Travelling to Greece

Greece in a nutshell

Greece is situated in Southeastern Europe, has an area of 131,957 sq. km and a population of 10,964,020. The capital city of Greece is Athens. Greece's coastlines reach an astonishing 13.676 kilometers' length, with more than 2.000 islands.
Greece is a modern and developed country with a history of more than 5000 years It inherited from the Ancient Greece, the Roman and Byzantine Empires and nearly four centuries of Ottoman rule. Greece is the birthplace of many philosophical, political, scientific and mathematical principles, the origin of the Olympic Games and of the western drama including both ‘tragedy' and ‘comedy'.Greece is a country that offers to its visitors unique experiences related to nature beauties of endless seashores and islands, special atmosphere and fascinating journeys into civilization through its museums, galleries and monuments. Athens, the capital city of Greece, famous throughout the world, is full of spectacular landmarks and monuments. Many of these, like Acropolis and Parthenon, date back over 2,500 years and are in remarkable condition.
From the harbor of Thessaloniki the visitor can travel by cruise liners, ferries or hydrofoils to many of the popular Greek destinations.

Links:
www.visitgreece.gr - Greek National Tourism Organisation

Travel & General Information

Languages
The official language of the conference is English. There will be no simultaneous translation.

Passport / VISA
Passport and visa requirements vary from country to country. Delegates requiring a letter of invitation in order to attend the conference may write to the administrative secretariat specifying the necessary details. Please note that this procedure aims explicitly at assisting delegates who need to obtain a visa or permission to attend the conference. It is not an official invitation covering fees and other expenses and does not imply any financial support from the conference organisers. The registration fee must be settled for delegates who wish to claim an invitation letter.

For details please visit the Hellenic Republic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & the Greek Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad,

Currency
Since January 2002, Euro (EUR) is the currency of Greece. A currency converter is available here.

Electrical Appliances
The electricity supply in Greece is alternating current, 220-250 volts, 50 cycles. Appliances for 110 or 120 volts may be operated by using step down transformers of 220 - 250/110 volts connected to each outlet. 

Time Zone
Greece is in the Eastern European Time Zone. Eastern European Standard Time (EET) is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). Like most states in Europe, the Summer (Daylight-Saving) Time is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3).  

Greece Telephone Code
To call Greece, you will need to dial: International Access Code +30 plus number

Shopping
Greece is the ideal place to shop for a wide variety of products, catering to anyone's tastes and needs. Prices are very reasonable in relation to product quality and visitors will be able to find something for every kind of budget.
Shops are open Monday through Friday from 09.00 till 21.00. On Saturdays shops stay open from 09.00 till 14.00, while they are closed on Sundays. Supermarkets and kiosks may stay open till 22.00.

Weather
Summers in Thessaloniki see average temperatures of 30 to 35 degrees , though temperatures over 35 degrees are not uncommon so be sure to pack sunscreen and light clothing if you re planning on doing some mid-day sightseeing. Rainfall during the summer is minimal and infrequent, and while temperatures can reach over 35 degrees they will almost never reach over 40 degrees.

Links:
Hellenic National Meteorological Service
Meteo.gr   

Liability and insurance
The Local Organizing Committee does not accept any liability for personal injuries, or for loss, or damage to property belonging to conference participants ( or their accompanying persons) either during or as a result of the conference. Please, check the validity of your own insurance.

Useful telephone numbers, in case of emergency
Emergency ambulance service: 166
On-duty hospitals, clinics, doctors & pharmacies: 1434
Police (Emergency number): 100
Regional Police Departments: 1033
SOS Doctors: 1016 (not provided under the National Health Service)

Tipping Advice
Tipping is acceptable in Greece. Although restaurants generally add a service charge directly to your bill, it is still good practice to leave a small tip for the waiter. Equally, porters, chambermaids and other service staff should be tipped, with the exception of taxi drivers who usually do not expect them.