Location: Europe
Local Time: GMT+2
From 30 Oct 11 to 25 Mar 12 GMT +2
From 25 Mar 12 to 28 Oct 12 GMT +3
From 29 Oct 12 to 30 Mar 13 GMT +2
From 31 Mar 13 to 27 Oct 13 GMT +3
Capital City: Athens
Population: 11.30 million
Area: 131,940357,021 square km, 50,942 square miles.
Language(s): Greek. English is widely spoken
Dialling Code: 30
Emergency: Police: 100 (all large cities), 109 (Athens suburbs), 171 (Tourist Police). Fire: 199 (Athens). Ambulance: 166
TV Standard: PAL B/G
Driving: Driving is on the right. EU driving licence valid for 1 year. Minimum driving age is 18
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Currency: Euro (EUR 1 = 100 Cents)
Notes: EUR: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500
Coins: EUR: 1, 2. Cents: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques widely accepted
Opening Hours
Bank: 0800-1430 Mon-Thur, 0800-1400 Fri
Office: 0800-1500 Mon-Fri
Shops: 0800-1430 Mon, Wed & Sat, 0800-1400 & 1730-2030 Tue, Thur & Fri, 0800-2100 Mon-Fri, 0800-2000 Sat (Supermarkets 0800-2000 Mon-Fri, 0800-1800 Sat), (large Department stores), 0900-1500 Mon, Wed & Sat, 0900-2000 Tue, Thur & Fri
Public Holidays
2012
26 Dec : Boxing Day
Business/Social Hints: Many executives speak a second language. At meetings Greek coffee will be offered. People often use gestures when speaking. Head nodding or up and down movement may indicate - no.
Smoking is generally accepted but is restricted in public buildings and on public transport. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be reasonably punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 18 years
Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants & for taxis
