Difference between revisions of "Greece"

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(I wrote about a usefull app FuelGR)
 
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{{Limited_country}}
 
 
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
{{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}}
 
{{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}}
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=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">(date last confirmed correct)</span>'''
+
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">January 2017</span>'''
  
==Required Paperwork==
+
==Required Paperwork==  
''List the paperwork required to enter with a vehicle, including number of copies''
+
{{visa_country}}
 +
Vehicle Registration, 3rd Party Insurance & Driving License are mandatory to enter to Greece
  
 
==Process at border==
 
==Process at border==
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
{{visa_country}}
 
 
''Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle''
 
''Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle''
  
 
==Cost of entry==
 
==Cost of entry==
''State the cost for a vehicle to enter''
+
Crossing land borders from Turkey, Albania, FYROM, Bulgaria & Italy (by ship) is free.
  
 
==Permitted length of stay==
 
==Permitted length of stay==
''State the permitted length of entry for the vehicle''
+
A foreign registered vehicle can stay up to 6 months in any country within EU.
 +
 
 +
EU includes: Austria, Italy, Belgium, Latvia, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Croatia, Luxembourg, Cyprus Malta, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Estonia, Portugal, Finland, Romania, France, Slovakia, Germany, Slovenia, Greece, Spain, Hungary, Sweden & Ireland
 +
 
 +
However, you must pay extra attention and study carefully how long a person can stay in the Schengen Zone which allows only 3 months every 6 months per year.
 +
 
 +
The Schengen Member States include: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,  Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland & Liechtenstein. More info about Schengen Zone Visa at: [[https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/]]
 +
 
 +
For example Switzerland, Norway or Liechtenstein belong to the Schengen Zone (which literally means free movement) but in the EU. Also countries like Serbia, Albania, FYROM, Bosnia or Belarus do not belong to any group (EU or Schengen Zone)
  
 
==Extension of stay==
 
==Extension of stay==
Line 34: Line 39:
 
''Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.''
 
''Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.''
  
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=
+
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
==Insurance requirements==
+
==Recommended books for Overlanding in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Yes or No if insurance is mandatory, and what kind is acceptable.''
+
{{guide_books_country}}
  
==Cost of insurance==
+
==Travel insurance for {{PAGENAME}}==
''State the price of insurance and a time period.''
+
{{Travel insurance country}}
  
==Where to purchase insurance==
+
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
''Describe where insurance can be purchased.''
+
Vehicle insurance is mandatory for all vehicles. Any 3rd party insurance is acceptable according to the law. You can buy online through the web. A cheap company that offers policies online is [http://www.anytime.gr].
 +
 
 +
The famous Green Card goes automatically (and free of charge) with the national insurance but the vehicle must be registered in EU. Just ask it from your agent.
 +
 
 +
However, for foreign registered vehicles you will need what in Europe is called Temporary Frontier Insurance. More info & costs: [http://www.ucimi.it/en_US/polizze-di-frontiera/]
 +
[http://www.tourinsure.de/]
 +
[http://www.lobagola.com/]
 +
 
 +
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
 +
The cost depends mainly on the value and the age of the car (as always). Expect to pay roughly <price cost="100" currency="EUR" /> for a 10 years old car for a 6 month basic policy and around <price cost="140" currency="EUR" /> for the full package.
 +
 
 +
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
 +
Mostly online but also through an agent.
  
 
==Driving license==
 
==Driving license==
''State the kind of driving licenses required. i.e. International Driving Permit.''
+
Any EU issued Driving License or International Driving Permit are mandatory and must be shown in case of control from traffic police.
  
 
==Driving side of road==
 
==Driving side of road==
Right. <br/>
+
You are required by the law to drive on the right side of the road but sometimes local drivers would drive on the left side intentionally. All cars sold in Greece are left hand drive and locals never buy right hand drive vehicles because they are considered hazards by the goverment. <br/>
RHD vehicles can be driven in {{PAGENAME}}.
+
 
 +
Right hand drive vehicles can be driven without problems in Greece but they cannot remain in the country for more than 72 hours but only if the vehicle is from another EU country, the right handed car can stay in Greece for 6 months.
  
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
''State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle.
+
Traffic police will not check or expect you to have any special items in your car.
(i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)''
+
 
 
==Roads==
 
==Roads==
 
===General Road quality===
 
===General Road quality===
Line 62: Line 80:
  
 
===Toll roads===
 
===Toll roads===
''List the frequency and approximate price of toll roads.''
+
Toll roads is a mainstream for the Greek National Highways. Expect to pay from <price cost="1.5" currency="EUR" /> to <price cost="3.5" currency="EUR" /> for a sedan and less than <price cost="2" currency="EUR" /> for a motorbike. The HWY from Athens to Thessaloniki has about 11 toll stations for a distance of 550 kms and the cost is about <price cost="31" currency="EUR" /> (one way). A useful web resource with an interactive map is: [http://diodia.com.gr/]
  
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it.''
+
Bribery is totally uncommon in Greece. As long as you have all your documents (license, registration and insurance) sorted, you are fine. In case of traffic violations (speeding, seat belt) expect steep fines (over <price cost="200" currency="EUR" />) unless you can flip the officials over (it can happen). Never try to bribe!
  
 
==Checkpoints==
 
==Checkpoints==
Line 74: Line 92:
  
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">October 2012</span>'''<br />
+
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">July 2017</span>'''<br />
  
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
Line 84: Line 102:
 
! Price
 
! Price
 
|-
 
|-
| Unleaded
+
| Unleaded 95
| <price cost="1.82" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost">[http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices|MyTravelCost.com]</ref>
+
| <price cost="1.467" currency="EUR" unit="liter" />
 +
|-
 +
| Unleaded 100
 +
| <price cost="1.683" currency="EUR" unit="liter" />
 +
|-
 +
| Unleaded Super LRP
 +
| <price cost="1.604" currency="EUR" unit="liter" />
 +
|-
 +
| Autogas
 +
| <price cost="0.764" currency="EUR" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Diesel
 
| Diesel
| <price cost="1.60" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost" />
+
| <price cost="1.218" currency="EUR" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
''Briefly describe if gas shortages are known to occur.'' <br/>
+
Gas stations are wide available everywhere like any country in EU, North America etc. SHELL, BP, Aegean, EKO, JETOIL, AVIN are the most common
''Also state the approximate average distance between gas stations. This is a very rough estimate.''
+
You can download in your smartphone the app FuelGR, an app which is using google earth and is showing in the map all the gas stations in the terratory of Greece. Also it is showing the current prices of fuel of all companies. <br/>
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
''Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.''<br />
+
The quality of fuels in Greece is of high quality in general terms. When it is ridiculously cheap or there is a huge difference compared to the competition, always avoid the gas station (its not uncommon). Expect to find unleaded gasoline of 95 & 100 octanes as well as Unleaded Super LRP <br />
''State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.''
+
Diesel quality is lower than gasoline as they tend to mix it with diesel for heating (its not common but happens). According to the national regulations, diesel must have min 55 cetanes and contain 10mg/kg of sulfur. Normally, you can expect to find from 51 to 54 cetanes. In big cities, you can find also Premium/ Ultimate Diesel (available at EKO, SHELL & BP) with more cetanes and better additives.
 +
 
 +
Natural Gas (Autogas) is also wide available. Expect to pay <price cost="0.764" currency="EUR" unit="liter" />
  
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
Line 117: Line 146:
  
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
''Describe if organized "pay" camping is common. List the facilities commonly found at these campsites.''<br />
+
Organized campgrounds are abundant in North, West & Central Greece, Peloponnese and most of the islands. They cater for all types of travelers such as tents, caravans-trailers and RVs. The facilities usually include everything (hot showers, power, shared kitchen, laundry, restaurant, mini market, organized beach (most of them), wifi, playgrounds etc. An extremely detailed web resource with camping in Greece is: [https://www.e-camping.gr/campings]
''List the approximate average price range of camping in organized campgrounds.'' <br />
+
 
''Also discuss the possibility of "wild" or "roadside" camping. How common is it? Is it considered safe, or a bad idea.''
+
Average price can range from <price cost="5" currency="EUR" /> to <price cost="30" currency="EUR" /> depending on the location of the camping, the season (July-August is considered to be the high season), the number of the people and the space they occupy.
 +
 
 +
Wild camping is quite common in Greece. If in a vehicle, you won't have any problems to park your car in a beach and enjoy the surroundings. Peloponnese, Evoia, Crete & West Greece has to offer lots of them. Camping with a tent in a beach is officially forbidden but lots of Greeks do it during the summer. According to the law, if your tent is not standing, it is OK. Lots of people put them down during the day so police cannot charge them. In general terms, it is safe to camp everywhere and most beaches have plenty of facilities for the wild campers.
  
 
==Camping guide books==
 
==Camping guide books==
Line 125: Line 156:
  
 
==Drinking water==
 
==Drinking water==
''Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink.''
+
Tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere. In Thessaloniki, it is advisable to buy bottled water.
''If not, describe where safe water can be purchased and the approximate average price range.''
+
  
 
=Navigation=
 
=Navigation=
 
==Paper maps==
 
==Paper maps==
''Description of the best paper maps and where to purchase them.''
+
Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
 +
{{paper_maps_country}}
  
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
Line 137: Line 168:
  
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 +
* [http://ioverlander.com/ iOverlander] is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.
 
''Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.''
 
''Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.''
  
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
 
''List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders''
 
''List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders''
 
==Travel Guide Books==
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
{{guide_books_country}}
 
 
  
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=

Latest revision as of 10:23, 30 December 2020


Currency to display:

Visiting Greece[edit]

Give a brief overview of what it's like to visit. How easy is the border, how safe is the country, are there great things to see and do, etc.

Entering Greece with a Car or Motorbike[edit]

Correct as of: January 2017

Required Paperwork[edit]

(To check if you need a travel Visa for Greece, application instructions and fees see: Greece Visa online application at VisaHQ.com)
Vehicle Registration, 3rd Party Insurance & Driving License are mandatory to enter to Greece

Process at border[edit]

Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle

Cost of entry[edit]

Crossing land borders from Turkey, Albania, FYROM, Bulgaria & Italy (by ship) is free.

Permitted length of stay[edit]

A foreign registered vehicle can stay up to 6 months in any country within EU.

EU includes: Austria, Italy, Belgium, Latvia, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Croatia, Luxembourg, Cyprus Malta, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Estonia, Portugal, Finland, Romania, France, Slovakia, Germany, Slovenia, Greece, Spain, Hungary, Sweden & Ireland

However, you must pay extra attention and study carefully how long a person can stay in the Schengen Zone which allows only 3 months every 6 months per year.

The Schengen Member States include: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland & Liechtenstein. More info about Schengen Zone Visa at: [[1]]

For example Switzerland, Norway or Liechtenstein belong to the Schengen Zone (which literally means free movement) but in the EU. Also countries like Serbia, Albania, FYROM, Bosnia or Belarus do not belong to any group (EU or Schengen Zone)

Extension of stay[edit]

Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country[edit]

Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.
Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.

Exiting with a vehicle[edit]

Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.

Driving in Greece[edit]

Recommended books for Overlanding in Greece[edit]

Lonely Planet Greece (travel Guide)
Lonely Planet Greece (travel Guide)
by Lonely Planet, Korina Miller, Kate Armstrong, Alex...
From $14.34 on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon
Darwin's Footprint: Cultural Perspectives On Evolution...
Darwin's Footprint: Cultural Perspectives On Evolution...
by Maria Zarimis
From $21.00 on Amazon
TRAVELIVING - a romantic & practical guide

TRAVELIVING - a romantic & practical guide
by The Pin Project

at 10$ on thepinproject.eu

Travel insurance for Greece[edit]

World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.

Vehicle insurance requirements[edit]

Vehicle insurance is mandatory for all vehicles. Any 3rd party insurance is acceptable according to the law. You can buy online through the web. A cheap company that offers policies online is [2].

The famous Green Card goes automatically (and free of charge) with the national insurance but the vehicle must be registered in EU. Just ask it from your agent.

However, for foreign registered vehicles you will need what in Europe is called Temporary Frontier Insurance. More info & costs: [3] [4] [5]

Cost of vehicle insurance[edit]

The cost depends mainly on the value and the age of the car (as always). Expect to pay roughly €100.00 EUR for a 10 years old car for a 6 month basic policy and around €140.00 EUR for the full package.

Where to purchase vehicle insurance[edit]

Mostly online but also through an agent.

Driving license[edit]

Any EU issued Driving License or International Driving Permit are mandatory and must be shown in case of control from traffic police.

Driving side of road[edit]

You are required by the law to drive on the right side of the road but sometimes local drivers would drive on the left side intentionally. All cars sold in Greece are left hand drive and locals never buy right hand drive vehicles because they are considered hazards by the goverment.

Right hand drive vehicles can be driven without problems in Greece but they cannot remain in the country for more than 72 hours but only if the vehicle is from another EU country, the right handed car can stay in Greece for 6 months.

Mandatory items in vehicle[edit]

Traffic police will not check or expect you to have any special items in your car.

Roads[edit]

General Road quality[edit]

Give a brief description of the general road quality. Mention if one way streets are common.

Road signs[edit]

Briefly describe the overall quality & existence of road signs for directions and hazards.

Toll roads[edit]

Toll roads is a mainstream for the Greek National Highways. Expect to pay from €1.50 EUR to €3.50 EUR for a sedan and less than €2.00 EUR for a motorbike. The HWY from Athens to Thessaloniki has about 11 toll stations for a distance of 550 kms and the cost is about €31.00 EUR (one way). A useful web resource with an interactive map is: [6]

Bribery in Greece[edit]

Bribery is totally uncommon in Greece. As long as you have all your documents (license, registration and insurance) sorted, you are fine. In case of traffic violations (speeding, seat belt) expect steep fines (over €200.00 EUR) unless you can flip the officials over (it can happen). Never try to bribe!

Checkpoints[edit]

describe the frequency of checkpoints (police or military and what to expect.

Traveling with pets[edit]

List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.

Gas price in Greece and Diesel price in Greece[edit]

Last updated: July 2017

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded 95 €1.47 EUR per Liter
Unleaded 100 €1.68 EUR per Liter
Unleaded Super LRP €1.60 EUR per Liter
Autogas €0.76 EUR per Liter
Diesel €1.22 EUR per Liter

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency[edit]

Gas stations are wide available everywhere like any country in EU, North America etc. SHELL, BP, Aegean, EKO, JETOIL, AVIN are the most common You can download in your smartphone the app FuelGR, an app which is using google earth and is showing in the map all the gas stations in the terratory of Greece. Also it is showing the current prices of fuel of all companies.

Gas and Diesel Quality[edit]

The quality of fuels in Greece is of high quality in general terms. When it is ridiculously cheap or there is a huge difference compared to the competition, always avoid the gas station (its not uncommon). Expect to find unleaded gasoline of 95 & 100 octanes as well as Unleaded Super LRP
Diesel quality is lower than gasoline as they tend to mix it with diesel for heating (its not common but happens). According to the national regulations, diesel must have min 55 cetanes and contain 10mg/kg of sulfur. Normally, you can expect to find from 51 to 54 cetanes. In big cities, you can find also Premium/ Ultimate Diesel (available at EKO, SHELL & BP) with more cetanes and better additives.

Natural Gas (Autogas) is also wide available. Expect to pay €0.76 EUR per Liter

Safety and Security Considerations[edit]

Driving at night[edit]

Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.

Vehicle parking[edit]

Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night. If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.

Special driving considerations[edit]

A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).
List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.

Security advisories and information[edit]

Camping in Greece[edit]

Organized campgrounds are abundant in North, West & Central Greece, Peloponnese and most of the islands. They cater for all types of travelers such as tents, caravans-trailers and RVs. The facilities usually include everything (hot showers, power, shared kitchen, laundry, restaurant, mini market, organized beach (most of them), wifi, playgrounds etc. An extremely detailed web resource with camping in Greece is: [7]

Average price can range from €5.00 EUR to €30.00 EUR depending on the location of the camping, the season (July-August is considered to be the high season), the number of the people and the space they occupy.

Wild camping is quite common in Greece. If in a vehicle, you won't have any problems to park your car in a beach and enjoy the surroundings. Peloponnese, Evoia, Crete & West Greece has to offer lots of them. Camping with a tent in a beach is officially forbidden but lots of Greeks do it during the summer. According to the law, if your tent is not standing, it is OK. Lots of people put them down during the day so police cannot charge them. In general terms, it is safe to camp everywhere and most beaches have plenty of facilities for the wild campers.

Camping guide books[edit]

List and link to books specifically for camping.

Drinking water[edit]

Tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere. In Thessaloniki, it is advisable to buy bottled water.

Navigation[edit]

Paper maps[edit]

Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Greece

Rhodes (rodos, Greece) 1:80,000 Hiking Map, Waterproof...
Rhodes (rodos, Greece) 1:80,000 Hiking Map, Waterproof...
by Reise Knowhow
From $12.95 on Amazon
Greece (national Geographic Adventure Map)
Greece (national Geographic Adventure Map)
by National Geographic Maps - Adventure
From $8.31 on Amazon
Greece (national Geographic Adventure Map)
Greece (national Geographic Adventure Map)
by National Geographic Maps - Adventure
From $8.31 on Amazon
Lonely Planet Crete (travel Guide)
Lonely Planet Crete (travel Guide)
by Lonely Planet, Alexis Averbuck, Kate Armstrong, Ko...
From $9.45 on Amazon

GPS Maps of Greece[edit]

Review different GPS companies, quality and coverage (Tomtom, Garmin, OSM, Tracks4Africa). (with links to each).

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Greece[edit]

  • iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.

Special Overland Travel interests[edit]

List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders

Vehicle Maintenance[edit]

Dealers[edit]

4x4s / Trucks

Motorbikes

Local Garages[edit]

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Greece[edit]

Buy
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle. List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.

Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

References[edit]

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.


Helpful External links[edit]

Add any helpful external links here.