Essential Apps for Traveling to Greece
24 apps · Apps verified August 9, 2026 · Guide written April 1, 2025
Quick Answer
What apps do I need in Greece?
For Greece, most travelers should download Yesim, Airalo, Holafly, and Saily before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. Tap water is generally safe to drink. Power outlets are Type C, F at 230V.
Sources
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Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions travelers and AI assistants ask most often.
What apps do I need in Greece?
For Greece, most travelers should download Yesim, Airalo, Holafly, and Saily before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. Tap water is generally safe to drink. Power outlets are Type C, F at 230V.
Can I drink tap water in Greece?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink in Greece. Tap water is safe in Athens and most of mainland Greece. On some islands (especially smaller Cycladic islands), tap water may be desalinated and have a brackish taste - bottled water is cheap and widely preferred. Santorini, Mykonos, and many smaller islands rely on desalination.
Should I tip in Greece?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Greeks do not tip as much as Americans. Small amounts are standard. Restaurants: 5-10% or round up the bill. Service charge rarely included. Leave cash on the table.
Do I need a visa to visit Greece?
Many nationalities can visit Greece visa-free for up to 90 days. Part of Schengen Area. US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan get 90 days visa-free in 180-day period. ETIAS authorization delayed - expected Q4 2026 at earliest, not yet required.
What power adapter do I need for Greece?
Greece uses Type C, F power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. Standard European 2-pin plugs (Type C/F). US/UK travelers need an adapter. Available at airport shops and electronics stores. Some older hotel rooms may have limited outlets.
If you use these apps at home
How the big global apps hold up in Greece — and what locals use instead.
- If you use Uber Works, locals prefer local apps
- Uber works in Greece, but locals mostly use FreeNow.
- If you use Uber Eats
- For food delivery, locals in Greece typically use Wolt.
- If you use WhatsApp Works here
- Yes — WhatsApp works in Greece.
- If you use Google Maps Works here
- Yes — Google Maps works in Greece. Locals also use Moovit.
- If you use Google Translate Works here
- Yes — Google Translate works in Greece.
- If you use Amazon
- For online shopping, locals in Greece typically use Skroutz.
eSIM & Data Plans
4 apps
Already use N26, Revolut, or Truecaller? Some bank apps now bundle travel data, so check yours first. If not, these standalone eSIMs are the best value:
Ride Hailing
3 apps
Public Transit
2 apps
Navigation
2 apps
Food Delivery
2 apps
Communication
4 apps
Shopping
1 app
Tours & Experiences
2 apps
Health & Insurance
3 apps
Border & Entry
1 app
Travel Information for Greece
Common Requirements
- Valid passport (3 months beyond stay)
- Return ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel insurance recommended
🏧 ATM Tips
ATMs widespread in cities and popular islands. Some remote islands may have limited ATMs that run out of cash in peak season. Use Alpha Bank, National Bank, Piraeus Bank ATMs. Avoid Euronet ATMs (€3-5 fees).
💱 Money Exchange Tips
Use Revolut or Wise for best rates. Airport exchanges have poor rates. Some exchange offices in Athens (Syntagma area) are competitive. Always decline Dynamic Currency Conversion.
Best Time to Visit
April-June and September-October for ideal weather and fewer crowds. July-August peak season with 35°C+ heat, highest prices, and overcrowded islands. Shoulder season offers warm seas and great deals.
Languages
Greek English: moderate
SIM Cards & Connectivity
EU roaming works for EU SIMs. Cosmote (best coverage on islands), Vodafone, Wind are main carriers. Prepaid SIMs from €10 at airport or shops (passport required). eSIM via Airalo recommended. Some remote islands have patchy coverage.
Transportation
Ferries are essential for island hopping - book via Ferryhopper app. Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways are main operators. Athens Metro efficient and cheap (€1.20). Domestic flights connect Athens to major islands (Sky Express, Aegean). KTEL buses serve mainland routes.
Cultural Notes
- Greeks eat late: lunch 2-3pm, dinner 9-11pm
- Tossing a napkin on a finished plate is normal, don't be alarmed by messy tables
- OXI means 'no' - a slight upward head nod also means 'no' (confusing for visitors)
- Greeks are warm and hospitable - accepting offered coffee or food is polite
- Dress modestly at churches and monasteries (covered shoulders and knees)
- Greeks celebrate name days more than birthdays
Safety Rating
Emergency Numbers
Tap Water
Tap water is safe in Athens and most of mainland Greece. On some islands (especially smaller Cycladic islands), tap water may be desalinated and have a brackish taste - bottled water is cheap and widely preferred. Santorini, Mykonos, and many smaller islands rely on desalination.
Power Outlets
230V, 50Hz
Standard European 2-pin plugs (Type C/F). US/UK travelers need an adapter. Available at airport shops and electronics stores. Some older hotel rooms may have limited outlets.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Greeks do not tip as much as Americans. Small amounts are standard.
Athens International Airport (ATH)
Most convenient option. Direct to city center. Runs every 30 min. 50% discount for under-25s.
24-hour service. Budget option. Runs every 15-30 min. Can be slow in traffic.
Direct to Piraeus port for ferry connections to islands. 24-hour service.
Fixed fares to Athens center. Yellow taxis from official rank. Confirm destination and fare before departure.
⚠️ Taxi meter tricks (Athens)
Taxi drivers not starting the meter, taking long routes, or using the higher 'Tariff 2' rate outside permitted hours (midnight-5am).
Insist the meter is running and starts at Tariff 1 during daytime. Use ride-hailing apps (FREENOW, Uber) for fixed pricing. Know the approximate fare before getting in.
⚠️ Restaurant touts in Plaka/Monastiraki
Aggressive restaurant staff in Athens tourist areas pull you in with promises of free drinks or discounts. Food is often mediocre and overpriced.
Walk past aggressive touts. The best restaurants don't need to drag customers in. Check Google reviews before sitting down.
⚠️ Rental car/ATV damage scams (islands)
Rental companies on islands claim pre-existing damage was caused by you, demanding large cash payments.
Photograph every scratch and dent before renting. Video the vehicle from all angles. Keep the rental agreement. Use a credit card with rental protection.
⚠️ Fake ferry tickets
People near ports sell ferry tickets at 'discounted' prices that are fake or for wrong dates.
Buy ferry tickets only from official kiosks, the Ferryhopper app, or ferry company websites.
✈️ Download Before You Go
Get these apps ready on your phone before boarding
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