Greece’s currency is the euro (€). All major credit cards are widely accepted in Greece, though some establishments do not accept American Express and Diners. In Athens, Syntagma Square is the best place to look. In some tourist resorts you might be able to change money at the post office, where commissions may be lower than at banks.

In Greece, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type C and type F are used. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.

Visa and entry laws for Athens, Greece, depend on nationality. EU/EEA citizens can enter without a visa and stay indefinitely with a valid ID. Non-EU/EEA citizens from countries like the USA and Canada can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period with a passport valid for at least three months beyond their departure. Nationals requiring a Schengen visa must obtain it for short stays up to 90 days. Long stays require a long-stay visa or residence permit for purposes like work or study. Check specific requirements with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a Greek consulate.

Athens International Airport (AIA), known as Eleftherios Venizelos, is the main gateway for air travel in Athens, Greece. Situated about 20 kilometers east of the city center, AIA is the busiest airport in Greece, offering extensive domestic and international flights. It features modern facilities, including multiple terminals, diverse dining and shopping options, and efficient passenger services. The airport is well-connected to Athens via Metro Line 3, suburban railway services, express buses, and taxis. AIA serves numerous airlines and is a major hub for Aegean Airlines, facilitating travel to major global destinations and various Greek islands. As a crucial part of Greece’s tourism infrastructure, the airport handles millions of passengers annually, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Athens offers a variety of public transportation options. The metro is the most popular choice, as it connects many neighborhoods in both the city center and the suburbs. The city also has an extensive network of subways, trams, city buses, taxis, and bike-sharing services available throughout much of Athens.

Train travel in Athens, Greece, is an efficient and popular mode of transportation for both locals and tourists. Here are some key points about train travel in and around Athens:

  • Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at metro stations and are valid for 90 minutes across all public transportation modes. Options include single tickets, daily, and weekly passes.
  • Frequency: Trains run frequently, with intervals ranging from 3 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day.

Tips for Train Travel in Athens

  • Planning: Check the schedules in advance, especially for suburban and national trains, as frequencies can vary.
  • Accessibility: Most stations are equipped with facilities for disabled passengers, but it’s advisable to check specific station details if needed.

Safety: Athens’ train system is generally safe, but be mindful of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and during peak hours.

According to Greek law, a visitor can bring up to 5 different prescribed medicines for personal use, with a maximum of 2 boxes of each medicine. Some prescribed and over-the-counter medicines available in the UK, including medication containing codeine, are considered controlled substances in Greece. A doctor’s prescription is required in all cases, which should mention your details, the types of medicine and the condition treated. On arrival, Greek Customs may in some cases require you to obtain permission from the Greek National Organisation of Medicines – if you need to carry more than the permitted number of boxes, for example. The National Organisation of Medicines examines these requests on a case-by-case basis.

In Athens, alternative transport options such as car rentals and ride-sharing services like Uber offer convenient and flexible ways to navigate the city. Numerous car rental agencies provide a range of vehicles, requiring a valid driver’s license and insurance. Ride-sharing services, including local apps like Beat and international platforms like Uber, are easily accessible and often more reliable than traditional taxis. These services allow for hassle-free booking through mobile apps, making them a popular choice for both tourists and locals looking for efficient transportation options.