Greece
Phone Code
+30
Capital
Athens
Population
10.4 Million
Native Name
Ελλάδα
Region
Europe
Southern Europe
Timezone
Eastern European Time
UTC+02:00
On This Page
Greece is a southeastern European country and EU/Schengen/Eurozone member, known as the cradle of Western civilization, democracy, and philosophy. Famous for ancient ruins, stunning islands, Mediterranean cuisine, and warm hospitality. Athens, the capital, features the Acropolis, Parthenon, and vibrant neighborhoods. Visitors are drawn to Athens' ancient sites, Santorini's whitewashed villages and sunsets, Mykonos nightlife and beaches, Crete's Minoan palaces, Rhodes medieval old town, Meteora monasteries, Delphi archaeological site, Greek islands (6,000+ total), Greek cuisine (moussaka, souvlaki, feta), and crystal-clear Aegean and Ionian seas. Greece offers history, island hopping, beaches, and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Visa Requirements for Greece
As a Schengen Area member, Greece follows standard Schengen visa policies. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter with just a valid ID card or passport for unlimited stays and can work freely. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many other countries can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Those requiring Schengen visas should apply through Greek consulates or embassies, submitting completed application forms, passport photographs, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), and proof of financial means. Greece receives over 30 million tourists annually, especially during summer months. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days.
Common Visa Types
Visa-Free Entry (Schengen)
For tourism, business, conferences, visiting friends/family for US, UK, Australia, Canada, and other eligible nationalities.
EU/EEA/Swiss Entry
For EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens for tourism, work, residence, or any purpose without restrictions.
Schengen Visa (Type C)
For short-term stays including tourism, business, cultural events, conferences for nationalities requiring Schengen visa.
National Visa (Type D)
For stays exceeding 90 days including work, study, family reunification, or residence in Greece.
Important Travel Information
Money & Currency
Euro
Currency code: EUR
Practical Money Tips
Currency Exchange in Greece
Greece uses the Euro (EUR), so travelers from other Eurozone countries need no exchange at all. For visitors converting from USD, GBP, or other currencies, ATMs offer the best rates. Dedicated exchange offices exist in Athens (Syntagma Square area), Thessaloniki, and major tourist islands but typically charge 2-4% commission. Banks exchange currency but with limited hours and longer waits. Avoid airport and hotel exchanges — rates are significantly worse. On smaller islands, exchange options may be limited to a single ATM, so carry enough euros before island-hopping to remote destinations.
ATM Availability
ATMs (called 'ΑΤΜ' in Greek) are widely available in Athens, Thessaloniki, and all major tourist destinations. Major Greek banks include Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank, National Bank of Greece, and Eurobank. On popular islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu), ATMs are plentiful in main towns but may run dry during peak August weekends — withdraw early in the day. On smaller, less-visited islands, there may be only one or two ATMs for the entire island. Daily withdrawal limits are typically €400-600. Your home bank may charge €3-5 per international withdrawal; check if your bank has fee-free European ATM agreements.
Card Acceptance
Card payments have expanded dramatically in Greece since the 2015 capital controls, which pushed the country toward digital payments. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, larger shops, supermarkets, and tourist businesses. Contactless payment works widely in cities and resort areas. However, cash remains important for: traditional tavernas on smaller islands, beach vendors, small kiosks (periptera), local bus fares, boat taxis, and rural areas. Many family-run businesses technically accept cards but prefer cash for small amounts. Always carry €50-100 in cash alongside your cards, especially when heading to islands or villages.
Tipping Customs
Tipping in Greece is appreciated but not obligatory — there is no American-style tipping pressure. In sit-down restaurants, leaving 5-10% is standard if no service charge is included; many Greeks simply round up or leave a few euros. Tipping at tavernas is looser — leaving spare change on the table is common. Hotel porters: €1-2 per bag. Taxi: round up to the nearest euro. Tour guides on day trips: €5-10 per person. Boat captains for private tours: €10-20. Housekeeping: €1-2 per day left on the pillow. In cafés, dropping coins from your change into the tip jar is the local norm. Always tip in cash even if you pay the bill by card.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Cities with missions
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