Greece Travel Notes
My Athens stops, real opinions and places to explore.
- Languages
- Greek · Some English
- Currency
- Euro · EUR
- Cash
- Keep Euros For Smaller Purchases.
- Cards
- Yes At Most Larger Businesses.
- Tap To Pay
- Common At Equipped Venues.
- WiFi
- Available. Quality Varies.
- Mobile Data
- SIM Or eSIM · Check Coverage
- Small Shops
- Varies. Keep Cash Handy.
- Tipping
- Round Up Or About 5% To 10%
What To Wear
What To Pack
Choose shoes with grip for Athens’ uneven ancient sites; polished stone can be slippery. Bring sun protection and water for exposed sightseeing, plus covered shoulders and knees for religious visits.
Money And Payments
Cash And Cards
Cards are useful at Athens hotels, larger restaurants, and shops. Keep euros for a small taverna, market purchases, or a direct tip. For an island leg, carry enough cash to manage a temporary terminal or connection problem.
Travel Cards
Check euro conversion and ATM fees before an island leg. Keep a cash backup for small businesses or an interrupted connection.
Tipping Culture
Round up at a casual taverna. At a sit down restaurant, 5% to 10% for good service is a useful guide; cash makes a direct tip straightforward. Example: on a €40 taverna meal, a 5% to 10% thank you is €2 to €4 when no gratuity is included. A simple coffee can just be rounded up.
Getting Around
Getting Around Locally
Athens has metro, buses, and taxis. Check whether your ticket includes the airport journey. A central hotel does not mean you can leave a last minute transfer to Piraeus.
Traveling Between Stops
For a ferry, confirm the port, ship, and boarding time. Piraeus and other Athens area ports are not interchangeable. Leave a buffer between an island arrival and an international flight.
Staying Connected
Using T Mobile In Greece
Greece is listed for international roaming on eligible T Mobile plans. Data allowances, speeds, and call charges depend on your plan. Check before you travel.
Mobile Data For This Trip
Download ferry tickets and the exact port gate or meeting point. Keep phone power available for a long day outdoors; mobile data cannot fix a wrong departure port.
Where To Stay
Choosing Your Area
Central Athens suits historic sightseeing on foot; a port base can suit an early ferry. Choose according to the next morning’s departure, not just the room photo.
Before You Arrive
Before You Fly
Greece is in Schengen. Island ferries within Greece do not reset your permitted stay. Check official EU entry systems and your airline’s documents before departure.
Sources And My Visit
Practical information was researched and checked on 22 October 2026. My reviews describe my own visits. Area comparisons are planning advice, not hotels I claim to have inspected. Entry advice must match your passport, residency, route, and travel date.
Athens
Fairytale Athens Luxury Suites
Can’t miss place in Athens! It is soooo cute on the inside! So much to see, 2 floors, a balcony. And to top it off, the menu and food is so good! And a great place for birthday parties or any other type of event!
