The cost of living in Greece has spiralled during the years of EU membership: the days of renting an island house for a monthly pittance are long gone, and food prices at corner shops now differ little from those of other member countries. However, outside the established resorts, travel between and around the islands remains reasonably priced, with the cost of restaurant meals, short-term accommodation and public transport still cheaper than anywhere in northern or western Europe except parts of Portugal.

Prices depend on where and when you go. Mainland cities, larger tourist resorts and the trendier small islands (such as Symi, Snos, Pax?and Pmos) are more expensive, and costs everywhere increase sharply in July, August and at Christmas, New Year and Easter. Students with an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) can get discounted (sometimes free) admission at many archeological sites and museums; those over 60 can rely on site-admission discounts of 25 to 30 percent, as well as similar discounts for transport. These, and other occasional discounts, tend to be more readily available to EU nationals.

Some basic costs
On most islands a daily per-person budget of ?3-27/US$32-38 will get you basic accommodation, breakfast, picnic lunch, a short ferry or bus ride and a simple evening meal, as one of a couple. Camping would cut costs marginally. On...

Youth and student discounts
Various official and quasi-official youth/student ID cards soon pay for themselves in savings. Full-time students are eligible for the International Student ID Card (ISIC), which entitles the bearer to special air, rail and ferry fares and...

The euro
Greece is one of twelve European Union countries which have changed over to a single currency, the euro (?). The transition period, which began on January 1, 1999, was lengthy, however: euro notes and coins were not issued until January 1,...

Banks and exchange
Greek banks are normally open Monday to Thursday 8.30am-2pm, Friday 8.30am-1.30pm. Certain branches in the major towns or tourist centres are open extra hours in the evenings and on Saturday mornings for exchanging money. Always take your...