Useful information during your stay

Area Codes

The international dialing code for Greece is 0030, which is only necessary when dialing from abroad.
The dialing area code for Athens is 210.
For a national call in Greece: area code + telephone number
For an international call to Greece: international dialing code for Greece + area code + telephone number

Useful Phone Numbers

Telephone Information (OTE) 11888
All emergencies / European Emergency Center (free call) 112
Local police (free call) 100
National Emergency Aid Center (free call) 166
Fire station emergency (free call) 199
Emergency Pharmacies, Hospitals, Doctors (0.5€/minute) 14944

Time Zone

Athens, like all of Greece is on Eastern European Time (EET). During July, time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).

Climate

Athens has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. The average temperature in July is 29°C (83°F), while the average low is 24°C (75°F), and the average high is 33°C (92°F).

Currency, Banks and Credit Cards

Greece uses the Euro as currency.

All major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted by most stores and venues. However in smaller stores and kiosks you may be asked to pay in Cash.

Banking hours are typically: Monday-Thursday from 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Some branches and shopping malls extend their opening times on Saturday mornings.

Cash withdrawals from ATMs are available 24h/day.

Electricity – Converters

The current in Greece is 230 V.
The standard frequency is 50 Hz.
The power sockets used are of type F.

Water

Tap water in Athens is safe to drink. However, in some sub-locations in the center it is recommended to ask the locals. In some cases the water might be of poor quality due to the age of the pipelines.

Insurance

The meeting organizers cannot accept liability for personal injuries sustained or for loss of or damage to property belonging to Congress participants (or their accompanying persons) either during the congress meetings and post congress activities. Please obtain proper travel and health insurance prior to your trip.

Internet Access

Free wi-fi zones abound, and many cafes and restaurants offer wi-fi for customers.

Tipping

Tipping is optional in Greece. However it is customary to round up the sum if you are satisfied with the service.
Tips may be left on the table or you may tell the service that you do not expect to be given any change.