Everything you need to know for your trip to Greece - answered by travel experts
English is widely spoken in Greece's major visitor areas, especially at hotels, restaurants, attractions, and transport hubs. Learning a few Greek phrases is still courteous and useful, particularly in smaller communities.
Learning a few Greek words goes a long way:
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and trip length. Many non-EU visitors can use the Schengen short-stay rules for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For non-EU nationals using the Schengen short-stay rules, the passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the intended EU departure date and have been issued within the previous 10 years. ETIAS is not operational. It is planned for the last quarter of 2026, but the exact start date has not been announced. The application fee will be €20.
Sources: Your Europe and Official ETIAS website. Verified July 30, 2026; review scheduled September 1, 2026.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational at external Schengen borders on April 10, 2026. It is separate from ETIAS and digitally records the entry and exit of non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay.
Source: European Commission. Verified July 30, 2026; review scheduled October 30, 2026.
The best time depends on your preferences:
Greece uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but cash is still preferred for small transactions. ATMs are common in cities but can be scarce on small islands.
Both! While cards are accepted by law, many small tavernas, cafes, and shops prefer cash. Carry some euros (small bills) for markets, tips, and places that might have "broken" card machines. ATMs offer the best exchange rates.
Daily budgets vary widely:
Tipping isn't obligatory like in the US. In tavernas, rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated. Taxi drivers don't expect tips, but you can round up. Hotel staff might appreciate small tips.
Yes! Greece is considered extremely safe for tourists and is ranked as a level-one destination by the US State Department. Violent crime is very rare, and the biggest risks are petty theft in busy tourist areas and traffic accidents.
Absolutely. Greece is very safe for solo female travelers. Greeks are family-oriented and often look out for guests. Harassment is rare, though you might get friendly chat or coffee invites. In islands and small towns, crime is almost non-existent.
Tap water is safe to drink in most mainland cities and larger islands. On some small islands it can be brackish, so locals use bottled water for drinking. When in doubt, ask your hotel.
Highly recommended! Medical care in cities is high quality, but travel insurance covers unexpected costs, trip cancellations, and evacuation if needed. EU citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card.
Greece's nature is generally benign. There are no dangerous wild animals. Rarely, you might encounter scorpions or snakes in rural areas - wear shoes when hiking. No special vaccinations are needed.
True in most places! Greek sewage pipes are narrow, so don't flush toilet paper. Use the bin provided next to the toilet. This applies to most hotels and restaurants, though some modern buildings with upgraded plumbing may allow it.
Greece has excellent 4G/5G coverage and free WiFi at most hotels and cafes. EU travelers can roam at no extra cost. Others can buy local SIM cards from Cosmote, Vodafone, or Wind for cheap data.
Ferries connect all inhabited islands. High-speed catamarans are faster but more expensive. Book popular routes in advance in summer. In winter, schedules are reduced and some routes may not operate.
Still have questions? Check out our comprehensive guides or use our itinerary planner to create your perfect Greek adventure: