Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THINGS TO AVOID
1. GETTING RIPPED OFF BY TAXI DRIVERS
Athens' taxis might be cheap but one occasionally hears stories of tourists being over-
charged. To avoid this, simply check that the taxi's meter is displayed and that it is
switched on at the start of your journey.
2. PUSHY TOUTS
The streets of Plaka are thronged with touts, eager to pull passers-by into restaurants
and souvenir shops. To a lesser degree this is true of other city-centre neighbour-
hoods. Most of these establishments offer perfectly good services, but don't let your-
self be bullied into eating or shopping somewhere against your will.
3. ENTERING CHURCHES IN SKIMPY CLOTHES
Respect local customs: even in summer, ensure your shoulders, chest and legs are
covered up when visiting churches.
4. TRAVELLING WITHOUT A VALID TICKET
Random stop-checks take place on the buses, trams and metro, and failure to display
a valid ticket incurs an on-the-spot fine, ranging from €30 to €72.
5. FLUSHING PAPER DOWN TOILETS
The Greek plumbing system has narrow drains that are not adept at dealing with toilet
paper: when you use the bathroom, put paper in the white plastic bin provided, not
down the toilet. Failure to comply with this rule means running the risk of blocked
drains and flooded bathrooms.
6. THE DOGS
An estimated 150,000 stray dogs live on Athens' streets. In an effort to limit their
multiplication, the city council has set up a sterilization scheme, rather than having
them put down. These dogs are generally completely harmless, but can appear alarm-
ing when running in packs, especially during the mating season.
