Local Insights
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Athens is a city with a glorious history. It is the city where democracy was born and boasts world renowned scholars like Socrates, Plato, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and many others.
Still basking in the excitement of hosting the Olympics in 2004, Athens showcases some remarkable historic sites, together with a laid-back approach to life that make every visit a distinct pleasure. The wonderful scenery, the mild climate, the unique historical heritage, as well as traditional Greek hospitality, are the merits that have made Athens an especially attractive destination for visitors and tourists.
Getting there
Plane, train, bus, ferry and cruise ship routes make Athens the hub of Greek transportation. Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (30 210 353 0000; www.aia.gr) lies 27 kilometres east of the centre, with flights to the rest of Europe and much of the world. The Hellenic Railways Organisation's trains (30 210 529 7452; www.ose.gr) run north and south of the city, while the national bus network (www.ktel.org) is even more extensive. The port of Piraeus (30 210 455 0229; www.olp.gr) is the gateway to the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean. Greece is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Weather
Athens has a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine and a limited amount of rainfall. Despite some chilly winds, mid-March to May is usually pleasantly mild. Temperatures rise in August, touching an exhausting 38ºC at times. September and October, commonly warm and bright, are the best time to visit. Expect rain between November and February, and the thermometer may nudge 10ºC.
Important Numbers
| Fire | 199 |
| Police | 100 |
| Tourist Police | 171 |
| Ambulance | 166 |
| Tourist Information Hotline | 30 210 870 0000 |
| Information | 11888 |
Transportation/Getting Around
| Taxi |
Hire Car |
Rail |
Metro | |
| Hotlines | Greek taxis are very cheap by European standards. Taxis in Greece are yellow and equipped with a metre displaying the fare. Numerous taxi companies operate in the city, including: Dimitra 30 210 524 6993 Ikaros 30 210 515 2800 Express 30 210 994 3000 |
Traffic can be quite heavy. There are numerous reliable car agencies. These agencies can operate only if licensed by the Greek National Tourist Information and require a valid national driving licence. For more information, contact: Association of Greek Car Rental Companies: Viltanioti 31, Kifissia 14 564 – Athens 30 210 626 4032 For limousine rental contact: The Athens – Piraeus – Association of Tourist Automobilists: 46, Amalias Ave. – Syntagma, Athens 30 210 325 3286 Pangosmio is also known for reasonable rates: 30 210 811 750 www.pangosmio-carrentals.com |
Proastiakós, the suburban rail network, connects with both the metro and other rail lines. It accommodates travel to/from Athens and the "Eleftherios Venizelos" Athens International Airport. 30 210 527 2000 www.proastiakos.gr |
The three-line Metro covers most of the city as well as the airport. 30 210 519 4001 www.ametro.gr |
| Fare range/ destinations |
For taxis throughout the country €0.32 (Tariff 1) and €0.60 (Tariff 2). Also €1 for initial charge (flagdown rate) applies 12.00 am – 5.00 am and for telephone booking. |
From € 45 per day. |
Fares from € 0.70. |
Regular tickets from €0.80. |
| Operating hours | 24 hours |
24 hours |
5.30 am – 12.00 am |
5.30 am – 12.00 am |
| Tram |
Bus |
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| Hotlines | The tram runs from the centre of Athens, via Nea Smyrni and Paleo Faliro, out to the coast. 30 210 997 8000 www.tramsa.gr |
The Athens Urban Transport Organisation runs a network of diesel and natural gas buses as well as trolley buses. Tel: 185 www.oasa.gr |
||
| Fare range/ destinations |
Regular tickets from € 0.60. |
Regular tickets from €0.50. |
||
| Operating hours | 5.00 am – 12.30 am |
5.00 am – 12.00 am |
* Remarks: The local currency is the EURO "€".
Local Language
Learn more about local language from below.
| English | Local language |
| Hello | Yah sahss or Yah soo (informal) |
| Please | Pahrahkahlo |
| Thank you very much | Efhahresstoh polee |
| I do not understand | Dhen kahtahlahvehno |
| Do you speak English? | Meelahteh anggleekah |
| Nice to meet you | Hareeka or Hehropolee |
| How are you? | Tee kahnehteh? |
| Fine, thank you | Kahlah efhahresstoh |
| You are welcome | Pahrahkahlo |
| Excuse me | Seeghnomee |
| Where is the toilet? | Poo eene ee tooahlehtah? |
| What is your name? | Pohs seh leh neh? |
| My name is... | Me leneh or onomahzomeh... |
| I can't speak Greek | Dhen meeloh kahlah ehleeneekah |
| Goodbye | Ahndeeoh |
| See you later | Ta leme |
| Help! | Voheetheeyah! |
| Today | Seemehra |
| Yesterday | Khtes |
| Yes | Neh or mahlista (polite) |
| No | Ohhee |
Business and Finance
The Hellenic Republic is a Presidential Parliamentary Democracy and its economy is based on the principles of free enterprise, bound by the regulations of international organisations such as The Economic and Finance Committee (ECOFIN) and The World Trade Organisation (WTO), of which it is a member. Greece has been a member state of The European Union (EU) since 1981.
The main economic activities are tourism, shipping, banking and finance, manufacturing and construction and telecommunications, while the country serves as the regional business hub for many of the world's major multinational companies.
The above information is for reference only. They may be provided to HSBC by other persons or compiled by HSBC from information and materials provided by other persons. HSBC does not warrant the truth, reliability, accuracy or adequacy of the above information and HSBC assumes no liability for any reliance on them by you or any other persons. Please contact the relevant merchant, company or organisation for further details.
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