Last updated: 22 Mar 2012
Security and health
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller site provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Greece. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.
It is strongly recommended that Australian travellers take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before their departure. They should confirm that their insurance covers them for the whole time they will be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in their policy.
It is also recommended for Australian travellers to register, before travelling, on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, in case of an emergency.
Security
Petty crime is a small problem, but is probably no worse than in other European cities – the usual precautions apply, such as limiting the amount of cash or valuables carried, and locking houses and cars.
Businesses are quite secure, but local security and insurance services are available in Greece and, as is the case with any diligent investor, should be considered seriously.
Health
Greece is generally a safe place to visit, as long as basic precautions are followed:
- Tap water is safe to drink in major cities and regional areas. Take care in very small, isolated towns.
- Food is generally prepared hygienically, although caution is advisable in remote areas or at run-down or empty establishments.
- Heat and sunburn are common health problems for visitors. Drink plenty of fluids constantly during summer and always apply sunburn cream.
- In rural areas, beware of mosquitoes, aggressive dogs (which can carry rabies), and snakes.
- Codeine is banned in Greece – do not attempt to bring headache products or painkillers with codeine through customs, and only bring prescription medicines with codeine if you also have a doctor’s statement asserting that the medicine is essential to treating a current illness or condition.
- Pharmacies and major hotels provide or sell medicines of good quality.
Emergency phone numbers:
- City police – 100
- Tourist police – 171
- Medical emergency – 178
- Euroclinic (private hospital) – 210 641 6600
- Evangelismos (public hospital) – 210 722 0001
- Ambulance – 166
- Fire brigade – 199
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Bilateral agreements
Australia has social security agreements with several countries that address the issue of 'double super coverage' for employees sent to work overseas. To take advantage of these agreements, Australian employers sending employees overseas to work must apply to the Tax Office for a Certificate of coverage.
For more details, please visit the Australian Taxation Office website.