About GREECE-useful info by Archaeologous

Greece has a reputation as home for the 'abode of the Gods, Mt Olympus, the architecturally perfect Parthenon, the 'Nectar of the Gods', Greek honey, 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, world class vacation destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, Thessaloniki and Athens. Not to mention Greece is the home of the foundation for modern day medicine, philosophy, mathematics, theatre, and democracy. Greece, rightfully so, is at the top of the list for tourists vacations.

HERE IS SOME USEFUL INFORMATION:

Currency: Euro is the official currency. Google XE currency exchange 

ATMs: They are widely available all over the country.

Banks: They are open from Monday to Thursday, 8:00-14:30 hrs and on Friday, 8:00-14:00 hrs; and closed weekends. Central branches of some banks may be found open until 20.00 daily and from 10.00 to 16.30 on Saturdays. Please consult your hotel concierge for details.

Credit cards: All major credit cards are accepted in almost all hotels, shops and restaurants. Stickers in the front windows will advise you as to which cards are accepted.

Climate: The climate in Greece is typically Mediterranean with warm and dry summers and mild winters. The average temperatures range from 4C degrees (36F) in winter to 34C (93 F) in summers.

Guided Tours: It is suggested that a group take at least a few guided tours to get the most out of this amazing country. There are half and full and multi day tours available with guides.  For those that like to 'self teach' there are also tours available without guides, just the driver is provided to escort you from location to location. 

Theft:  Depending on where you are you can leave something unattended and the great Greek honesty shines through. However, in big cities with the mix of people it is definitely best to have zipped purses and not leave anything unattended.

Greek Cuisine: Greeks are known for their delicious Mediterranean diets of fresh foods, home made wines, cheeses, and honey. actually the first 'cook book' came from Greece.  Most restaurants (estiatoria) have menus in English or Greek and English. You can never go wrong by asking if there is 'etime fagito?' you will be asking if they have 'ready made food'. So you go into the kitchen and point at what looks good to you... SIMPLE.