Overview

• Language: The official language of Greece is Greek. Some residents may also speak English, but not as commonly as other European countries. As the Greek alphabet may be challenging for many tourists, many signs in tourist hotspots are translated into English (such as the Athens metro).
• Useful phrases: Hello (Γειά σου, pronounced YAH-soo), Thank you (Ευχαριστώ, pronounced eff-kha-ri-STOE).
• Currency: Euro (see current exchange rates here).
• Payment methods: Most larger restaurants and stores accept major credit cards; however, smaller or local shops, cafes, or local taxis may only take cash, especially since the recession several years ago, so I always like to have a few Euros on me just in case. ATMs are common and the easiest way to get cash upon arrival.
• Electric plugs: Greece uses type C or type F electrical outlet plugs. Additionally, standard voltage is 230V with a standard frequency of 50Hz. This voltage is common in Europe, but if you are coming from the Americas, you will likely need a converter. Check out my favorite converter and adaptor!
• Measurement systems: Like most of the world, Greece uses the Metric System, measuring distances in kilometers and temperature in Celsius.
• Weather: Greece is famous for its moderate Mediterranean climate – warm, sunny, and dry in the summer, and wet in the winter. This makes it easy to visit any time of year (although the summer months are of course the most popular!). Summers can get quite hot, with temperatures around 85°F (although can reach over 100°F – it did when I was there!). Winters vary depending on if you are on the mainland or the islands, but expect 50s°F.
• Bonus tip: Some of the best, freshest, and simplest food I have ever eaten was in Greece. Contrary to the famous foods of other European countries, the food here will make you feel healthy and refreshed. Make sure to grab some local favorites, including feta, olives, vegetables, and wine, while you’re here!

Logistics

• Visa needs: Greece is part of Europe’s Schengen zone, a group of 26 European countries who have abolished internal borders between member-Schengen countries. Upon entry to any Schengen country, most citizens from Western countries will not need a formal visa, and will instead get a transit visa at the airport. These citizens are allowed to stay a maximum of 90 days for every six month period; therefore, you must have at least three months validity left in your passport upon entry. For additional details and a full listing of countries requiring formal visas, click here.
• Getting there: The Athens airport (ATH) is the major international airline hub within Greece.
• Getting around: Within Athens, there is a great subway system that can get you around the city quite easily. Buses are quite common in other major cities as well. Since Greece is made up of so many islands, ferries are another popular option of getting around! Depending on how far you are between the islands you want to visit, local airlines like Aegean can also help you get to the islands relatively quickly and cheaply.
• Driving: Residents of Greece drive on the right side of the road. While some rental car agencies may not ask for it, visitors are required to have an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Greece, and can be subject to heavy fines by law enforcement if found driving without one. (I personally made the mistake of not getting an IDP before going to Greece, and lost money on my rental car cancellation because of it! Don’t follow in my footsteps here!)

LGBTQ+ Safety

Overall safety ranking: C

While Greece may not have marriage equality, other LGBTQ+ rights have rapidly expanded in the last several years, and public opinion has swayed towards acceptance of queer people, with discrimination being much less common.

• Are same sex relations illegal? No
• Is same sex marriage legal? No (civil union or partnership only, foreign marriages recognized)
• Are there protections against discrimination? Some
• Is there the right to change physical gender? Yes

Check out this post for more safety tips for queer travelers!