Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tipping
In restaurants a service charge is normally included in the bill, and while a tip is not ex-
pected (as it is in North America), it is always appreciated and should be left if the service
has been good. Taxi drivers normally expect you to round up the fare, while bellhops who
help you carry your luggage to your hotel room or stewards on ferries who take you to
your cabin normally expect a small gratuity of between €1 and €3.
Travellers Cheques
The main reason to carry travellers cheques rather than cash is the protection they offer
against theft. They are, however, losing popularity as more and more travellers opt to put
their money in a bank at home and withdraw it at ATMs as they go. American Express,
Visa and Thomas Cook cheques are available in euros and are all widely accepted and
have efficient replacement policies.
Photography & Video
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Digital memory cards are readily available from camera stores.
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Never photograph a military installation or anything else that has a sign forbidding pho-
tography.
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Flash photography is not allowed inside churches, and it's considered taboo to photo-
graph the main altar.
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Greeks usually love having their photos taken, but always ask permission first.
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At archaeological sites you will be stopped from using a tripod as it marks you as a 'pro-
fessional'.
PRACTICALITIES
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Greece uses the metric system for weights and measures.
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To send post abroad, use the yellow post boxes labelledexoteriko(for overseas).
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Greek current affairs are covered in the daily English-language edition ofKathi-
meriniwithin theInternational Herald Tribune.
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Be aware that Greece is region code 2 when buying DVDs to watch back home.
