Greece for First-Timers: Essential Travel Tips

Why Greece rewards a little prep

Greece mixes ancient ruins, whitewashed islands and long, hot summers. A few practical details sorted in advance mean you spend your time at the Acropolis or on a Santorini terrace instead of hunting for an adapter or a SIM card.

Plugs and voltage

Greece uses Type C and Type F plugs (the round two-pin European style) and runs on 230V, 50Hz. If you come from the UK, US, or Australia you will need an adapter. Phones and laptops handle 230V fine, but check older hairdryers and curling irons before plugging them in.

Language basics

The language is Greek, written in its own alphabet, so street signs can be hard to decode. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but a few words go a long way:

• Yassas — hello (formal)
• Efharisto — thank you
• Parakalo — please / you are welcome
• Ne means yes, ohi means no (this surprises many visitors)
• Ena nero, parakalo — one water, please

Packing for Greece

• Light, breathable clothes for summer heat that often tops 35C
• Sturdy sandals or trainers for slippery marble and uneven ruins
• A refillable water bottle; tap water is safe in Athens and most of the mainland (buy bottled on some islands)
• High-SPF sunscreen and a hat — the Aegean sun is fierce
• A light layer for breezy evening ferry rides

Money and getting around

Greece uses the euro. Cards are accepted in cities, but carry some cash for tavernas, kiosks (periptero) and small islands. The Athens metro is cheap and reaches the airport; ferries from Piraeus link the islands. Book summer ferries early.

Quick tips

• Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up or 5-10% is plenty.
• Siesta is real — many shops close roughly 2-5pm, especially on islands.
• Ferries can be delayed by wind (the meltemi); keep plans flexible.
• Dress modestly at monasteries like Meteora — covered shoulders and knees.
• Validate your metro or bus ticket or risk a fine.
• Carry sunscreen and water on archaeological sites; shade is scarce.
• Tap, don't flush paper — many older pipes need it binned, watch for signs.

Stay connected in Greece

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land, so maps, translation and ferry bookings just work with no roaming bills.