The American Embassy: 
 
 

Telephones:   Calls to the U.S. can be made either by dialing directly or through an international calling card operator.
 
 

News:  English-Language newspapers, including the International herald Tribune and USA Today are available at most hotels and at newspaper kiosks in the city center.  The Athens News is a local daily.  Cnn is available in all major hotels.  The CBS Evening News is shown at 6:30 AM on Antenna TV, followed by brief local news.
 
 

Churches:  There are several churches in Athens which conduct services in English; many have largely English-speaking congregations.  The following are the best known:
 
 

General Information: On Visitor questions, Greek Government services, as well as complains (about taxis, e.g.), is available in English by dialing 171; a special number of the Athens Tourist Police.

Safety:  Violent crime against visitors is rare in Greece, although pick pocketing and burglary of hotel rooms is increasing.  You should be especially careful of your passport, as its loss will cause significant delay and inconvenience.  (Please remember that your passport may be used for entry to the U.S. for terrorist or other illegal purposes.)  Greece has a high rate of traffic fatalities; be extremely careful crossing streets in Athens, as drivers often do not respect pedestrian crossings.  Tap water in Athens is potable, and the food is generally considered safe.
 

Credit Cards:  Are accepted at most large hotels, restaurants, and shops, though less frequently than in the U.S.

Money:  can be transferred from the U.S. for someone in Greece through Western Union, American Express, or bank transfer.  ATM card or U.S. dollars. Service charges vary from company to company.  Although we have seen transfers take as little as 24 hours, usually they take at least 2-3 days.
 

 
      Western Union will transfer money to either Diners World Travel or Ergo Bank. Funds can also be picked up from any branch office oft these companies.
 
 

      American Express Travel-Related offices will send money to the American Express office at 2 Ermou Street, Athens.  Disbursement is in drachmas or dollar travelers cheques.
 
 

 Atm Cards can be used at the following banks, with limits set by the bank.  Most have ATM's in the Syntagma Square area.
 
 

In an Emergency: the State Department can help someone in the U.S. send you a maximum of $500 to be disbursed by the Embassy in drachmas.  Detailed guidance on this procedure can be obtained either from the Embassy or in the U.S. from the Citizens Emergency Center at the State Department at (202) 647-5225.

English-Speaking Professionals: The language of Greece is Greek, but happily many Greeks also speak English.  If you run into trouble, do ask.  Your use of a few courtesy phrases will be much appreciated by the Greeks:
 

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