Photo ↑ by @giorginaa.gr
There are quite a few things you should know if you’re planning to visit Corfu for the first time. Some of these things apply to the whole of Greece. Others are more individual and apply to Corfu only. With these thoughts in mind, here’s a list of what you should know before setting off.
- The only tourist trap that may hit you is overpaying for taxi. This is why you should ask upfront and negotiate, use common sense and calculate the distance and price.
- Postboxes in Corfu are coloured yellow. You can buy stamps from local shops in case you want to surprise your loved ones.
- You need two-legged round plug and 220 volts for electricity. If you come from the UK, USA or other countries with different standards, get an adaptor.
- Don’t plan to visit too much. Corfu has a laid-back lifestyle. Don’t plan to see everything in one go. Give each island or place as much time as it needs. You can always come back.
- While disabled people can work their way around Corfu, the truth is, Greece, overall, isn’t the most organized place for people with disabilities.
- Have cash. Many places in Corfu are cash only. Cash is king, especially in remote areas.
- Corfu – as well as Greece – is a smoking area where a lot of people smoke almost everywhere.
- Stray animals represent a problem in Greece. If you rent a car, do pay attention, as they often jump in front of cars, especially around remote areas.
- There are churches and monasteries everywhere. To get in, you should be respectful and dressed accordingly. Swimwear, for example, would be a bad idea.
- Compared to other countries, Greece has serious plumbing problems. Therefore, toilet paper is often put in separate bins, rather than sent down the drain.
- Many museums are shut on Sundays and Mondays, but particularly on Mondays. Pay attention when you plan.
- Mosquitoes are very common in Greece. You can get some repellents from local stores or just bring your own.
- Even if your English is bad or a Greek person can’t speak English, communication won’t pose too many problems.
- Greeks expect tourists to be decent. Everyone likes a well-behaved tourist, but start disturbing people and you’ll have to talk to a police officer.
- Don’t expect everyone to smile at you. Most Greeks are friendly, but some services will be offered without a smile, whether you’re in a restaurant or trying to rent a car. It’s not a sign of rudeness, it’s just a different standard compared to other countries.
- Euro is the only monetary form accepted in Greece.
- Greece has some of the strictest laws in Europe when it comes to drugs. What’s legal in some countries could be illegal in Greece.
- Pay attention to traffic even if you don’t drive. Local drivers often ignore pedestrians. Also, there will be scooters and motorcycles everywhere around you.
- Corfiot waters aren’t dangerous, but many beaches don’t have bay watchers, so be very careful.
- Water is critical, whether you go hiking or down an empty beach.
- Public displays of drunkenness aren’t tolerated in Greece. Even if people do drink in Corfu, they still act decently in public.
- Horns and beeps are used all the time, whether you sleep at a traffic light or someone wants to say hello to someone else.
- Navigation systems may often take you down dead ends or rough roads. Use common sense.
- Tips are included in the bill in some countries. Not in Greece, so if you’re happy with a service, make sure to tip. Wages are quite low and most people in services rely on tips, hence the good overall service.
- Most shops tend to shut between 2PM and 5PM. It’s too hot and most people should be resting, eating or having a coffee.