Greece is so rich in culture and natural beauty that it should
be visited at least once in a lifetime! With thousands of years of history and
alluring attractions, it’s no exaggeration to say that Greece is a real heaven
on earth. Greece is a party to the Schengen Agreement and therefore visa-free
for citizens traveling for up to 90 days from the EU and most countries in the
Americas. This means that travelers from the United States, Canada, and
Australia need only a passport valid for three months beyond the end of their
visit.
First-timers to Greece won’t be able to see the whole country in one go, therefore, the besttactic is to pick a few places and spend one or two days in each. Ideally,
you want to give yourself at least a week in Greece to visit the major ancient
sites and spend some time on the islands soaking up the sun. This will allow
you to get a good sense of why Greece is beloved by so many travelers. If you
can, add on another few days to take in the various Greek cities and treasures
of antiquity. The delicious Mediterranean food, stunning scenery, ancient
ruins, and historical sites. Greece is a European Union member; euros have been the official currency of Greece since 2001. Having some euros in your pocket when you arrive can give you peace of mind for the start of your trip. Banks will have the best exchange rates and are open from 9:00 to 14:00. But your best begin getting local currency is to use your debit card via ATMs located everywhere
throughout Greece. While most shops and hotels accept credit cards, many smaller businesses and restaurants do not. ATMs are available in airports and cities, but smaller towns and villages may only have one or even no ATMs available. It is best to have a decent amount of cash for small purchases or emergencies. Travelers’ cheques are not an option.