Leaving for Greece tomorrow, couple questions

[Schfifty Five]

Headed out to Greece tomorrow and had a couple last minute questions, hoping someone here could give some good info:

1. I have an iPhone with T-Mobile, unlocked. If I want to use that phone in Greece for voice and/or data, do I just need to buy a local sim card and everything should work? Do I need to buy a data plan or prepay for voice minutes?

2. Where should I exchange USD for EUR? Airport? I do have a CC that does not charge any international/foreign fees, so I will use that for purchases as much as I can, but in the event of cash only, I need to keep some euros on hand.

Thanks!

Edit: I should note that I will be going to Santorini, Greece. Don't know if that makes any difference vs. the main land.

 

[SandEagle]

what plan do you have? the simple choice plan already includes free data/text and cheap minutes over 120+ countries. call and check.

 

[SandEagle]

looks like Greece is covered under simple choice
http://www.t-mobile.com/optional-services/roaming.html

 

[Schfifty Five]

what plan do you have? the simple choice plan already includes free data/text and cheap minutes over 120+ countries. call and check.

Hm, good question, it's actually my wife's plan. I'll check with her.

 

[Schfifty Five]

looks like Greece is covered under simple choice
http://www.t-mobile.com/optional-services/roaming.html

Unfortunately she does not have the simple choice plan and her plan doesn't include any international stuff.

 

[Balt]

2. Where should I exchange USD for EUR? Airport? I do have a CC that does not charge any international/foreign fees, so I will use that for purchases as much as I can, but in the event of cash only, I need to keep some euros on hand.

Take some USD with you just in case, but I was able to use my ATM card over there to get foreign currency. The bank is going to give you a better exchange rate than one of those kiosks I think.

 

[highland145]

You gonna get raped.



Have a great time. Pics, please.

 

[Schfifty Five]

Take some USD with you just in case, but I was able to use my ATM card over there to get foreign currency. The bank is going to give you a better exchange rate than one of those kiosks I think.

Thanks, did you just pull cash out from ATMs over there? Was it just a flat fee regardless of the amount you pulled out?

 

[Schfifty Five]

You gonna get raped.



Have a great time. Pics, please.

Woohoo! :biggrin:

 

[MichaelD]

Santorini is beautiful and you will have a fantastic time. But you are a tourist, and will stick out like a sore thumb. Pay cash for everything but the hotel. Much less risk of some waiter or merchant making a rubbing of your cc or just writing down all the numbers that way. I lived in Europe for 5 years and speak from experience. Yes, it will be a PITA taking cash out of an ATM often. Yes, it is risky to carry large amounts of cash. So don't. CASH talks and you can bargain the price of almost anything except food. When you're out touristing, don't carry your full wallet. Lock it in the safe at the hotel or hide it in your suitcase. Carry your ID, cash and ONE CC if you really must.

 

[Schfifty Five]

Santorini is beautiful and you will have a fantastic time. But you are a tourist, and will stick out like a sore thumb. Pay cash for everything but the hotel. Much less risk of some waiter or merchant making a rubbing of your cc or just writing down all the numbers that way. I lived in Europe for 5 years and speak from experience. Yes, it will be a PITA taking cash out of an ATM often. Yes, it is risky to carry large amounts of cash. So don't. CASH talks and you can bargain the price of almost anything except food. When you're out touristing, don't carry your full wallet. Lock it in the safe at the hotel or hide it in your suitcase. Carry your ID, cash and ONE CC if you really must.

Great tips. Will definitely follow that advice, thanks!

 

[Schfifty Five]

Oh, another question. Does anyone know if the hotels there will provide an adapter for electronics, or should I go buy my own?

 

[olds]

You gonna get raped.



Have a great time. Pics, please.

Bring your own lube.

 

[MichaelD]

Oh, another question. Does anyone know if the hotels there will provide an adapter for electronics, or should I go buy my own?

Assume nothing; buy your own. That said, most electronics these days are universal voltage. Check the AC brick for each one. If it says 120-240volts/50-60Hz you are good to go without a POWER adapter, but you will need the OUTLET adapter. Big diff b/t a physical adapter and a transformer. For your wife's cell phone there is a 99% chance the adapter is universal voltage. Same for your laptop. CHECK though.

 

[SSSnail]

Whatever you do, don't get beheaded on the internet.

ALWAYS have a universal adapter with you when traveling, and only buy stuff that are 120 - 210 V compatible.

 

[Schfifty Five]

Assume nothing; buy your own. That said, most electronics these days are universal voltage. Check the AC brick for each one. If it says 120-240volts/50-60Hz you are good to go without a POWER adapter, but you will need the OUTLET adapter. Big diff b/t a physical adapter and a transformer. For your wife's cell phone there is a 99% chance the adapter is universal voltage. Same for your laptop. CHECK though.

Ok, cool, will definitely check my electronics power adapters. Thanks again.