Real experience of people from chats on «Safety» in Greece — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
Travelers report that charter flights carry higher risks of unnotified cancellations. For complex routes (e.g., via Istanbul), booking a single ticket (e.g., Turkish Airlines + Aegean) is preferred for baggage through-check and protection against delays. Low-cost carriers like Pegasus are cheaper but offer minimal comfort and services. Note: ferry routes (Bodrum-Kos, Marmaris-Rhodes) remain viable contingency options.
Be extremely cautious of unsolicited messages on Telegram claiming to be from a consulate, especially if they arrive late at night or the sender's profile has recently changed. Such communications are likely scams ('scam'). Official representatives will not initiate contact in this manner, nor will they ask for personal information or payments through unofficial channels. Report suspicious accounts to chat administrators for verification.
Official tickets for the Athens Acropolis should be purchased directly through the official website (etickets.tap.gr) to avoid third-party markups. If lacking a foreign-issued bank card, be prepared for significant wait times in physical ticket queues during peak season.
In Greece, drivers of rental cars typically need to present their passport, driving license, and car rental documents to the police if stopped. While police presence may be infrequent, especially on islands like Skopelos, it is essential to comply with traffic regulations to avoid fines or other penalties. Using navigation apps that alert drivers to speed traps can be helpful.
Car rental in Crete (e.g., Malia, Stalida) is often cheaper with local companies than major international chains. Many local providers accept non-credit card payments. Full insurance is standard, but in case of an accident, a police report is strictly required to validate coverage. Beach safety is critical: tourists should strictly adhere to warning flags, as rip currents (reverse currents) are common even in seemingly shallow rocky inlets.
Finding dental clinics with Russian-speaking staff on the Greek island of Kos is challenging. While Russian-speaking medical professionals may be available in larger cities like Athens, particularly through insurance networks, their presence on smaller islands is rare. If Russian language support is essential, consider arranging for a translator. Exploring expat or local community resources might offer some leads, but success is not guaranteed.
Beware of 'express visa' services for Greece promising quick processing times (e.g., 5 days). These are often fraudulent, involving fake bookings and documents, leading to visa refusals. Genuine visa processing takes considerably longer. Rely on official information from the consulate or visa application center and submit your application well in advance of your travel date.
A speeding violation (137 km/h in a 120 km/h zone) on the Athens-Lamia highway resulted in a 150 EUR fine. The driver was stopped by traffic police and initially warned of a potential 20-day license suspension. Payment was required at an ELTA post office. Using navigation apps like Waze is recommended to detect speed cameras and police patrols.
According to European Regulation 2019/1157, old Greek ID cards (without machine-readable zones) will no longer be valid for international travel within the EU/Schengen area after August 3, 2026. Travelers must use a valid passport or the new biometric ID card. The old ID remains valid for domestic use within Greece only.