Before You Go - Travel Tips
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Packing List
IMPORTANT: When visiting the historic cliff-top monasteries of Meteora, both men and women must dress modestly to respect the active religious sites. Men need long trousers and sleeved shirts, while women must wear skirts or dresses that fall below the knee and tops that cover their shoulders; pants are not allowed for women.
- Passport & passport copy
- Credit cards
- Chargers
- Plug adaptor
- Camera
- Any personal medication
- Sunglasses/hats/sunblock
- Cotton clothes
- Light jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Long & short trousers
- Swimsuits
Before You Go: Five Things to Remember
1. Download WhatsApp and keep notifications turned on.
2. Confirm that your mobile phone plan includes international coverage in Greece.
3. Bring a European plug adapter.
4. Bring a small amount of euros and a credit card with no foreign transaction fee.
5. When paying by card or withdrawing cash, always choose EUR, not USD.
Money and Euros
Greece uses the euro (€). You do not need to exchange a large amount of cash before departure, as most hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions accept credit cards. However, it is helpful to carry some euros for small purchases, tips, markets, taxis, churches, and vendors that may not accept cards.
If you would like euros before traveling, ask your bank whether it can order them for you. This may take several days, so plan ahead. Avoid exchanging large amounts at airports, where exchange rates and fees may be less favorable.
In Greece, withdraw cash from an ATM attached to a reputable bank whenever possible. Independent ATMs in tourist areas may charge higher fees or offer less favorable exchange rates. Check whether your bank charges an international ATM fee before traveling.
Important: If an ATM asks whether to process your transaction in U.S. dollars or euros, choose EUR. This lets your bank handle the currency conversion and generally avoids the ATM operator's less favorable dynamic currency conversion.
Credit and Debit Cards
When a payment terminal asks whether you would like to pay in euros or U.S. dollars, always choose EUR. Choosing USD allows the merchant or terminal provider to perform the conversion, which may result in a poorer exchange rate and additional fees.
Before departure:
- Confirm that your credit and debit cards are enabled for international purchases.
- Check each card's foreign transaction fee; a card with no foreign transaction fee is ideal.
- Save the international customer-service numbers for your cards somewhere accessible.
- Bring at least two cards and keep them in separate places.
- Carry at least one physical card rather than relying entirely on Apple Pay or another mobile wallet.
Portable card terminals are common in Greek restaurants and shops, so you may be asked to tap or insert your card at the table. Monitor your account periodically during the trip for unfamiliar transactions.
Mobile Phones and International Service
Before leaving, contact your cellular provider or review your plan to determine what is included in Greece. Check:
- International data, calls, and text messages
- Daily international-pass fees
- Whether receiving text messages costs extra
- Whether your phone is unlocked and compatible with an eSIM
Common options include:
- Your existing international plan: Usually the easiest choice if Greece is included.
- An international day pass: Some carriers let you use your regular plan abroad for a daily fee.
- An eSIM: Often an affordable way to obtain mobile data. Purchase it before departure and activate it upon arrival.
- Wi-Fi only: If you do not have international coverage, keep your phone in airplane mode and use Wi-Fi. Be cautious when turning cellular service back on, as roaming charges can accumulate quickly.
Having some form of cellular data is strongly recommended. It makes it much easier to use maps, WhatsApp, translation tools, and group communications while away from Wi-Fi.
WhatsApp: Our Main Communication Tool
Our Greek partners will use WhatsApp for emergency assistance during the trip. Please install and set it up before departure.
WhatsApp can be used over Wi-Fi or cellular data to send messages, make voice or video calls, share your location, send photos, and communicate with the local team.
Before the trip:
- Download WhatsApp from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- Register using your mobile phone number.
- Enter the verification code WhatsApp sends by text message.
- Add your name and an optional profile photo.
- Allow notifications and any needed access to contacts, the camera, microphone, and location.
WhatsApp requires Wi-Fi or cellular data for messages and calls to come through.
Chargers and Electrical Outlets
Greece uses Type C and Type F outlets with 230-volt electricity. Travelers from the United States should bring a European plug adapter. An adapter with several USB and USB-C ports can be especially convenient.
An adapter only changes the shape of the plug; it does not convert voltage. Before using a hair dryer, curling iron, or another high-powered appliance, confirm that it is marked 100-240V or dual voltage. Most phones, tablets, laptops, and camera chargers are already dual voltage, but check the label on each device.
Example Adapter for Purchase: Amazon Link
Recommended Apps
Download and set up these apps while you still have reliable Wi-Fi:
- WhatsApp: Group communication and assistance from the Greek partners
- Google Maps: Directions and walking navigation
- Google Translate: Assistance with signs, menus, and communication
- Your airline's app: Flight updates and mobile boarding passes
- Your bank and credit-card apps: Transaction monitoring and account alerts
Download offline maps and language packs before departure if your apps support them.
Other Helpful Reminders
- Passport: Keep your passport secure. Store a photocopy or digital image of the identification page separately from the original.
- Comfortable shoes: Expect walking, stairs, uneven stone surfaces, and archaeological sites. Wear supportive, broken-in shoes.
- Water: Carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated, particularly while sightseeing in the sun.
- Sun protection: Pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, even outside peak summer.
- Cash: Do not assume that every small vendor, church shop, taxi, or market stall will accept cards.
- Tipping: Card-tipping practices vary, so keeping small euro notes available is useful. Although tipping is not mandatory in Greece, it is an expected courtesy for a service well done.
- Restaurants: 5-7%
- Airport Transfers: €20-30 total per vehicle
- Gratuities are already included in your package price for the rest of your trip components.