General info visiting Santorini

• Time Zone difference

Greek time is +2 hours GMT mean time.

• Language

Modern Greek is the national language; English is generally understood and spoken, so there are no communication problems.

• Electrical appliances

Electric current is at 220-240 Volts, 50-cycle AC. Appliances of lower voltage require transformer. It is recommended that appliances are checked for safety before use.

• Telecommunication

Outgoing International access code for Greece is 00, following the relevant country code, e.g. (00 30 22860 …… for Santorini). Calls can bee made from your hotel or from OTE (Hellenic Telecommunications Organization) offices in Fira. Public phone card booths are available all over the island and cards can be bought from kiosks, mini markets and OTE.

• Mobile Telecommunications

The local mobile phone operators (Cosmote, Vodafone, Wind and Q-Telecom) use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators.

• Water

Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled spring water is preferable; available in supermarkets, hotels and restaurants.

• Currency

Since 1/1/2002, Euro (€) is the currency of Greece.

• Banks

The banks on Santorini are open 08:00-14:30 Monday to Thursday and 08:00-14:00 on Friday. ATMs are available in almost all villages on Santorini, and most of them accept Visa and MasterCard as well as debit cards of internationally recognized networks.

• Health

In case of health problems you may visit the Santorini Health Center in Fira or ask your hotel reception for a private specialist doctor. Pharmacies are marked with a cross. One is usually open 24 hours in Fira, on an alternate basis.

• Weather

Santorini has an ideal climate for visitors, since summers are sunny, hot (but dry) and winters are mild. It seldom rains in the summer. Remember, the sun is fierce, so carry sunburn cream, wide brimmed hat and wear clothes with sleeves you can roll down.

• On the road

Driving on Santorini can be done either with vehicles owned by tourists or rented ones. The driver must have a valid license from the country of origin and international permit, as well as insurance and registration.

Remember, driving is on the right.