Customs
Greece is an EU country. For detailed information on import – export regulations, pets, baggage clearance, airport tax, currency import and export please refer to the IATA (International Air Transport Association) travel centre: www.iata.org
Electricity
Electric current in Thessaloniki is 220 V / 50 Hz. Two-pin plugs (European style) are used. For appliances operating on a 110/120 V current, a voltage converter is required.
Currency
EURO is the official Greek currency.
Credit Card
All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Visitors are advised to carry small amounts of cash at all times.
Banks
Greek and International banks can be found in the city centre and all popular districts of Thessaloniki. Most banks operate Monday – Friday 08:00 – 14:00. Some banks located in the city centre remain open until 20:00 hrs.
Language
The official language of the conference is English, although there will be some Greek parallel sessions.
Public Buses
Thessaloniki Bus Lines are operated by the OASTH. Approximate fares are as follows:
(Please note fares are based on 2009 prices)
Standard adult ticket: €0.50 expires 70 minutes after first use
24 hour adult ticket: €2.00 expires 24 hours after first use
Weekly ticket: €10.00 expires at midnight 7 days after first use
Shopping
The city centre is one of the most popular shopping areas in Thessaloniki. Shopping malls and department stores are available both in the city centre as well as in other city districts. Some of the best-known shopping malls can be found in eastern Thessaloniki (Thessaloniki Airport Area) and are easily accessible by ring road (public transportation and taxis).
The commercial market of Thessaloniki (shops, boutiques, etc) operates as follows:
Monday / Wednesday / Saturday: 09:00 - 15:00
Tuesday / Thursday / Friday: 09:00 - 14:30 and 17:30 - 21:00
Shopping Malls and big department stores operate as follows:
Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 21:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 20:00
Tipping
A service charge is included in all prices at hotels, restaurants and taxis. Tipping is common in Greece, as a way of expressing satisfaction for services received. It is optional and usually varies from 5 to 10 %. Practically speaking you either round up a figure, or calculate a tip of roughly 10%.
Time
Time in Thessaloniki is GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) + 2 hours
Tax
19% Applicable for alcoholic beverages.
9% Applicable for accommodation (room charges), food and non alcoholic beverages
Rates quoted are usually inclusive of taxes. In other cases (rarely), the percentage of tax to be added in the rate is clearly stated.
Transfers from the Airport to the City Centre
A public bus service is available 24 hours a day from the airport to the city centre, bus number 78 or 78N. These bus services operate from the airport approximately every 30 minutes.
For an up to date time table please visit the official website of OASTH – www.oasth.gr
Taxi
Taxi service in Thessaloniki are plentiful and economic. A minimum taxi fare is €2.80. A double fare is applicable between midnight and 05:00 am.
As a rough guide a taxi within the city will cost approximately €5, a taxi to the airport will cost between €20 – €30.
Visa
Participants requiring a visa for entry to Greece are strongly advised to make their application in their home country at least three months before the intended date of travel. Please click here to visit the website.
You are advised to check with the Greek consulate or embassy within your own country for your visa requirements before arranging your travel.
Weather
The climate in Thessaloniki is Mediterranean. Mild winter weather is expected in March. Average temperature for March is 9.5 –10 oC, with an average sunshine of 4.48 hours per day.
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