement |
Not a Member.
See chapter 3, Passport and Visas. |
| Time zone |
GMT+2
See chapter 28, European Dates and Time Zones. |
| Electricity |
220 volts, 50 Hz.
See chapter 11, European Electricity: Travel Voltage Fundamentals.. |
| Date | Holiday | |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year's Day | Protochronia |
| Jan 6 | Epiphany | ton Theofanion |
| Shrove Monday | Kathari Deftera | |
| Mar 25 | Annunciation Independence Day |
Ikosti Permti Martiou (tou Evangelismou) |
| Good Friday | Megali Paraskevi | |
| Easter Monday | Deftera tou Pascha | |
| May 1 | May Day | Protomagia |
| Ascension Day | Analipsis | |
| Aug 15 | Assumption | Dekapendavgoustos (tis Panagias) |
| Oct 28 | "No! Day" | Ikosti Ogdoi Oktovriou ("Ohi Day") |
| Dec 25 | Christmas | Christougenna |
| Dec 26 | St. Stephen's Day | defteri imera ton Christougennon |
| Greek Offices in the USA | |
|---|---|
| Embassy |
Embassy of Greece, Washington, DC
2217 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008 T 202-939-1300 F 202-939-1324 |
| Consulates | Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston,
Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco |
| Tourist Office |
Greek National Tourist Office
645 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10022 T 212-421-5777 F 212-826-6940 |
| American Offices in Greece | |
|---|---|
| Embassy |
Embassy of the United States, Athens, Greece
91 Vassilissi Sophias Blvd. 10160 Athina T +30-210-721-2951 F +30-210-720-2859 |
| Consulates | Thessaloniki |
| USA is known as: | Enomenes Politeies |
|---|
Recommended books for further information:
There are not so many books and maps available for Greece as there are for the more popular travel destinations in Europe, but there are enough good ones to get you through this small country. Notice that I do not recommend any Frommers, Dummies, Steves, or other inferior guides. For some of the reasons please go to the hoi polloi.
For the good stuff, the links below take you directly to a page at Amazon.com. That page details the item, and in some cases includes candid comments from others who have bought the item. Enjoy-Europe.com benefits when you order here. Thanks for your support!
Note: emphasis in the titles is mine -- to help you in finding the information you need. Don't worry too much about publication dates. Many books are updated every three to six years. The monuments and cathedrals haven't moved in over a thousand years!
Have a good trip!
Prime Travel Data
HOW TO EUROPE
The Complete Travelers Handbook
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Travel Like a Native In Europe
Chapter 2, Part 1
Travel Costs: How Much?
Chapter 2, Part 2
My Actual Expenses
Chapter 3
Identity and Travel Documents
Chapter 4
Travel Starts at the Airport
Chapter 5
Your Best Travel Clothes
for All Occasions
Chapter 6 Part 1
Travel Europe in Comfort and Style
Chapter 6 Part 2
Pack Your Toothbrush, Hair Blower, Toilet Paper, Vinegar.
Chapter 6 Part 3
Travel SuppliesSmall Stuff Packing List
Chapter 6 Part 4
Bringing Valuables to EuropeNot in Your Luggage or Purse
For the other 24 chapters and much more see
HOW TO EUROPE
The Complete Travelers Handbook