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Essential apps for

Greece

Ελλάδα

GreekEUR5 apps

Beat dominates Athens taxis. Google Maps works well for the metro, and Glovo handles food delivery in cities.

🔌

Power & Plug

TypeC / F
Voltage230V
Freq50Hz

Standard European.

💬

Basic phrases

Greek

  • Hello
    Γειά σου
    Ya-sou
  • Thank you
    Ευχαριστώ
    Ef-har-ri-sto
  • Yes
    Ναι
    Neh
  • No
    Όχι
    O-hi
  • Please
    Παρακαλώ
    Pa-ra-ka-lo

+2 more below

🎎

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but modest; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% at restaurants is common and welcomed. A service charge is sometimes included, so check the bill before adding more.

🚖Rideshare & Taxi

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F

FREENOW

Western Europe taxi-hailing, especially strong in Germany, UK, Spain, Ireland.

Beat folded into FreeNow here — order licensed taxis through the app.
iOSAndroidWebsite
U

Uber

The most widely available rideshare service globally. Works in 70+ countries.

Limited; Beat is what locals actually use.
iOSAndroidWebsite

🗺️Navigation & Maps

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G

Google Maps

Works almost everywhere except mainland China. Offline maps are critical when roaming.

Solid for Athens metro and walking.
iOSAndroidWebsite

💬Translation

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G

Google Translate

The universal default. Camera mode translates signs and menus instantly.

Helpful for menus written in Greek script.
iOSAndroidWebsite

🍱Food Delivery

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G

Glovo

Spanish food + parcel delivery, big in Portugal, Italy, Eastern Europe, and Africa.

Food delivery across Athens and Thessaloniki.
iOSAndroidWebsite
Phrases

All Greek phrases

Hello
Γειά σου
Ya-sou
Thank you
Ευχαριστώ
Ef-har-ri-sto
Yes
Ναι
Neh
No
Όχι
O-hi
Please
Παρακαλώ
Pa-ra-ka-lo
How much?
Πόσο κάνει
Po-so ka-ni
Cheers
Γεια μας
Ya mas
Briefing

What to know before you go

✓ Do

  • Greet with a friendly 'Yassas' and a handshake; Greeks are warm and value genuine, unhurried conversation
  • Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries, covering shoulders and knees
  • Accept offered food, coffee, or hospitality graciously, as refusing can seem cold
  • Meals are leisurely and social; lingering over a long lunch or dinner is normal and expected
  • Be patient with relaxed timekeeping for social events; punctuality is looser than in Northern Europe
  • Tap your glass and say 'Yamas' before drinking together

✕Don't

  • Do not show your open palm facing outward toward someone (the 'moutza'); it is a serious insult
  • Avoid calling the country or its things 'Macedonian' carelessly, as the name is politically sensitive
  • Do not be loud or disrespectful at religious or historic sites such as monasteries and ancient ruins
  • Avoid praising Turkey's role in regional disputes or making light of Greek national history

⚠️ Common scams to know

  • Taxi drivers (especially from Athens airport and ports) taking longer routes, refusing the meter, or claiming it is 'broken'
  • The 'friendly bar' or 'tea house' scam where men are lured by a local and hit with an enormous bill, sometimes with intimidation
  • Overpriced restaurants near major sights with no posted prices, or 'fresh fish' charged by weight at shocking rates
  • Street vendors and 'find the ball' street games designed to fleece tourists
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