Greece Pre-Departure Guide
Your complete checklist and guide for all essential preparations before traveling to Greece for your studies.
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Pre-Departure Overview
Preparing for your journey to Greece involves several critical steps that must be completed before departure. This comprehensive overview will guide you through each essential area to ensure a smooth transition to your new academic life.
Start Early
Essential Pre-Departure Areas
- Visa & Documentation: Ensure all visa requirements are met and essential documents are prepared
- Health & Insurance: Secure comprehensive health coverage and complete medical requirements
- Accommodation: Confirm your housing arrangements and prepare for arrival
- Financial Preparation: Set up banking, proof of funds, and budget planning
- Travel Arrangements: Book flights, arrange airport transfers, and pack essentials
Preparation Timeline
3-4 months before
Apply for student visa, secure accommodation, research health insurance
2 months before
Book flights, prepare financial documents, gather required paperwork
1 month before
Purchase insurance, notify banks, arrange phone/SIM card
1-2 weeks before
Pack essentials, make document copies, exchange currency
University-Specific Requirements
Each university in Greece may have specific pre-departure requirements or orientations.
Check with your university's International Student Office for any additional preparations or mandatory sessions before arrival.
Master Pre-Departure Checklist
Your comprehensive checklist to ensure you're fully prepared for departure to Greece. Use this as your final verification before traveling.
Documents
Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from arrival date
Student visa (collected)
Collect your approved student visa from the embassy/consulate
University acceptance letter
Original acceptance letter and enrollment confirmation
Accommodation confirmation
Housing contract or university dormitory confirmation
Travel insurance documents
Comprehensive travel and health insurance policy
Financial proof documents
Bank statements and scholarship letters if applicable
Practical
Local currency for immediate needs
Exchange some money for taxi, food, and initial expenses
International debit/credit card
Notify your bank of travel plans and ensure international access
Unlocked mobile phone
Ensure your phone works with local SIM cards
Power adapter and converter
Compatible plugs for Greece electrical outlets
Essential medications
Prescription medications with doctor's letter
Weather-appropriate clothing
Suitable clothing for Greece's climate
Final Steps
Inform bank of travel plans
Notify all banks to avoid card blocks abroad
Make copies of all documents
Physical and digital copies stored separately
Share itinerary with family
Provide flight details and contact information
Arrange airport transportation
Book pickup service or research public transport
Check airline baggage rules
Verify weight limits and prohibited items
Save emergency contacts
Store important Greece contacts in your phone
Don't Forget!
Essential Pre-Departure Guides
Explore our comprehensive guides for each critical aspect of your pre-departure journey to Greece. Each guide provides detailed information and actionable steps.
Cultural Etiquette & Basic Phrases
Understanding Greece's culture and learning basic phrases will help you integrate more smoothly into your new environment and build better relationships with locals.
Social Etiquette & Cultural Norms
Greetings & Social Interactions
- Greeks often greet with a firm handshake and direct eye contact
- Close friends may kiss on both cheeks - follow their lead
- Personal space is smaller than Northern European standards
- Punctuality is appreciated but social events may start later than scheduled
Academic Environment
- Address professors as 'Professor' or 'Kathigitis' until invited otherwise
- Class participation is valued but wait for appropriate moments
- Academic integrity is strictly enforced - plagiarism has serious consequences
- Group projects are common and building relationships is important
Daily Life & Public Behavior
- Lunch breaks (2-5 PM) are sacred - many shops close during siesta
- Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries
- Tipping 10-15% is customary in restaurants and cafes
- Greeks speak passionately - raised voices don't necessarily mean anger
Useful Local Phrases
Γεια σας (YAH-sas)
Hello (formal) / Goodbye - most versatile greeting
Παρακαλώ (pah-rah-kah-LOH)
Please / You're welcome - essential for polite requests
Ευχαριστώ (ef-khah-ree-STOH)
Thank you - shows appreciation and respect
Συγνώμη (see-GNOH-mee)
Excuse me / Sorry - useful for getting attention or apologizing
Δεν καταλαβαίνω (then kah-tah-lah-VEH-noh)
I don't understand - helpful when language barriers arise
Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε; (bo-REE-teh nah meh voh-ee-THEE-seh-teh)
Can you help me? - polite way to ask for assistance
Πού είναι...; (POO EE-neh)
Where is...? - essential for navigation and finding places
Πόσο κοστίζει; (POH-so ko-STEE-zee)
How much does it cost? - important for shopping and services
Cultural Tips
- Greeks appreciate any effort to speak their language, even basic phrases
- Family and relationships are central to Greek culture - expect personal questions
- Meal times are social events that can last hours - don't rush
- Orthodox Christianity influences many cultural practices and holidays
Regional Differences
Staying Connected & Crucial Contacts
Establishing reliable communication and knowing important contacts is essential for your safety and convenience in Greece.
Mobile Phones & Internet
Mobile Phone Options
Local SIM Card
Buy from Cosmote, Vodafone, or Wind at airport or stores. Prepaid options start from €10-15 with data included
Monthly Plan
Student discounts available with AFM (tax number). Plans range €15-30/month with unlimited calls and 5-20GB data
International Roaming
EU roaming is free for EU citizens. Non-EU students should check rates - can be €5-15/day
Internet Access
- University WiFi: Free eduroam network available at most Greek universities with student login credentials
- Public WiFi: Free WiFi in most cafes, McDonald's, and public squares. Athens has city-wide WiFi in many areas
- Mobile Data: 4G coverage excellent in cities, good on islands. 5G expanding in Athens and Thessaloniki
Useful Communication Apps
Viber
Very popular in Greece for messaging
Google Translate
Essential for Greek-English translation
Moovit
Public transport navigation for Athens
Taxibeat (Beat)
Popular ride-hailing app in Greek cities
Important Contacts & Resources
Emergency Contacts in Greece
European emergency number for police, fire, ambulance. Operators speak English. Also available: Tourist Police 171
Save These Contacts Before Departure
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University International Office
Student support, visa renewals, academic guidance, and integration assistance
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Your Country's Embassy/Consulate
Passport renewal, emergency assistance, voting registration, and consular services
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Accommodation Provider
University housing office or private landlord for maintenance and housing issues
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Local Emergency Services
112 (general), 100 (police), 199 (fire), 166 (ambulance), 171 (tourist police)
Pre-Travel Communications Checklist
✓ Download Viber, Google Translate, and local transport apps
✓ Save embassy, university, and emergency contacts in phone
✓ Research mobile providers: Cosmote, Vodafone, Wind Hellas
✓ Ensure phone is unlocked and compatible with European networks
✓ Set up international banking app and notify bank of travel
Expert Pre-Departure Tips
Start your visa application early - processing times can vary and delays are common during peak seasons
Make multiple copies of important documents and store them in different locations (physical and digital)
Research your destination city's climate and pack accordingly - Greece weather can be quite different from your home country
Set up international banking before departure to avoid complications with accessing funds
Learn basic Greek phrases and cultural norms to help with initial integration
Pack essential medications in carry-on luggage with proper prescriptions and documentation
Arrange temporary accommodation for your first few days in case of delays with permanent housing
Download offline maps and translation apps before departure for immediate use upon arrival
Notify your mobile provider about international travel to avoid service interruptions
Create a detailed packing checklist and start packing at least one week before departure
Research local transportation options from the airport to your accommodation
Keep emergency cash in euros for immediate expenses upon arrival
Get Expert Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Have More Questions?
Still have questions about your pre-departure preparations? Here are additional resources:
Complete Guide to Greece
Explore all aspects of studying in Greece with our comprehensive guides
Pre-Departure - Detailed Guides
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