Greece summary
Key facts
Official language(s)
Currency
Population
Time zone
Calling code
Drive on the
Member of the EU
Greek
Euro
11,216,708
GMT + 2
30
Right
Yes
Local weather
Athens
-
Wed22° | 29° - Thu21° | 30°
- Fri20° | 28°
-
Sat19° | 27°
Speed limits
- Motorways:
- 120kmh (75mph)
- Open roads:
- 110kmh (68 mph)
- Towns:
- 50kmh (30mph)
Road Safety
-
Alcohol limit:
- For drivers who have held a valid driving licence for up to 2 years, the alcohol limit is 10mg per 100ml of blood
- For drivers who have held a valid driving licence for more than 2 years the alcohol limit is 25mg per 100ml of blood
-
Use of mobile phone whilst driving:
- It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone when driving in Greece
- Drivers using a mobile phone can be stopped and issued with a fine
-
Seat belts:
- It is compulsory for front and rear seated passengers to wear seat belts
- Children under 10 years must not sit in the front seat
-
Traffic lights regulations:
- When approaching traffic signals which turn red, it is advisable to check the rear view mirror as often locals will accelerate and attempt to go through the light
- Similarly, when the lights turn green it is advisable to exercise the same caution
Costs
- Road tolls:
- Two selected roads called Ethniki Odos, the National Road, operate tolls, which vary and must be paid in cash
- On the spot fines:
- Fines should be paid to the public treasury, not to a police officer
- An official receipt should be issued
General motoring advice
- Rush hour in built up areas:
- The hours before and after main business hours are generally likely to see an increase in traffic in main towns and cities
- Fuel:
- Fuel stations are open all day
- Many stations accept credit cards
- Unleaded fuel is widely available
- Leaded regular octane 91 or 92 and super octane 98, unleaded regular octane 91 and super octane 95 or 98 and diesel are available
- Parking advice:
- Specific car parks are maintained for motorists visiting Athens
- Local drivers are permitted to only park in metered spaces
- Parking within 3 metres of a fire hydrant or within 15 metres of a public transport stop is forbidden