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Tourism in Greece

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Currency
The currency unit is the Euro (€). Euro may be obtained at any Greek bank. The rate of exchange fluctuates a bit from day to day. Railroad stations, airports, and mosta travel agencies and hotels also offer exchange services.

Appliances
The electicity supply in Greece is alternating current, 220 volts, 50 cycles.Appliances for 110 or 120 volts may be operated by using stepdown transformers of 220/110 volts connected to each outlet, provided that these transformers have two separate windings which will eliminate any danger of electric shock. Before taking major American appliances (washing machines, dryers, etc.) to Greece, it is advisable to check whether they can be adjusted to Greek conditions. Greek television systems are PAL-SECAM-M. Therefore TV sets with the American system (NTSC) only, will not operate in Greece.

There are two different dialing systems in Greece. Tone and pulse. Therefore telephone sets must be able to change from one system to the ohter. Dual voltage (220/110 volts 50/60 hz) power adapters for wireless telephone sets are required.

Public Holidays
January 1,January 6, Lent Monday, March 25, Holy and Great Friday, Easter Monday, May 1, Holy Trinity, August 15, October 28, December 25,26

Average Temperatures

Months Athens & Southern Greece Thessaloniki & Northern Greece

January 52^o F - 12^o C 45^o F - 8^o C

February 54^o F - 13^o C 51^o F - 11^o C

March 58^o F - 15^o C 54^o F - 13^o C

April 65^o F - 19^o C 65^o F - 19^o C

May 74^o F - 24^o C 74^o F - 24^o C

June 86^o F - 30^o C 86^o F - 30^o C

July 92^o F - 33^o C 90^o F - 32^o C

August 92^o F - 33^o C 90^o F - 32^o C

September 82^o F - 28^o C 80^o F - 27^o C

October 72^o F - 23^o C 69^o F - 21^o C

November 63^o F - 18^o C 58^o F - 15^o C

December 56^o F - 14^o C 50^o F - 10^o C

Tips on Driving
Speed limits are 100-120 km/h on highways unless otherwise posted; 50 km/h in residential areas unless otherwise posted.

Driver's License
Visiting foreign motorists should possess an international dricer's license. The AAA in the US and the CAA in Canada, will issue an international driver's licence.

Road signs
Road signs are written in Greek and repeated phonetically in English.

Traffic Rules
Traffic and signaling are the same as on the European continet, which means driving on the right hand side of the road. Passing on the right side is strictly prohibited. Drivers and passengers must wear safety belts. Special care should be taken in Greece when crossing unguarded level railway crossings.

Road Tolls
Toll gates exist on two highways in Greece, one leading to Northern Greece and the other to the Peloponnese.

Car Insurance
The Motor Insurance Bureau, which forms part of the Association of Insurance Companies operating in Greece, has its offices at 10 Xenofontos Street in Athens, Tel: 32306733 and can inform all motorists where the local agents of their insurance company abroad have their offices. Alternatively, they can help visitors obtain car insurance to cover them while in Greece.

ELPA Road Assistance Service
ELPA road assistance service can be reached by dialing 104.Free assistance is provided for light repairs and is rendered by the ELPA yellow vans bear the sign: Assistance Routiere A.T.C. ELPA. Also, the Automobile and Touring Club of Greece provides all possible information to foreign motorists regarding driving in Greece, by dialing 174(24 hours service)

ELPA Offices
Athens (head Office), 2-4 Messogion Street, Tel: 210/779-1615 Fax: 210/778-6642.

Legal Advice
ELPA has a list of lawyers in the various towns of Greece who can offer legal advice at no charge on mutters concerning automobiles.

Health regulations
No immunization vaccinations are required for U.S. or Canadian citizens travelling from the U.S. and Canada.

Currency regulations
Importation of foreign currency, gold and gold coins is free and unlimited. Banknotes more that $ 1000 (U.S.) must be declared at customs.

Tour Guides
Contact the Union of Official Guides at any of the following locations (hours: 9am-3:30pm)

9A Apollonos Str. 10557 Athens, Greece Tel. (210) 322-9705, Fax. (210) 323-9200
3 Agiou Mina, Thessaloniki Tel. (2310) 546-037
1 Karpathou Str. Rhodes
Ergatiko Kentro, Heraklion , Crete
10 Kalosgourou , Kerkira Tel. 312-40

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	Embassy of Greece Washington, DC	23 May, 2013