Isram Travel Guide to GREECE

PASSPORTS AND VISAS
American and Canadian citizens entering Greece require a valid passport. No visa is required.

CUSTOMS
The following items may be taken into Greece duty free (per person) 200 cigarettes/100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco: 1 liter of alcoholic beverage ( whiskey/spirits) or 2 liters of wine.

CURRENCY
Greece's currency is the Euro (€). There are notes in denominations of €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5. There are also Euro coins in denominations of €2, €1, 50 cent, 20 cent, 10 cent, 5 cent, 2 cent and 1 cent. There are 100 cents to €1. These notes and coins can be used anywhere within the Euro area, regardless of country of issue.

BANK HOURS
All banks and most hotels in Greece are authorized to buy foreign currency at the official rate of exchange fixed by the Bank of Greece. Banking hours are 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., except Saturdays, Sundays and official public holidays. For the convenience of tourists, the branches of many banks also remain open in the afternoon and on Saturdays.

TRAVELER'S CHECKS
It is recommended that you carry your money in the form of traveler's checks. Traveler's checks are widely accepted throughout Greece and can be exchanged to local currency at almost all banks and post offices. Please note: Personal checks not accepted onboard cruise ships.

CREDIT CARDS
Most major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and many cosmopolitan boutiques.

VOLTAGE
The standard voltage in Greece is 220 AC. Wall plugs are the round, two prong European type. Most American appliances will need transformers and plugs, often available at most major hotels and from the steward aboard your Cruise ship.

TIME
Greece is on Greenwich Mean Time plus 2 hours, or 7 hours earlier than Eastern Standard Time, U.S.A.

WEATHER
Greece has mild winters and warm summers cooled by a system of seasonal breezes popularly called "meltemia"-plus, plentiful sunshine.

STORE HOURS
Shops are open from 9:30 or 10:00 AM to 1:00 or 1:30 PM and again from 4:30 or 5:00 PM to 7:30 or 8:00 PM. Obviously, times do vary. Some shops are closed on Fridays; most shops are closed on Sundays.

SHOPPING
The Greek people are known for their expert craftsmanship, and you will have the opportunity to purchase such attractive items as: handmade linens, hand-woven fabrics and rugs, gold jewelry, native pottery, decorative copper and leather sandals.

FOOD
Greek cooking runs to sizeable portions of veal, lamb, and pork and chicken, generously served with fresh breads and wonderful salads. In the larger cities and centers you can, of course, get western-type dishes. Seafood and some interesting local cheeses are also worth trying.

DRINK
The famous (or notorious) "retsina" usually tastes better from the barrel than the bottle, but you will find wine (aretsinato) pleasant and hardly more expensive than the various beers. The national aperitif is "ouzo," an aniseed wine spirit. Drinking Turkish coffee is also a national pastime.

CLOTHING
Summer: May to September
During the summer, informality is the mode with only an occasional restaurant requiring tie and jacket for the gentlemen. A light jacket or sweater may be desirable for the evenings. Casual clothing of lightweight fabrics and comfortable walking shoes are essential. A shawl, light sweater or jacket is recommended for the cool evening breezes.

Spring/Fall: Mid. March thru April, October thru mid. November
Lightweight wools and a topcoat or heavy sweater are suggested. Clothing that can be layered is generally best.

Aboard Ship
Casual sportswear during the day. For occasional gala evenings, a cocktail dress for women and tie and jacket for men is suggested.

Monasteries and Churches
Ladies are required to wear an appropriate length dress or skirt with sleeved blouse. Men are required to wear slacks and a shirt.

Casinos
Casinos are generally more formal than those found in the U.S. and Canada. A jacket and tie is mandatory for gentlemen.

DON'T FORGET TO PACK

• Sunglasses, sunhat and sunscreen
• Extra pair glasses/contacts
• Medical and eyeglass prescriptions
  
• First-aid kit
  
• Soft, foldable slippers for the plane
  
• Packets of tissues and towelettes
  
• Sewing kit
  
• Comfortable walking shoes
  
• Packable tote-bag for day trips
  
• Bathing attire
  
• Travel Alarm
  
• Travel Diary
  

TIPPING - THE PRINCIPLE
Although service charges are included, it is customary to show your appreciation to hotel personnel and to the guide and driver of the tour.

The average tip (per person, per day) should approximate:

$1.00 for hotel personnel
$1.00- $2.00 for the driver
$4.00-$5.00 for your Tour Director/Guide ($7.00-$10.00 on Ultimate Greece).

On cruises, tips are pooled among ship's personnel.
Suggested tipping is $5.00 to $8.00 per person, per day.

INSURANCE
We recommend that you purchase adequate guaranteed comprehensive travel insurance before departure. Neither Isram Travel nor your travel agent is responsible for loss or damage to luggage, accidents en route or ill health that may require you to miss part of your trip or your return to the U.S.A. with the group.