Greece: The cradle of Western civilisation — where mythology, philosophy & blue-domed island paradise unite
📞+30Dial Code
🏛️AthensCapital
💰EURCurrency
🚨112Emergency
🔌230V 50Hz · Type C/FElectricity
The capital of Greece is Athens, and to call Greece from abroad you dial the country code +30. In an emergency, dial 112. Food lovers should try local dishes such as Moussaka, Souvlaki & gyros, Spanakopita (spinach pie). Nearby countries include Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey. The local currency is the EUR · € · Euro. Electrical outlets here use 230V 50Hz · Type C/F, so bring a suitable travel adapter.
🛂 Greece passport: ranked #19 of 197 worldwide, with 155 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations.
See full passport ranking →
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Greece:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Greece's country code: +30
Dial +30 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +30 1 [number]. From mobile: + +30 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Greece
How to Call Abroad from Greece
To call another country from Greece: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for Greece numbers is +30 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +30 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Greece
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Greece to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +30 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in Greece.
Common Questions About Calling Greece
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +30 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in Greece?
For a mobile: dial +30 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +30, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to Greece from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +30 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Greece via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +30 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call Greece?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +30 mean and where does it come from?
+30 is the international dialing code assigned to Greece by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a Greece number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +30 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
📞 Complete Dialing Guide for Greece
Country Code
+30
Calling abroad from Greece? Start with
00
Mobile number length
10 digits
📱 Mobile: +30 69X XXX XXXX
☎️ Landline: +30 210 XXX XXXX (Athens)
📋 Full dialing examples
From any mobile (anywhere in the world)
+30 …
From most countries (landline or mobile, starts with 00)
00 30 …
From USA or Canada (starts with 011)
011 30 …
From Australia (starts with 0011)
0011 30 …
💡 Tip: The + symbol on any mobile replaces all exit codes and works worldwide.
☎️ Major City Phone Codes
Dial after the country code +30.
Athens · +30 210
Thessaloniki · +30 2310
Patras · +30 2610
Heraklion · +30 2810
Larissa · +30 2410
🔢 Phone Number Format Examples
Mobile
+30 69X XXX XXXX
Landline
+30 210 XXX XXXX (Athens)
Replace X with actual digits. Always drop the leading 0 when calling from abroad.
📡 VoIP & Calling App Status in Greece
Live status of major calling apps when dialing to or from Greece.
💬 WhatsApp
Works freely
🔵 Skype
Works freely
📹 FaceTime
Works freely
📲 Viber
Works freely
📲 How to Call Greece from Other Countries
To reach Greece, first dial your country's international exit code, then Greece's country code +30, then the local number without its leading 0. The table below shows the exact start of the dialing sequence from major countries.
From
Dialing sequence
🇺🇸 United States
011 30local number
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
00 30local number
🇩🇪 Germany
00 30local number
🇫🇷 France
00 30local number
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
00 30local number
🇦🇪 UAE
00 30local number
🇹🇷 Turkey
00 30local number
🇮🇳 India
00 30local number
On a mobile phone you can replace the exit code with the + sign, then dial +30 and the number — it works worldwide.
⏰ Best Time to Call Greece
Greece uses UTC+3. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Greece from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
07:00–14:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
07:00–19:00
🇩🇪 Germany
08:00–20:00
🇫🇷 France
08:00–20:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
09:00–21:00
🇦🇪 UAE
10:00–22:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
09:00–21:00
🇮🇳 India
12:00–23:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to Greece
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–30–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in Greece
--:--
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for Greece
Do I need a visa to visit Greece?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Greece visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Use our International Visa Checker below to instantly see the rule for your specific passport.
Does Greece offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether Greece currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality using our International Visa Checker below.
Is a visa on arrival available in Greece?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Greece grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on our International Visa Checker below before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Greece on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport using our International Visa Checker below.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Greece visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for Greece using our International Visa Checker below.
How much does a Greece visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for Greece using our International Visa Checker below.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Greece?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for Greece on our International Visa Checker below before booking.
10% tip standard in restaurants; leaving change on the table.
🚄 Transport
Hellenic Railways (OSE) limited network | Athens Metro 3 lines | Blue Star Ferries island hopping | KTEL buses nationwide | Athens tram
✈️ Airports
40+ airports | Athens International ATH | Heraklion HER (Crete) | Thessaloniki SKG | Rhodes RHO | Santorini JTR | Mykonos JMK
🗺️ Administrative Divisions
Greece is divided into 13 regions.
📅 Best Time to Visit
May–September offers warm, dry weather ideal for sightseeing in Greece. June and September are best to avoid peak crowds and high prices. Winter (Dec–Feb) is excellent for Christmas markets, skiing in alpine areas, and lower hotel rates.
📶 SIM & Internet
eSIM widely supported (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad — €4–15 for 1–10GB). Physical SIM available at airports and convenience stores; passport required. Major operators offer EU-wide roaming under 'Roam Like at Home' regulation. Free Wi-Fi common in cafés and hotels.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Smart-casual is the norm in Greece. Dress modestly when visiting churches (cover shoulders and knees). Beach attire stays at the beach. Layering recommended due to variable weather. Locals dress neatly even when casual — avoid athletic wear in restaurants.
🌍 Greece: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Greece?
Some of the most famous foods in Greece include: Moussaka, Souvlaki & gyros, Spanakopita (spinach pie), Tzatziki, Horiatiki (Greek salad), Kleftiko (slow-roasted lamb), Loukoumades (honey fritters), Taramosalata, Baklava, Ouzo.
What are the best places to visit in Greece?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Greece include: Acropolis & Parthenon Athens, Santorini Caldera & Oia, Meteora Monasteries (UNESCO), Delphi Oracle Site (UNESCO), Rhodes Medieval Old Town (UNESCO), Mykonos Island, Olympia Ancient Site, Epidaurus Theatre (UNESCO), Crete Palace of Knossos, Mount Athos (UNESCO).
What are the main customs and traditions in Greece?
Notable customs and traditions in Greece include: Greet with cheek kisses (friends) or handshake, 'Opa!' expression of joy during celebrations, Meze culture — sharing many dishes, Siesta midday still common, Expressive hand gestures are normal.
What is Greece famous for?
Greece is well known for: Ancient history & mythology, Mediterranean diet, Olive oil & olives, Island hopping (Aegean & Ionian), Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations.
Where in the world is Greece located?
Greece is located in Europe.
What countries are near Greece?
Countries near Greece include: Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Malta, Romania, Vatican City, Croatia.
🚨 Emergency numbers in Greece
Knowing the right emergency number in Greece can save lives. Below are the official police, fire and ambulance numbers, free to dial from any phone within the country.
Dial these numbers free of charge from any phone inside Greece. They generally work only within the country, not from abroad.
These numbers are provided for guidance and verified from public emergency-services data; always confirm with local authorities. In a life-threatening situation, call the local number shown above immediately.
May–September offers warm, dry weather ideal for sightseeing in Greece. June and September are best to avoid peak crowds and high prices. Winter (Dec–Feb) is excellent for Christmas markets, skiing in alpine areas, and lower hotel rates.
How much does a trip to Greece cost per day?
Daily costs in Greece range from $50 (budget) to $110 (mid-range) to $260 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
How many regions does Greece have?
Greece has 13 regions.
What is the emergency number in Greece?
In Greece you can reach emergency services on the following numbers: General emergency: 112, Police: 100, Fire: 199, Ambulance: 166. Calls are free from any phone within the country.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType C,F · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingService often included. Round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service.
💧
Tap WaterSafe to drinkTap water is safe to drink throughout most of Greece.
📊 Live Global Communication & Travel Stats
Estimated worldwide figures, updated continuously based on official annual data.
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