Practical Information JTELSS 2022

Please make sure that you have comprehensive travel insurance before you start the trip. This insurance could include cancellation of flights, medical expenses including repatriation, loss or damage of baggage, etc. This is particularly important in light of the COVID-19 “Coronavirus” outbreak.

We will arrange shuttle buses between the Thessaloniki airport and the venue in Halkidiki. We will publish a timetable for departures from the Thessaloniki airport on the arrival day of Saturday, 21 May 2022, approximately every 90 minutes. We will collect arrival information from all participants, and try to adjust the timetable to minimize the waiting time. These shuttles will allow us to minimize the contact between the participants and the public and reduce the risk of contracting COVID19.

For the participants who arrive on a different date, we will offer either a shuttle or a taxi service.

The official currency in Greece is the Euro. Credit cards (i.e. Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in most places (i.e. supermarkets, restaurants, shops, hotels), but intend to keep some cash in hand as sometimes little shops and tavernas (traditional food shops) do not accept cards.

In Northern Greece, where the JTELSS22 is taking place, and during the end of May the temperature is expected to be around 24°C. The average high temperature is around 29.2°C, and the average low temperature around 16.3°C.

For sun safety do not forget to bring with your sunscreen!

Primary sockets generally are of type C and F, known as European plugs of the two round-pin variety. This link might be handy.

Due to the health and safety concerns, we advise against visiting crowded areas and using public transport, especially before the summer school. During the event, we will arrange all necessary transportation so that the participants, although in contact with each other, can minimize the contact with others.

By Bus: Bus services are provided by ‘Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organisation’, abbreviated OASTH (O.A.Σ.Θ.). Tickets can be purchased for 1 Euro either inside the bus or from Kiosks (i.e. Periptera). 

By Taxi: Rates are per km and are fairly cheaper than in other EU countries (i.e. a ride from Thessaloniki Airport to the city center costs 20-25 Euros, a 15 min ride may be 4 Euros). Taxi routes to/from stations and airports, carriage of luggage heavier than 10kg and call taxi services are charged extra. 

• There is no Uber in Greece. An alternative service is Taxi Beat that is quite reliable and there are no extra charges to book via their application available on Android and Apple. 
• Another taxi company: TaxiThess

Thessaloniki is mostly a safe place to travel to and especially the city center. It is rather unlikely that tourists will experience any crime or violence although occasionally it might happen. Follow common sense and apply precaution measures (not walking in empty streets or in the dark, be mindful of pickpocketing in the bus and on the streets in popular tourist attractions).

Due to the health and safety concerns, we advise against visiting crowded areas and using public transport, especially before the summer school. If you have to be in a crowded place, use a face mask and keep social distance.

Greece being part of the EEA does not involve any roaming charges.

The cost of living in Thessaloniki and the areas around it, including Halkidiki, is relatively low. Information on the cost of living in Thessaloniki can be found here.

Greece offers a great variety of food that includes meat, fish, seafood, and vegetables. Northern Greece has a tradition of making pastry, namely ‘Βougatsa’. This is usually eaten for breakfast, consisting of either semolina, custard or feta cheese.

Fast food involves mainly meat (gyros) from pork and chicken served in bread or pita. You will not find McDonalds in Greece.

Greeks usually visit little restaurants, namely ‘tavernas’ and share food in the middle called ‘mezedes’ which can be salads, roast or fried vegetables, seafood, meat, etc. 

Vegetarian Food: not all restaurants offer exclusive vegetarian dishes but if you ask for a specific dish that is not on the menu they will be able to prepare it for you. Greek cuisine though offers lots of vegetable dishes. 

Vegan Food: this can be a bit tricky but again if you describe what food you would like to eat, they will be able to prepare it for you.

Greece is an independent branch of the Indo-European family of languages spoken since around the 3rd millennium BC or earlier. 

Useful words/phrases 

Ya = Hello

Ne = Yes

No = Ochi 

Poso kani? = How much does it cost?

Ti kanis = how are you?

Poli kala = Very good

Efcharisto = Thank you

Parakalo = Please

Antio = Good bye

Kalimera = Good morning 

Kalispera = Good Afternoon/evening

Kalinichta= Good night