Fans of magnificently preserved ancient monuments will be in their element in Greece, with Meteora, Acropolis and the ancient theatre at Epidauru among the wonders to see.
Greece is visited by roughly two millions British nationals per year, with a combination of the country’s history and magnificent weather huge incentives for tourists.
Getting to Greece
It is most accessible to travel to Greece from a United Kingdom airport, although a combined trip using a car and ferry services is also possible.
A flight from Birmingham to Athens, the capital of Greece, can take between six and eight hours on average, with journey times to other Greek cities not too dissimilar.
Avoiding air travel is slightly more complex, but can be achieved by driving to Italy from the UK – a 23-hour trip in which a ferry can then be taken from Venice to Greece. At least two days should be reserved for this trip.
Time zone
Greece is two hours ahead of British Summer Time and three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Your diabetes management should not be majorly affected, but if you are uncertain regarding your medication, you should see a member of your diabetes team.
Hot weather
The average climate in Greece is comparatively much warmer than the UK, with average high temperatures in Thessaloniki summers regularly around 28°C.
Hot weather can lead to enhanced insulin absorption so insulin takers should be attentive in checking blood sugar levels, especially during periods of activity.
If you are susceptible to hypoglycemia, you should carry sugar on you at all times.
Currency
The currency in Greece is the Euro. Much better rates are available by using ATMs, with a lesser transaction fee charged compared to some credit card fees which can charge a 2-3 per cent transaction fee or more for foreign purchases.
Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Greece, however rabies is present in bats in Greece, so it is advised for those planning activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites to receive a rabies vaccine.
If you believe you may require this vaccine then it is advised to consult your doctor eight weeks before travelling which should allow enough time for you to receive it.
Otherwise, the opportunity should be taken to ensure existing vaccinations such as your yearly flu jab and those against polio and tetanus are also up to date.
UK Global Health Insurance Card
Apply for a GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card) – you can apply online at https://overseas-healthcare.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/get-healthcare-cover-travelling-abroad/start and you can receive free cover in some European countries.
Ensuring access to medication
Medication is available in Greece, but payment is required from a pharmacy, for which the Greek translation is“φαρμακείο”, pronounced as “Farmakeío”.
However, possessing a GHIC card allows you to receive treatment at a lesser cost and this money can be recouped when you get back into the UK. Blood and urine testing kits are available from many pharmacies in Greece.
Greece has nearly five times as many pharmacists as in the UK, however, many pharmacies shut early in the afternoon and are not open in the weekend. If you are in need of medication, it is best to travel on a weekday morning.
The emergency services telephone numbers to be called in Greece is 112.
It is advisable to contact the manufacturing company of your medication prior to leaving the UK to find out what is available in Greece if your medication gets lost, stolen or damaged. It is also worth checking to see what different names your medication may be listed as.
Insulin
You should note which syringes are available in Greece, with U-100 syringes the most commonly used
The vast majority of insulin in the UK is U-100 insulin. If you need to take a different strength of insulin, say in an emergency, it’s important that you use the correct device and syringes for that insulin.
For example, you would use a U-40 syringe for U-40 insulin. You will need to work with a doctor getting the right dose if you’re using a different form of insulin.
Diabetes associations
It is important to note the diabetes associations in the country you are travelling to in case of an emergency.
There are three diabetic associations in Greece that can be contacted for information prior to your stay. The addresses of these associations are:
- Hellenic Diabetes Association (a member of the International Diabetes Federation) since 1976), 12 Iridanou street, GR-11528 Athens, Greece Tel: +30-210-7210935, Email: [email protected]
- Hellenic Diabetes Federation (a member of the IDF since 2000), 3rd Septembriou street 90, 104 34 Athens, Greece Tel: +30-210-8838113 Email: [email protected]
- Panhellenic Federation of People with Diabetes (a member of the IDF since 2013), El Benizelou 236, 16341 Athens, Greece Tel: +30-272,108 6955 Email: [email protected]
Questions
- How is blood glucose measured in Greece? Unfortunately, we do not have the information of whether blood glucose is measured in mg/dl or mmol/l in Greece.
- What language is spoken in Greece? Greek. Locals in a customer service environment will have a basic grasp of English but it would be wise to research some useful phases outside of purchasing goods.
- Will I need an international driving license when driving in Greece? No
- If I want to hire a vehicle during my visit, will I face any form of discrimination? No
- What sugar free drinks are available in Greece? Diet Coke, Diet Sprite, Soda water, carbonated and mineral water
