The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid for nationals of EU and EFTA countries. The EHIC regulates care and reimbursement of costs in the event of illness for EU and EFTA citizens. The Social Insurance Institution (Idryma Koinonikon Asfaliseon IKA) is the supporting body. In the event of illness, the EHIC must be presented to the emergency room or to the contract doctor. The treatment is free of charge. The EHIC does not include repatriation after a serious illness or an accident abroad. Statutory health insurance companies are not allowed to offer this service. Only private travel insurance companies pay for return transport. It is therefore recommended that you take out health insurance abroad for the duration of your stay, which covers risks that are not covered by statutory health insurance companies. Attention: Travelers who need a visa for Greece must have travel health insurance valid in Greece. Medicines have to T. be paid by yourself (25%, with some exceptions (0 or 10%)). Pharmacists have the power to diagnose and prescribe certain medicines. On remote islands, health care is sometimes less good. First Aid Service: Tel: 166 in the Athens area. Check directoryaah for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] There is little or no risk of malaria. Travelers should practice consistent mosquito protection. However, medicinal prophylaxis is not indicated for travelers to Greece.
Food and drink
Tap water is usually clean in Athens and other cities. Outside of cities, and particularly in remote areas (except for spring water in mountainous areas), water should generally be either boiled or otherwise sterilized or bought packaged before drinking, brushing your teeth, and before making ice cubes. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened.
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci, poliomyelitis and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. Nationwide, from April to October, there is a risk of transmission of Lyme disease from ticks, especially in grass, shrubs and undergrowth. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is occasionally transmitted by ticks in the north of the country (west of Thessaloniki) in summer. The risk of infection is low. Vaccination should be considered for work or leisure activities with potential tick exposure in endemic areas. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. Kala azar, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs mainly in the south and on the islands (including Crete). Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever are uncommon in the Northeast. Transmission of the virus is usually via ticks, occasionally from person to person with close contact and care. The risk for tourists is low, Due to the transmission of other pathogens, good protection against tick bites (e.g. repellents, sturdy shoes, long pants) makes sense during corresponding activities. In addition, sucking ticks (if possible with suitable tweezers) should be removed quickly. Leishmaniasis, transmitted by butterfly mosquitoes, occurs sporadically on the mainland, the Ionian Islands and Crete. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis do occur. To protect yourself, you should get vaccinated and avoid large crowds. Children and young people in particular should be vaccinated. The meningitis vaccination is recommended for long-term stays for certain groups of people (young people or pupils, students). Travelers should clarify the need for vaccination with their doctor, taking into account the recommendations in the country of travel. West Nile fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs in Greece during the summer months. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. There is no vaccination against West Nile fever. Rabies can occur in the north of the country, although very rarely. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Health certificate
In Greece and other EU countries, proof of the COVID vaccination status with the paper vaccination card is valid in addition to the digital COVID-19 vaccination card (EU Digital COVID Certificate). Greece accepts Swiss COVID certificate.
Money
Currency
1 euro = 100 cents. Currency code: €, EUR (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, coins in denominations of 1 and 2 euros and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Credit cards
Diners Club, Visa, American Express, Mastercard and other major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops, travel agencies, restaurants and car rental companies (less so at petrol stations). Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Girocard With the Girocard (formerly EC card) such as the Maestro card, V Pay or Sparcard and PIN number, cash can be withdrawn from ATMs in the national currency throughout Europe. In many European countries it is also possible to pay with a debit card in shops. Cards with the Cirrus, V-Pay or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe. Further information from banks and credit institutes. In general, there are currently no limits on how much cash you can withdraw, but you should have a reserve of cash in case of an emergency. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money,
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are rarely available in Austria. Traveller’s checks in Greece can be exchanged most easily at exchange offices in some major cities and in popular tourist centres. The passport must be presented for each exchange.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Thu 08.00-14.30, Fri 08.00-14.00. During the high season, many banks on the larger islands are also open afternoons and evenings to exchange money.
Foreign exchange regulations
For travelers within and from outside the EU, there are no restrictions on the import or export of national and foreign currencies, but there is an obligation to declare funds from an equivalent value of €10,000 (in addition to cash, cash also includes travelers cheques, savings accounts, other currencies, to third parties checks drawn, the true value of precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum (gold coins containing at least 90 percent gold grade, uncoined gold in the form of bars, nuggets or nuggets containing at least 99.5 percent gold grade), precious stones (but not jewelry). )).
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies and travelers checks can be exchanged at all banks, savings banks and exchange offices. It is worth comparing exchange rates before exchanging, as these can differ from bank to bank. Banks charge a currency exchange fee.
