Facts
Capital: Athens (approximately 5 million inhabitants)
Area: 50,949 square miles (131,957 square kilometers)
System of Government: Parliamentary Republic
Population: 11 million

Language
The official language of Greece is Modern Greek. English and French are widely spoken and many other languages are commonly spoken in tourist locations.

Climate
The climate in Greece is typical of the Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry with extended periods of sunshine throughout most of the year. The winters are relatively mild and rainy, with temperatures rarely dropping to freezing point, mainly in the north.

Food
Greece is famous for its mezedes, appetizers accompanied with ouzo, tsipouro or wine served in small plates usually meant to be shared, based on the Greek culture of sharing food and wine with friends. Another popular plate is the Greek Salad (Horiatiki Salata) a mix of fresh tomatoes, olives, cucumber, onion, green pepper, feta cheese, olive oil and oregano. Since one fifth of Greece consists of islands, it is natural for seafood to be very common and popular part of Greek cuisine. Poultry, beef, lamb and pork are also popular and can be found in a variety of dishes.

Climate
The climate in Greece is typical of the Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry with extended periods of sunshine throughout most of the year. The winters are relatively mild and rainy, with temperatures rarely dropping to freezing point, mainly in the north.

Currency
The Greek currency until 2002 was the Drachma which was then replaced by the Euro, now the valid currency in Greece and 11 other European countries. Most major banks are present in Greece and offer currency exchange, traveller's cheques, major credit card transactions and ATMs that are part of international banking networks.

VAT and Tax Refunds
The Premier Tax Free tax refund system is straight forward, efficient and innovative.

In order to be eligible for a Premier Tax Free refund, the following conditions apply:

1. The tourist must be a non resident of the country in which the purchase is made
2. The tourist must spend a minimum amount to qualify
3. The tourist must export the goods within 2 to 3 months of the date of purchase, depending on the country of purchase
4. The tourist must obtain a valid Customs stamp on final departure from the visited jurisdiction

The simple steps below indicate how a tax refund can be easily obtained.

1. The tourist buys goods eligible for a tax free refund.
2. The shop gives the tourist a Premier Tax Free export declaration form which indicates: description of goods, price paid including tax, refund amount.
3. The tourist brings the Premier Tax Free form and merchandise to the customs office at the last point of departure from the visited jurisdiction and where the form will be stamped. The form can either be mailed back to Premier Tax Free for a refund through credit card (Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diners), cheque or bank transfer.

VAT rates and minimum purchases required to qualify for refunds

Opening Hours

General Trade Stores (Summer Months)
Mondays – Wednesday 09:00 – 15:00 hrs
Tuesday – Thursdays – Fridays 09:00 – 14:00 & 17:30 - 20:30 hrs
Saturdays 09:00 – 15:00 hrs
Sundays Closed


Pharmacies
Mondays, Wednesdays 09:00 – 14:30 hrs
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 09:00 – 14:00 & 17:30 - 20:30 hrs
Saturdays, Sundays Closed


Popular Art & Gift Shops (all year round)
Daily 09:00 – 21:00 hrs

Supermarkets
Mondays – Fridays 09:00 – 20.30 hrs
Saturday 09:00 – 18:00 hrs
Sundays Closed

Banks
Mondays – Thursdays 09:00 – 14:00 hrs
Friday 09:00 – 13:30 hrs
Saturdays, Sundays Closed

Electrical Current
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the European-style two-pin and the round three-pin.