It is often said that western civilization began in Greece. Historical attractions abound in this country, and visitors are often thrilled to visit the places that figure so prominently in the development of western science and thought. Greece also offers ample sun, great beaches, innumerable islands, a mild climate, and hospitable people.
To contact Auto Europe from Greece, dial 00-800-223-5555-5.

Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Greece for visits of less than three months. Pets are allowed to enter the country as long as they have valid vaccination certificates. Pets must be vaccinated at least 6 days but less than one year (6 months for cats) prior to the date of entry.

Local Time
Greece is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the United States and Canada.

Languages
Greek is the official language. English is spoken in hotels, many restaurants and department stores, and by Tourist Police wearing lapel badges depicting the U.S. or U.K. flags. An effort to speak even a few words of Greek will be appreciated.

Electricity
220-volt service is common, although 110-volt service still exists in some areas. The Continental two-round-pin plug is standard.

Local Tourist Information
E.O.T. (Greek National Tourist Organization)
Head Office
Tsoha 7 Street
GR-115-21 Athens, Greece
Phone (+30) 01-322-3111
Fax (+30) 01-322-4148
Dial 01 (long-distance access code 0 and Athens city code 1) only if you are calling from Greek locations outside the city.
* E.O.T. has information desks in the East and West Main Terminals of El.Venizelos Airport, at the General Bank of Greece at 1 Ermou St., and at the National Bank of Greece on Syntagma Square. There are also offices in nearly every town.
Or look for the Tourist Police, who can answer questions on the street, provide tourist literature at their offices and help in cases of taxi fare disputes, picked pockets, etc.

Customs
Travelers are not required to pay duty on an appropriate amount of items for their personal use during their visit. In addition, the following duty-free allowances apply: no more than 1 liter of liquor and 2 liters of wine; and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.

Currency Exchange
You'll get the best exchange rate using your credit cards at an ATM in Greece. All banks and many post offices have currency exchange counters, but charge a commission on cashing travelers checks. Banks are generally open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 1:30 p.m. Friday. Some banks keep additional hours strictly for exchanging foreign currency. Avoid illegal street money-changers and the ubiquitous 'bureaux de change.' Their rates are exorbitant. The Greek Post Office will convert cash for lower commission rates, but they will not convert your travelers checks.

Tipping
Many times a service charge of 15 percent is figured into a restaurant bill. Many menus list prices both with and without the service charge (and tax). With the charge, if service was good, round the bill up by a few Euros. Without the charge, tip as you would at home. Either way, leave half of the tip for the waitstaff on the and a couple Euro on the table for the busboy. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but if you deem so you may choose to round the fare upward. Tip hotel porters €1 per bag (more in higher end establishments). The concierge and chambermaid also expect a tip, €1-€2 per day is appropriate. Theater and cinema ushers receive 50-100 dr. if they show you to a seat and give you a program. Washroom attendants will gladly accept your smaller change in return for their invaluable services!

General Business Hours
Museums and archaeological sites: Typical hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is often free on Sundays and holidays. Post offices: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays (later in the major cities). Restaurants: Lunch is typically served between 1 and 3 p.m. and dinner between 9 p.m. and midnight. Shopping: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Smaller establishments may close for a couple of hours in the afternoon and supermarkets may be open until 8 every weekday evening.

Value Added Tax
18%

United States Embassy in Greece
91 Vasilissis Sophias Blvd.
GR-101-60 Athens
Phone (+30) 01-721-2951 or 721-8401
After hours (+30) 01-722-3652
Fax (+30) 01-645-6282

United States Consulate General
43 Tsimiski
7th Floor
GR-546-23 Thessaloniki
Phone: 003 2310 242 905,6,7
Fax 003 2310 242 927
Dial the numbers in parentheses (long-distance access code 0 plus city code) only if you are calling from Greek locations outside the city.