Greece 2008
Greece 2008 |
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J-Term in Greece 2008--
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You can also purchase a universal adapter which can be used in the States and around the world. I have an Italian cell phone and need to charge it in the United States. You can find universal adapters at Radio Shack (http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=universal%20adapter&origkw=Universal%20Adapter). Target also has adapter plus.
Money
To get the best exchange rate, bring an ATM or credit card. Make sure your bank knows you are going overseas so they do not think the card has been stolen. To use you ATM, Debit, or Credit card at an ATM machine, you will need to know your PIN number. If you are going to bring money, bring traveler checks. Most places charge a commission to exchange money. The hotels offer you the worse exchange rate as they have to pay a commission at the bank to exchange money.
Travel Debit Cards
I recently discovered that there is no truth in advertising with an AMEX Debit Card. They do charge a commission! And your bank may charge a fee for withdrawing money from an ATM machine overseas. As always, check with your bank.
I also went to the VISA page but the process is not as transparent, so you will have to navigate around the site to find the traveler's card. Actually, just use the search function.
The Euro is climbing so keep that in mind when create your travel budget. Here is a link where you can check the Euro-Dollar exchange rate:
http://www.xe.com/ucc/
As of Jan 2, 2008, 1 Euro (€) = $1.44
Never pack your cards or money or checks in your luggage. Carry those items on your person in a security pouch, that is, the one you will be using for your passport.
You should budget $30.00 per diem, exclusive of the gifts you are going to buy. Since the Euro was introduced in 2002, prices have gone up and continue to climb. And the dollar is weak. Bring a credit card. They offer you the best rate of exchange. Again, make sure you know your PIN number if you are going to use a credit card at ATM machines.
Film
If you still use film, do not pack it in your luggage; it will not withstand the screening. Put the film in your carry-on bag. What I tend to do is to take the film out of the packaging, put the rolls in a Ziplock bag, and place it in my carry on. You can bring high-speed film (up to 800 ASA) and not worry about the effects security scanning. You can no longer pass your film around the scanner.
Digital
Bring your own compact flash, SD, CDs, etc for your digital devices.
Alarm clock!!!
I will not be waking you up, as you are adults. Make sure it is a battery operated one. The electrical current can play tricks on an electric clock—it will not keep accurate time.
Medications
If you are taking prescription drugs, make sure you bring enough with you. If you suffer from asthma, make sure you have enough inhalers and that you have them on you at all times. Some of your days will be physically strenuous. We also recommend that you have a note from your doctor describing your condition and the medications you are taking. Although there are certain medicines that one can obtain over the counter in Italy, that is, not always the case.
If you are hypo or hyperglycemic, you should be aware that we will be doing a lot of hiking and walking, and so you may deplete your blood sugar more rapidly. To provide for that contingency, we suggest that you bring what you need to adjust your blood sugar levels. For instance, you may wish to carry cookies or candy or juice with you. Juice is readily available in small containers in Greece, as is chocolate. We anticipate on having 3 regular meals a day. At times, however, we will have a late lunch, as we need to make use of the daylight hours to visit places. All archaeological zones and museums close earlier in the winter. Greece has kiosks, where you can buy different items, including telephone cards, Klennex, stamps, and drinks. Small stores abound (like the old neighborhood stores). Local grocery stores sell drinks much more cheaply than do the vendors on the street.
Conditioning
As we have already mentioned, we will be doing a good bit of hiking and walking. To reduce the risk of injury and overly sore muscles, I strongly recommend that you work out over the break. Walk every day with a loaded backpack and climb stairs. The latter is good for the gluteals; they get a real workout clambering about Greece. Few sites are level.
Personal Safety:
I recommend that you obtain a passport/money protector and wear it under your coat. Do not, do not, put your wallet in your back pockets! In fact, do not put any valuables in your pockets! Trust me, you won't know when a pick-pocket has picked your pocket. (Try saying that three times, very fast.) Ladies, if you carry a purse, please, make sure it is securely closed and put it against you the building. Fanny packs are vulnerable. In fact, you should use common sense and comport yourselves as you would in any large American city.
You need to be very vigilant regarding your possessions. Carry your money and passport inside your coat. Never, ever, put anything valuable in your pockets.
Here is a useful State Department links:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1231.html (or see below)
Behavior
Drinking
In Greece, Greeksdo drink with their meals or have after-dinner aperitifs (ouzo, Metaxa brandy, retsina, etc.) at a café. In other words, they are social drinkers. In all of our travels to Greece, we have never seen inebriated Greeks. In American colleges, however, we have the problem of drinking at inappropriate times or places and binge drinking. I want you to know that we will not tolerate binge drinking, drunkenness, vandalism, and rowdy behavior at hotels or elsewhere. We are guests overseas and do not want to create the image of the 'ugly' American who flouts the customs of the host country.
From Jonathan Stamp, ancient Roman historian:
For Keats the liberations of Bacchus, the Roman God of wine, stood symbolically for a life lived outside the Anglo-Saxon strait-jacket of northern Europe. But here, of course, there is a paradox. Because, while it is a commonplace to see people reeling through the streets of England of an evening, insensible with drink, here in Rome public drunkenness is frowned upon, and hardly ever seen.
This isn't simply Christian influence at work. It has, almost always, been that way, even in pagan, and supposedly decadent Rome. Interestingly, there is one only period of ancient Roman history for which we have any evidence of fashionable inebriation. And that is the late Republic, the period in which ROME is set, and the early Empire, the period immediately following.
http://boards.hbo.com/thread.jspa?threadID=700005217&messageID=700247007#700247007
Meals
You will be responsible for 2 meals on most days. On some days, we have arranged for a group dinner or lunch.
Hotels
Hotels are not "dorms overseas" and we are sharing these places with other travelers. In the past, students have left their doors open as they have cavorted from room to room. We are NOT the only guests at the hotel. What is more, it is unsafe to leave your room open at any time for any reason! Further, it is against the law in Greece to bring a guest or quests to your hotel rooms. You cannot bring persons who are not part of our group to your room. Period!
Since 9/11, we need to be more attentive about our image. Do not wear baseball caps or carry American flags/emblems, etc.
In 2003 we did have some problems and were told that we would not be welcome again at a certain hotel in Istanbul (2003). If you cause any damage to your room, you will be financially responsible. And some European hotels will no longer accept American student groups. They see us as arrogant, immature, loud, and demanding. Guess what? They are right.
Behavior that violates these expectations will result in the participant being sent home at his/her own expense. No second chances. Any extra costs incurred will be the responsibility of the student.
Although we will not be on campus, the rules and conditions as set forth in the Student Community Code apply.
http://www.carthage.edu/campuslife/code/acadconcerns/
http://www.carthage.edu/campuslife/code/collegepolicies/
Visiting Sacred Places
When we visit active churches, we will encounter people who are either attending a service or praying. At all times we should display our respect through silence and non-obtrusive movements. Women no longer have to cover their heads in Orthodox churches but men cannot wear hats in churches (or in restaurants for that matter), and so, gentlemen, you will need to remove your hats.
Visiting Archaeological Sites
At archaeological sites, the standard practice is to stay on the paths provided and to not walk on the walls. We cannot stress the latter enough. Although most walls have been restored/re-consolidated, etc., they cannot take the stress of people climbing, running, or walking on them. In fact, we could be asked to leave a site if we are perceived as mistreating or abusing the remains in any way. On occasion, guards at sites go on strike, so do not be disappointed if we go to a site and cannot get in. However, strikes at sites are not common, especially off-season.
Addressing your Professors
As you may have gathered, we do not mind being addressed by our first names, In Greece, Greeks are more formal and sometimes look askance at students addressing their professors by their given names. Thus I recommend that you address us accordingly.
Keywords for the Trip
1. Maintain a sense of humor/wit
2. Address any issues you may have with me in a positive and productive manner. Do not let problems fester.
3. Remember that your professor dos get tired, too. I carry a lot of responsibility, and while I am available to assist you, there will be times when I cannot be as accommodating as we might wish. Please remember that the hotel desk has staff that speaks English.
4. Be mature, adaptable, and flexible!
5. Enjoy yourself and the experience!
6. Take the initiative and help each other and your professor!
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
Please click on this link to read important information you should see before you travel abroad
Americans planning travel to Greece should read Intercountry Adoption Greece, International Parental Child Abduction Greece, Avian Flu Fact Sheet and Worldwide Caution Public Announcement available on the Department of State web site at http://travel.state.gov |
April 13, 2007
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Greece is a developed and stable democracy with a modern economy. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Greece for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required, but no visa is needed for tourist or business stays of up to three months. That period begins when entering any of the following countries which are parties to the Schengen agreement: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. For other entry requirements, travelers should contact the Embassy of Greece at 2221 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-5800, or Greek consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Tampa, New York, and San Francisco, and Greek embassies and consulates around the world. See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Greece and other countries. Visit the Embassy of Greece web site at http://www.greekembassy.org for the most current visa information.
Note: Although European Union regulations require that non-EU visitors obtain a stamp in their passport upon initial entry to a Schengen country, many borders are not staffed with officers carrying out this function. If an American citizen wishes to ensure that his or her entry is properly documented, it may be necessary to request a stamp at an official point of entry. Under local law, travelers without a stamp in their passport may be questioned and asked to document the length of their stay in Schengen countries at the time of departure or at any other point during their visit, and could face possible fines or other repercussions if unable to do so.
See Entry and Exit Requirements for more information pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction. Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the heightened threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. Like other countries that are members of the Schengen Agreement for free cross-border movement, Greece’s open borders with its European neighbors allow the possibility for terrorist groups entering and exiting the country with anonymity. Greece’s long coastline and many islands also heighten the possibility of illegal immigration. In addition, there are domestic radical organizations that engage in violent acts in Greece. These activities in general have been against economic and Greek government targets, although recent activity suggests that foreign interests are also potential targets. On January 12, 2007, at 5:55 AM, the domestic terrorist group Revolutionary Struggle fired a rocket-propelled grenade at the U.S. Embassy. There was minor damage, and no injuries.
Strikes and demonstrations are a regular occurrence. Greece is a stable democracy and these activities usually are orderly and lawful. There have been recent incidents in Athens and Thessaloniki, however, in which unruly protestors engaged in aggressive confrontations with the police, often in areas frequented by tourists. Riot control procedures often include the use of tear gas. Visitors should keep abreast of news about demonstrations from local newspapers and hotel security. When there are demonstrations, visitors should be aware of and avoid places where demonstrators frequently congregate, such as the Polytechnic University area, Exarchion and Syntagma Squares in Athens, and Aristotle Square in Thessaloniki. Greek police are prohibited generally from entering Greek public university campuses. As a result, the campuses are sometimes exploited as a refuge by people who are not students, and who may engage in petty crime and vandalism.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet website, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.
Up-to-date information of safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). The following three-digit numbers can be used in cases of emergencies while in Greece: 100 for Police, 199 for Fire and 166 for Ambulances.
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Crimes against tourists (such as purse-snatching and pick-pocketing) have occurred at popular tourist sites and on crowded public transportation, particularly in Athens. Reports of date or acquaintance rape also occasionally occur; though there have been very few reported cases of sexual assault against Americans. The majority of these offenses take place on the islands. The usual safety precautions practiced in any urban or tourist area should be practiced during a visit to Greece.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities are adequate, and some, particularly the private clinics and hospitals in Athens and Thessaloniki, are quite good. Some private hospitals have affiliations with U.S. facilities, and generally their staff doctors have been trained in U.S. or other international teaching institutions. However, English is not as widely spoken as might be expected. Public medical clinics, especially on the islands, may lack resources; care there can be inadequate by American standards, and often, little English is spoken. Many patients, Greeks and visitors alike, are transferred from the provinces and islands to Athens hospitals for more sophisticated care. Others may choose to transfer from a public to a private hospital within Athens. Americans choosing to do so would arrange for an ambulance belonging to the private hospital to transport them from the public hospital to the private one. The cost of the ambulance for this transfer, as well as all expenses in a private hospital, must be borne by the patient.
Nursing care, particularly in public hospitals, may be less than adequate. For special or through-the-night nursing care, it is suggested that a private nurse be hired or a family member or friend be available to assist. One parent or a private nurse should always plan to stay with a hospitalized child on a 24-hour basis, as even the best hospitals generally maintain only a minimal nursing staff from midnight to dawn on non-emergency floors or wards.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained locally from the Greek Ministry of Health at telephone 210-521-2000 or online at www.keel.org.gr, or from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance companies prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policies apply overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas .
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Greece is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
There are a number of nationwide auto-service clubs and plans similar to those in the U.S., that provide towing and roadside service, which a tourist can call and pay for per service. The largest, quite similar to AAA, is ELPA, nation-wide phone number 10400.
Visitors to Greece must be prepared to drive defensively. Drivers and pedestrians alike should exercise extreme caution when operating motor vehicles or when walking along roadways. Heavy traffic and poor highways pose hazards, especially at night and/or in inclement weather. Extreme care is warranted in operating a motorbike. Moreover, tourists who rent motorbikes either on the Greek mainland or its islands must wear helmets and take special precautions on local roads that are typically poorly maintained and frequently pothole-ridden. The majority of U.S. citizen traffic casualties in Greece have involved motorbikes. Greece has a poor record within the European Union in motorcycle deaths.
Drivers must carry a valid U.S. license as well as an international driver's permit (IDP). Failure to have both documents may result in police detention or other problems. The U.S. Department of State has authorized two organizations to issue IDPs to those who hold valid U.S. driver's licenses: AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. Issuance of an IDP is quick, easy, and inexpensive, but must generally be done before a traveler leaves the United States. Vehicles may not properly be rented without the IDP, although sometimes they are. A driver without one, however, will be penalized for failure to have one in the event of an accident, and may be open to civil suit as well. Fines are high. Small motorbike rental firms frequently do not insure their vehicles; customers are responsible for damages and should review their coverage before renting.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of the Greece’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety at http://www.gnto.gr.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Greece’s air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s website at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Greek customs authorities have strict regulations concerning the export from Greece of antiquities, including rocks from archaeological sites. Penalties range from large fines to prison terms. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Greece in Washington, or one of Greece's consulates in the United States, for specific information regarding customs requirements. Please see our Customs Information.
In addition to being subject to all Greek laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Greek citizens. Greek males between the ages of 20 and 45 are required by Greek law to perform military service. This applies to any individual whom the Greek authorities consider to be Greek, regardless of whether or not the individual considers himself Greek, has a foreign citizenship and passport, or was born or lives outside of Greece. If remaining in Greece for more than the 90-day period permitted for tourism or business, men of Greek descent may be prevented from leaving Greece until they complete their military obligations. Generally, obligatory non-voluntary military service in Greece will not affect US citizenship. Specific questions on this subject should be addressed to the citizenship section of the US Embassy in Athens. For additional information, see our information on Citizenship and Nationality. For additional information regarding military service requirements, contact the nearest Greek embassy or consulate as listed above.
Labor strikes in the transportation sector (national airline, city bus lines, and taxis) occur frequently. Most are announced in advance and are of short duration. Reconfirmation of domestic and international flight reservations is highly recommended.
The Government of Greece does not permit the photographing of military installations. In 2001, several British and other nationals who photograph military aircraft as a hobby were arrested while taking photographs of aircraft taking off and landing at a military base. Although they were eventually acquitted, the Embassy strongly recommends against participating in such activities.
The Greek islands are extremely popular tourist destinations in the summer months. With overall tourist numbers markedly up since the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and with an increased emphasis on ferryboat safety reducing the total number of vessels in daily inter-island service, airline tickets and ferryboat berths to the Aegean Greek islands can be hard to come by in July and August without prior arrangements. Visitors to Greece are urged to book their island travel in these months as early as possible. There are numerous local travel agencies that can provide such bookings; the agents uniformly speak excellent English and the costs are no higher than if dealing with the carriers directly.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offences. Persons violating Greek laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Greece are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues website.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Greece are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Greece. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Athens is located at 91 Vasilissis Sophias Boulevard, tel: (30)(210) 721-2951. The U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki is located at Plateia Commercial Center, 43 Tsimiski Street, 7th floor, tel: (30)(2310) 242-905. The Embassy's web site is http://www.usembassy.gr/. The e-mail address for the Consular Section is athensconsul@state.gov. The web site for the U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki is http://www.usconsulate.gr/. The Consulate’s e-mail address is amcongen@compulink.gr.
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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 10, 2006, to update the section on Safety and Security, Medical Facilities and Health Information, and Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.
