Banks

The banks in Greece are open between 8:00 and 14:30 hours during working days, except Friday, when banks open between 8:00 and 14:00 hours. On Saturday and Sunday the banks are closed.

Post Office

Post offices are open from 07:30-14:00 hours (Monday-Friday).

Shopping

Usual operating hours for shops in Athens are:
- Monday, Wednesday & Saturday from 08:30-14:30 hours
- Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 08:00-13:30 hours and from 17:30-20:30 hours

Time

Greece is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).

Currency 

The official currency in Greece is EURO (€). Major credit cards are widely accepted, although cash is preferred in most shops, especially the smaller ones

Taxes

A sales tax (VAT) of 19% is applicable to most goods and services purchased, regardless of whether the buyer is a resident of or visitor to Greece. Food & Beverage is an exception (the sales tax is about 9%). The VAT can be partially reimbursed or rebated to non Europeans.

Electricity

Outlets and voltage (220 volts) are the same as in most of Europe (except UK). Small appliances such as hair dryers, irons, razors, etc. can be used in Greece. For those from USA or Canada or other non–European countries adapters are required. The frequency of electrical current in Greece is 50 Hz.

Smoking

The conference is a non- smoking event. Generally in Greece, smoking is not allowed in public buildings. You can smoke in most restaurants, liquor establishments (bars) and cafeterias.

Tipping

Customary gratuity should be calculated at 10 per cent.

Useful Telephone

Numbers General Telephone Information (quick dial from Athens): 11888
International Phone Assistance: 139

Emergency Numbers
Fire Emergency: 199
Ambulance: 166
Police: 100
Tourist police:171 (information available in English, French and German)
Tourist Police Headquarters: (+30) 210-697-7386, 210-692-4929
Airport Police: (+30) 210-353-6919
Poison Control: (+30) 210-779-3777
Road Service: ELPA Road Side Assistance: 104; (+30) 210-606-8800
Traffic Police: 10400; (+30) 210-528-4000

Tourist Information
Greek National Tourist Organization : (+30) 210-870-7000
Athens Tourism & Economic Development Agency: (+30) 210-325-3123
Athens City Hall: (+30) 210-372-2001

Air Travel Information
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport:(+30) 210-353-0000
Olympic Airways: (+30) 210-966-6666
Aegean Airlines: (+30) 210-626-1700

Radio Taxi Numbers
Kosmos 18300 (quick dial from Athens) or 210-520-0020
Athina 1 1203 (quick dial from Athens) or 210-921-2800
Apollon 210-363-6508
Ikaros 210-515-2800
Asteras 210-614-4000
Enotita 210-645-9000
Ellas 210-645-7000
Protoporia 210-213-0400