last edited Dec 11, 2019
Other Practical Information for Greece
Luggage and Equipment to Bring
In summer, pack light clothing plus a warm layer for inland high-altitude areas, as well as for evenings and sea outings when the wind picks up. In winter, while mid-season clothes may suffice for the coast, much warmer clothing is needed for the mountainous regions. Don’t forget sun protection, as well as rain gear between November and March.
Communications
Telephone
International dialing code: (00 +) 30.
Internet
Post
Time Difference
Local time: .
Like its Bulgarian and Turkish neighbors (but not Albania or North Macedonia), Greece is on UTC+2, with daylight saving time changing at the same times as in France. This means there is a one-hour difference year-round with France; for example, it is 1:00 PM in Athens when it is noon in Paris.
Electricity
230 V (50 Hz) with "French" plugs (officially type F), which will require an adapter for North American plugs.
Opening Hours
Laundromats
Local Tourist Offices
Weights and Measures
The country uses the metric system, like France.
French Language Use
For foreign languages, English is by far the most widely spoken, especially among younger people and in the tourism sector. French comes next, understood by around 10% of Greeks. While useful in tourism, French has long been associated with the Greek upper class. Finally, for historical and tourism-related reasons, German (many Greeks once worked in Germany) and Italian (some islands were Italian possessions) are also spoken by 3–5% of the population.