Greece: Currency

Euro has been the official currency of Greece since January 1st 2002. Greece is one of the 12 members of the Economic Monetary Union (EMU), which introduced Euro as their common currency (Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain).

Tourists can obtain Euros, or exchange their home currency with Euro through any bank, ATM machines or exchange offices. You can check the current exchange rate here, but be sure to check back closer to your departure date because the rates can change often. Most American ATM and credit cards will work fine in Greece, however most American banks will charge a conversion fee for each transaction and those can get pretty pricey after a few transactions. Travelers' cheques may be the way to go!

Do you think it would be easier for travel and international businesses if all countries converted to the Euro? Why or why not?

Greece: Language

The Greek language is a beautiful language that has been in some of the greatest stories, poetry, plays, history writing, and philosophical dialogues. Over 15 million people speak the official Greek language. According to the CDC 99% of citizens of Greece speak Greek. When visiting Greece, it may be a good idea to learn a few phrases. There is a website that is trying to promote the Greek language, and the information they have provided is greatly appreciated.

When walking around in Greece
Excuse me -- Signomi
Thank you -- Efharisto (in a restaurant or café thank you is better: Efharistoomay)
Do you speak English? -- Milatay Ag-glika? Spanish? Hispanika
How far is it? -- Posso makria eenay?
Excuse me, where is…? -- Signomi, poo eenay…?

If you are at a restaurant:
How much is this? -- Posso Kanay Afto?
Do you have a toilet? -- Eheeyete Too-aletta?
Can we see a menu? – Boroomay na doomay enna menoo?
Can we pay the bill? – Booroomay na plirosoomay?
Too expensive – Polee akrivo
For me – Ya menna
That’s fine – Andaxi
OK – Andaxi (but remember what hand gesture NOT to use!)
It’s good (food, anything) – Oraya

Introducing yourself:
Good morning/good day (until about 13:00 or so) – Kalimera
Good Afternoon or Good evening – Kalispera
Good night -- Kalinihxta
See you/Hello/Hi -- Yassas ("Yassoo" is usually used for those you know or people much younger than you)
How are you – Ti-kanis
Well/good – Kala
I do not understand – Den katalave’no
What is your name? – Pos se le’ne?
Nice to meet you – He’ro poli’
How are you? -- Ti ka'nete?

Shopping:
How much does this cost? -- Po'so ka'ni afto'
What is this? -- Ti' i'ne afto'
I'll buy it -- Tha to agora'so
I would like to buy -- Tha I'thela na agora'so
Do you have -- 'Ehete
Do you accept credit cards? -- Pe'rnete pistotike's ka'rtes

Traveling and directions:
Are there any vacancies for tonight? -- e'hete e'na doma'tio gia' apo'pse
Where is ...? -- pou i'ne
How much is the fare? -- Po'so ka'ni to isiti'rio
One ticket to ..., please -- E'na isiti'rio gia..., parakalo'
Where are you going? -- Pou' pa'te
Where do you live? -- Pou' me'nis

English is the most widely studied and understood of foreign languages in Greece. All personnel in the tourism industry should have basic knowledge of English, as well as any person under 40.

Have you ever said anything to anyone in another language, and find out it meant something totally different?

Greece: Etiquette

When traveling to Greece, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind regarding your etiquette. It is always a good idea to be on your best behavior while traveling abroad not only for your safety, but also out of courtesy to the country in which you are traveling.

Here are a few pointers in particular to keep in mind when traveling to Greece specifically:

When greeting a Greek:

• When meeting for the first time, it is appropriate to shake hands.
• When meeting a familiar Greek face, it is appropriate for women to kiss on the cheek and embrace. Men usually pat each other on the shoulder. *Remember although Greeks are extremely warm and hospitable people, this is the greeting of friends.

Dining:

• The oldest person at the table is always served first.
• It is appropriate to hold your fork in your left hand and your knife in your right hand.
• Meals are considered a socializing time so start your motor… mouth that is!
• It is actually considered polite to soak up gravy or sauce with a piece of bread, so dip away!
• Tipping is considered optional as service fees are included in the price of the food. 16% is usually standard. However, people usually add a small addition of money to the bill to round off the total and make it even. EX: 18,60E bill could be paid with 20E to make it a nice easy number. Waiters and waitresses rely on these bits of change so a little extra is always nice. It can be considered offensive to tip using the traditional U.S. tipping methods, so try to avoid tipping 10%-20% like you might be used to.

Gestures:

• The “okay” symbol commonly signed in the U.S. as the forefinger and thumb making an “O” shape is considered a vulgar gesture in Greece so DO NOT use this symbol. Instead give the thumbs to signal “okay”.
• Nodding your head to mean “yes” or “no” is different in Greece as well. A slight downward nod means “yes” while a slight upward nod means “no”.
• The gesture known as “moutza” in Greek is the most traditional gesture of insult in Greece. It is when you show the palm of your hand with your fingers spread, almost like the “talk to the hand” gesture in the U.S. and is usually followed with a spoken “va” meaning “take that!” This gesture dates back to the time of the Byzantine Empire. Criminals were paraded around the streets of Greece with their faces painted black. If they were lucky it was simply coal that was used to blacken the face, if they were unlucky, it was something much, much worse that was used…

As you can see, very simple, everyday, non-verbal communication in your home country can mean very different things in another. Even if fitting in like a local is not on your list of priorities, your safety should be reason enough to check the appropriate etiquette. For more helpful hints on traveling smart and safe, check out The Safe Travel Book by Peter Savage, available at all Passport Health locations.

Was there an experience abroad where you found etiquette or communicating with the locals difficult? Tell us about it!

Greece: Travel Safely

Planning how to stay safe and secure while you travel is a very important part of your trip. Below I have included some information and a few tips on how to ensure you and your loved ones have an "incident-free" trip.

• The Greek Government has confirmed a number of cases of Swine Flu in Greece. Maintain the same precautions that you do anywhere else for this global pandemic. Practice good hygiene, wash your hands frequently with hot water and soap for at least 30 seconds, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve, not your hands, stay home if you are feeling flu-like symptoms and avoid large crowds where others are symptomatic.

• If you need to contact the emergency services in Greece call 112.

• Around three million British people visit Greece (and its islands) every year (Source: Civil Aviation Authority). Most visits are trouble-free but you should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as you would in any other city.

• You should maintain high standards of public behavior in Greece. The Greek police will not accept rowdy or indecent behavior, especially where excessive alcohol consumption is involved. Greek courts impose heavy fines or prison sentences on people who behave indecently.

• Most visits to Greece are trouble-free, but you should be aware that the tourist season attracts an increase in incidents of theft of wallets, handbags etc. particularly in areas and events where crowds gather. You should leave valuables in safe custody at your hotel or apartment.

Keep these few tips in mind and have a wonderful trip! Have you ever been the victim of theft when traveling? What happened and what did you do?

Greece: Top Ten Greek Islands

With 227 inhabited islands, surrounded by crystal clear waters and offering world class beaches and landscapes, it is only natural that Greece was one of the first holiday destinations when mass tourism started a few decades ago.

Some islands became so popular that their entire economies are now centered on the tourist trade. However, there are others that have only been ‘discovered’ as holiday destinations - even by the Greeks - in recent years.

Santorini
Breathtaking volcanic views and one of the best sunsets in the world consistently place it at the top of any Greek islands list. Its beaches are very peculiar (and do not appeal to everyone) due to the black and red volcanic sand. more

Crete
The largest Greek island, Crete has a distinct local culture and will satisfy whatever it is you’re looking for. Busy touristy resorts, amazing deserted beaches even in August (especialy on the south coast), unspoiled mountain villages with people untouched by the tourism ‘gold fever’, and the best food by far among all Greek islands. more

Mykonos
Mykonos boasts of the best beaches in the country, the craziest nightlife and the most ridiculous prices you’ll pay in Greece. Bring along the best pieces of your wardrobe (preferably white), all your energy and credit cards. more

Hydra
Hydra is one of the prettiest Greek islands with a unique architecture that has been preserved due to a strict development policy. Large houses belonging to historic figures loom on the hills on both sides of the picturesque harbor and there is a total car and motorbike ban on the island. Instead, mules lining up with their owners undertake all the transportation burdens of locals and visitors. more

Cephalonia
Louis De Bernières has done for Cephalonia what the best PR consultant wouldn’t even begin to imagine with his wonderful novel and worldwide best seller ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ (Amazon £5.99) which is set on the island. And when the film came out a few years later the natural beauty and the sapphire waters of Cephalonia were advertised on screen too and its tourism fortunes were turned upside down overnight. more

Paros
The beaches, the nightlife and the accommodation choice are all above average and many holiday makers return year after year. Regular international windsurfing competitions are held at noisy Chrysi Akti beach but you can easily find quiet and isolated beaches if all you want is to relax and enjoy the blue waters. And if really quiet holidays are more up your street, Antiparos is the tiny and alternative neighbor just minutes away on a local boat. more

Corfu
Fine beaches with freezing cold waters on the eastern side attract thousands of visitors every summer and as in every large tourism-orientated Greek island the range of holidays one can enjoy is vast. more

Skiathos
Skiathos is flooded with pine trees that reach the sea and surround its numerous sandy beaches. An ideal destination for families and those not attracted by the harsh and rocky natural beauty of the islands of southern Aegean. more

Rhodes
Once home to one of the seven wonders of the world the ‘Colossus’, Rhodes is one of the earliest holiday destinations in the country. There is a good choice of resorts on the island. There is plenty of sightseeing to do, and a number of museums to give you that cultural alibi between your long days on the fine beaches and the long nights out. more

Ios
Its beaches are at par with the best in Cyclades and indeed the whole country. If you suddenly feel too old for the exhausting pace of the place, you are only a short ferry ride away from Santorini. more

What's your preference for island living? Socialization and parties til the wee hours, or a quiet, tranquil existence with nature?

Greece: History

The trifecta of Greek philosophy was Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, who have influenced all of Western society. One of them was killed for his ideals, and some fought for the right to freely think and observe. These men can be defined as the leading thinkers of Greece.

Socrates-

“I know that I know nothing” was a famous quote from Socrates stating that all wisdom begins with wondering, thus one must begin with admitting one’s ignorance. Socrates laid down the fundamentals of modern Western philosophy. He is known for Socratic Method, which clarified the concepts of Good and Justice. He is considered the father of political and moral philosophy and a leader in mainstream Western philosophy. He was on trial for corrupting the mind of young Athenians by telling them that they should be concerned about the welfare of their souls over their families and careers. He had a choice to change his beliefs or die, and he chose death. Being sentenced to death, his friend Crito found a way for him to escape. He was reluctant to the plea, and found that his death was the only way to live by his ideals, and if he were to escape, he would be letting down his family and friends.

Plato-

This Greek philosopher was a student of Socrates and a teacher of Aristotle. He helped lay the fundamentals of Western philosophy. Being a mathematician and philosopher, he was also a founder of an Academy in Athens, which was the first institution which offered higher end education to students. Plato wrote the Apology of Socrates which defined what Socrates did and believed in.

Aristotle-

He was a student of Plato, and a teacher of Alexander the Great. He wrote on many subjects including physics, metaphysics, poetry, theater, music, logic, rhetoric, politics, government, ethics, biology and zoology. Aristotle came up with the five elements which in fire, earth, air, water, and aether, which was the divine substance that makes up the heavenly spheres and heavenly bodies (stars and planets)

Without these three men, our history and present could have been completely different. If you’re traveling to Greece, it may be a good idea to see Athens. Here is a guide to traveling in Athens where you will be able to see history first hand!

When traveling to Athens, a traveler must be aware of protesters that can be engaged in violent confrontations. These confrontations may include destructive vandalism and rioting in localized areas, sometimes where tourists may reside. Visitors should be aware of and avoid places where demonstrators frequently congregate, such as Polytechnic University area, Exharchia, Omonia, and Syntagma Squares in Athens, and Aristotle Square in Thessaloniki. It is wise to avoid these areas between 9 pm and dawn. If you are traveling to Greece and want to know more, you can always contact Passport Health to set up a consultation where you will get a detailed itinerary that includes advice on having a safe trip to Greece.

“I know that I know nothing,” is a quote that has been interpreted in many different ways. What do you think the quote that started philosophy means?

Greece: Documents Needed for Entry

According to the U.S. Department of State, Greece is a party to the Schengen Agreement. With the agreement, U.S citizens may enter Greece for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.

For other entry requirements, travelers should contact the Embassy of Greece in Washington, DC (telephone (202) 939-5800), or Greek consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Tampa, New York, and San Francisco, and Greek embassies and consulates around the world.

Holders of official or diplomatic passports visiting Greece as tourists must obtain visas prior to arrival.

What are your major concerns about entering Greece?