Time Zones:
All of Greece is within the same time zone as Eastern Europe (GSM +2). The summer time changes by an hour.
Banks & Currency:
The currency used all over Greece and on the island of Crete is the Euro (€). Credit & cash cards are accepted in shops and restaurants throughout the island. VISA & MASTER are generally accepted but rarely AMEX & DINNERS credit cards.
Banks are open on Monday to Thursday at 08:00 – 14:30 hrs and on Friday 08:00 – 14:00 hrs.
Climate:
The island of Crete enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate with a very little variation in Crete weather. During summer months the average high climbs to mid thirties while in winter it drops but is still enjoyable for Northern Europeans. Snowfall is not uncommon in Crete during the winter season. The island receives a great level of sunshine all year round. In the mountainous regions of Crete the weather is always cooler. The weather in Crete during June, July & August is what we call full summer. No rain and temperatures should be expected to reach 35 degrees celsius (or 95 degrees farhrenheit). You should pack strong sun protection and plan to stay out of the sun during the peak hours (12pm to 3pm). During night, temperature may well stay above 30° C and sometimes some degrees below. Winds on the islands, such as Crete, well contribute to the temperature. Some days late in the afternoon there might be a cooling breeze.
Electricity:
Voltage: 220V
Cycles (frequency): 50 Hz
Sockets / Outlets: 2 pin + earth/ground "Suku" or 2 pin lighting type.
The voltage is 220 volts and you will need a two pin adapter to use your own equipment. If you live in a country with 110V electricity, your electric accessories would not work in Greece where 220V (50Hz) electrical outlets are standard. Just purchase an electrical adaptor to make sure all your equipment will work. An adaptor would allow your plug to physically fit into the Greek power outlets.
Keep in mind that you will need more than one, unless you want to charge your equipment one at a time. An adaptor simply allows your plugs to fit into the Greek electrical outlets; it does not ensure that your appliance would work in the 220V current of the wall outlets in Greece.
Telephones / Mobiles:
All GSM mobile phones (used in Europe and a few other countries) work in Greece. If you bring your own mobile phone with you, when you first switch it on in Greece you will be given a choice of which phone provider to use. Choose the one recommended by your home mobile phone service provider, as this will give you better rates. Certain companies provide a fixed charge per minute when "roaming" outside the country your phone service is from. Where this does not apply, you will pay fairly high rates for outgoing calls. Incoming calls to your phone are expensive, because you pay for the international part of the call (from the country where your phone service is provided, to you, in Greece). It is advisable to check on rates and services when using your mobile phone overseas, with your phone service provider, before you travel. A better idea is to buy a local SIM card (meaning a local phone number which you slot into your phone) for about 15€ at a mobile phone or electronics store in Crete (even some kiosks) - there are many.
If you are coming from the US and do not have a tri-band phone (that works on the European GSM frequencies), you can buy a complete "package" of cell phone & sim card - for about 40€ (includes 8€ worth of call time), at electronic stores (look for Vodafone, Wind, Cosmote or e-germanos shops).
Card phones are the rule - coin accepting phones are rare. Telephone cards can be bought in mini markets and at all street kiosks in various denominations from 3€ upward. Card phones are found on streets, some kiosks, at many squares, public buildings and some mini-markets.
OTE (the Greek telephone company) have a phone calling and fax-sending service at major offices.
Internet:
Wireless internet will be provided free of charge at all of the hotels listed in the ERAC meeting web page with the exception of Agapi Beach hotel bedrooms.
There are many hotspots in towns and villages.
Shopping:
Cretan markets and shops are busiest and best early in the morning, opening at 09:00, Monday to Friday and 10:00 on Saturday. See details of opening and closing times below. In resort areas, many shops are open until around 23:00. In summer, bars and taverns are open all day and usually close late into the night.
In the towns of Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania and Agios Nikolaos and in all the big towns of the island and in many picturesque mountainous villages visitors will find a wide range of shops selling local products such as the excellent Cretan honey, the famous Cretan Wines and the tasty local cheeses (which are known all over Greece). Shops selling leather goods of high quality can also be found as well as shops proposing copper, bronze, terracotta and wooden items. Local embroideries and hand wooden articles can also be found in various shops and particularly in the villages of Zaro (prefecture of Heraklion), Kritsa (prefecture of Lassithi), Anogia and Zoniana (prefecture of Rethymno) which are specialised in the confectionary of those beautiful pieces of art.
| DAY | TIME | |
| Monday & Wednesday | 09:00 - 16:00 | |
| Tuesday, Thursday & Friday | 09:00 - 14:00 and reopen at 17:00 - 21:00 | |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 14:00 | |
| Sunday | Closed |
Smoking:
The Greek government originally passed the no smoking law to take effect from January 2010, but then moved the start date forward in order to 'ease' the population into this new smoke-free world. In summer everyone lives, eats and drinks outdoors, so a June ban will have little effect on the social habits of Greece's smokers.
It's also now apparent that this will not be a total ban. Wording in the press include phrases such as 'new smoking limits', 'severe restrictions on smoking in public places'.
Bar and restaurant employers must create separate smoking sections.
Ask the employers to show you the Non Smoking areas.
Tipping:
In restaurant bills there is a service charge of between 10-15 % already built in. However it is usual to leave a small tip for the waiters. Tips are most welcome and it is usual to tip taxi drivers, hairdressers, porters and chambermaids.
Usually add 10 - 12% to your restaurant bill in change - if you use a card, the staff won't reap the benefit.
Dress Code
Hotel:
Shorts and sandals are forbidden in most hotel restaurants during the evening meals.