Home to the ruins of a captivating ancient civilization and a plethora of stunning sun-kissed isles, Greece is an obligatory stop on any respectable European itinerary. Whether you’re meandering among the remnants of the Gods or sailing between its gorgeous islands, an adventure awaits every type of traveler in this bucket-list destination. All that’s left to do now is pack your bag, and that includes getting your power supply in check.
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US to Greece Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2023)
Which power outlets do they use in Greece
Greece power outlet
Good news, Euro-trippers: Greece uses type C and F power outlets, which are the same as virtually everywhere else in Europe and Russia. In fact, the only exceptions are the U.K., Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. For the traveler, this means you can use the same adapter you’ve been using elsewhere in Europe. The C and F type adapters are interchangeable with each other and are also compatible with type E. If the input in your adapter/plug is two round poles, then it’s going to work just fine in Greece.
Greek power outlets tend to be rigid and well designed, although not all come with on/off switches. The voltage in Greece is 230V while the frequency is 50 Hz, which is consistent with the rest of the Eurozone.
What kind of power adapter do I need for Greece?
During the planning stages of your trip, you’ll be wondering “What plug do I need for Greece?” Greece has a different outlet type than the US, so you’re going to need a power adaptor to charge your electronics over there. When shopping for adapters, you’ll want to look for type A/B to Type C/F travel adapters.
The Universal Adapter we recommend will reliably charge your personal electronics in Greece, in addition to over 100 countries around the world. As a bonus, your devices will be protected by a built-in fuse in the unlikely event you encounter a power surge.
What’s the electricity and power supply like in Greece?
Despite what you might have heard in the news about debt and recession, Greece is a highly developed country with a sophisticated power grid. Supply tends to be consistent throughout all developed areas, meaning you’re unlikely to encounter blackouts or power surges on your travels.
Greece supplies its sun-soaked islands through large oil power stations, although there are plans to connect them to the national power grid in the immediate future. Nevertheless, no significant interruptions are expected.
Do I Need A Voltage Converter In Greece?
Just because Greece runs on a different voltage and frequency to the US, doesn’t necessarily mean you need a voltage converter. The fact is that almost all the devices a traveler would bring on holiday are rated for both standards, including cameras, cell phones, laptops, and so on. The only common exception to the rule is power-hungry electric hair dryers, which run on a fixed 110 V in the states.
To be on the safe side, take a quick look at the charger of all the electronics you plan to bring. If it says “INPUT: 100-240V / 50-60 Hz”, then you’re good to go.
Other Greece Packing List Items
In addition to your US to Greece power adapter, these items will help you pack with intention and expand the possibilities of your getaway. Also, check out our Greece packing list for more inspiration and ideas.
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1. Neck Wallet / Passport Pouch
As lovely as Greece is, the country suffers from a severe pickpocketing problem. These crafty operators are capable of blending seamlessly into a crowd and robbing their unsuspecting victims without them noticing a thing.
Worst yet for the traveler, tourists are the ideal target as they tend to be less street-savvy and carry a lot more cash.Rather than wind up stranded in downtown Athens without your passport or a cent to your name, why not eliminate the risk by investing in a neck wallet? These handy little carry pouches are worn under your shirt, ensuring even the most adept pickpockets won’t have a chance at snatching your stuff.
![hero neck wallet]()
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2. Packing Cubes
Travel can get messy, especially if you’re not exactly the minimalist type. And the more random articles of clothing you have strewn around your hotel room, the more likely you are to lose something important. The remedy? Organize your life on the road through a simple set of packing cubes. Lightweight and foldable, they add virtually no extra weight to your luggage and allow you to stash your clothes together to make everything much easier to find.
![aqua packing cubes]()
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3. A Lipstick-Sized Charger
Let’s not pretend we don’t use our cell phones for pretty much everything these days – they’ve basically become an extension of ourselves. And life on the road is certainly no different. Whether you’re snapping a selfie in front of the Parthenon or navigating your way to the next pumping Mykonos club, a fully charged phone battery is the secret to travel success. Ensure you never run flat again by investing in a lipstick-sized charger you can take with you wherever you go.
![Lipstick-Sized Charger]()
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4. Windproof Travel Umbrella
Though you will experience a lot of sun, thunderstorms can pop out of nowhere, so don’t get caught unprepared. We recommend a high-quality, compact travel umbrella that comes with a convenient automatic open/close function. Additionally, it comes with a zip case where you can store your wet umbrella without getting other items in your daypack wet.
![travel umbrella]()
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5. Jet Lag Relief Pills
A flight from the US to Greece could run anywhere between 10 and 20 hours and involves a six-hour time difference, so you can bet you’ll be feeling pretty worn out upon arrival. Start your vacation off on the right foot by taking jet lag relief pills to mitigate the effect.
![Jet Lag Relief]()
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6. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Although you’ll find Wi-Fi all over Greece, be aware that Eastern Europe is famous for its proliferation of cybercrime. Checking social media and emails might be okay, but pulling up any sensitive financial information could be a recipe for disaster. Unless you’re using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), that is. These nifty programs encrypt your traffic to keep you safe from even the most sophisticated hacks.
![how a vpn works]()
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7. Travel Insurance for Greece
With all those pickpockets lurking around, it’s entirely possible you could get robbed at some point on your upcoming Greek vacay. Worse yet, your medical bills could reach astronomical sums should you get injured or fall seriously ill. Thankfully, the solution is simple. Take the worry out of your trip by taking out a travel insurance policy. We like to use Faye because they offer awesome plans for the modern traveler and convenient add-ons like “cancel for any reason,” vacation rental, and pet care coverage.
![Faye Travel Insurance]()
Other FAQs about Traveling In Greece
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1. When to Travel to Greece
Almost everyone seems to come to Greece during the summer, particularly in the sweltering peak period of July and August. However, this isn’t necessarily the best time to visit at all. Hotel rates and airfares soar, ferries frequently book out, and hordes of tourists overcrowd every attraction to the extreme. If you’re after a lively party scene, then yes, by all means, visit at this time.Otherwise, the shoulder seasons of spring (mid-April to mid-June) and autumn (September to mid-October) offer better value, more agreeable weather, and fewer crowds. Winter (December to February) can get bitterly cold, at which time the country’s tourism industry comes to a complete standstill. Be sure to check current Greece travel advisories before you go.
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2. What’s the weather like?
All those images you’ve conjured up about sweltering hot days, breezy warm evenings and perpetual sunshine are pretty much spot on, at least in the tourist season. In fact, Greece is one of the sunniest countries in the world, with some parts receiving up to 300 days of sunshine per year. No wonder Britons descend on the nation in droves. Note that Greece gets uncomfortably hot (100F+) in the peak summer months, so plan accordingly.
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3. What to do in Athens
As the capital of the cradle of Western civilization, there are enough antiquated marvels spread throughout Athens to keep you amused for weeks. Naturally, the Acropolis should be your first port of call, particularly the world-renowned Parthenon which once served as a temple to the goddess Athena.Back down the hill, the crumbling labyrinth-like mazes of the Plaka and Monastiraki districts are just begging to be explored. The latter is among the world’s oldest inhabited regions and has adapted to 21st-century tastes by erecting plenty of hip rooftop bars and cozy cafes. Intriguing history museums, lush parklands, and endless outdoor cinemas can be found right throughout in this truly cosmopolitan capital.
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4. What to do in Greece
Outside of Athens, Greece has a multitude of exciting destinations to explore. Most of the highlights lie on the 6000 or so islands that dot the aqua-tinged Hellenic sea. Volcanic Santorini is the clear crowd-favorite for its delightful whitewashed houses and unbeatable sunsets. Mykonos is the playground of celebrity socialites and has a price tag to match. Meanwhile, Ios, Kos, and Paros serve boozy concoctions to budget travelers who pack out its clubs to let loose after a long day on the sand.
Corfu is a decidedly more family-friendly affair, boasting stunning seaside landscapes and quaint cobblestoned towns. Further afield, Crete and Rhodes are famous for their historical sites. Back on the mainland, Mount Olympus is a hit with hikers, Olympia with history buffs, and Thessaloniki for any party animals.
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5. How to get around Greece?
Greece boasts a myriad of transport options, the best of which depends on where you want to go and how much you can pay. All long-distance bus routes are run by a government agency called KTEL, which operates a fleet of modern coaches with first-class amenities.Most domestic flights are the responsibility of the national carrier Aegean Airlines and its subsidiary Olympic Air. Book well ahead in the high season.
The ferry lines are too numerous to mention, so check out an aggregate booking engine such as Go Ferry or Let’s Ferry to see what’s available on your chosen route. Services to the most sought-after islands tend to book out days or weeks ahead in the high season. A train is an option on the mainland, with several different services running between the major cities each day. Travelers with Euro rail or similar passes can take advantage of the network.
Almost everyone seems to come to Greece during the summer, particularly in the sweltering peak period of July and August. However, this isn’t necessarily the best time to visit at all. Hotel rates and airfares soar, ferries frequently book out, and hordes of tourists overcrowd every attraction to the extreme. If you’re after a lively party scene, then yes, by all means, visit at this time.
As the capital of the cradle of Western civilization, there are enough antiquated marvels spread throughout Athens to keep you amused for weeks. Naturally, the Acropolis should be your first port of call, particularly the world-renowned Parthenon which once served as a temple to the goddess Athena.
Greece boasts a myriad of transport options, the best of which depends on where you want to go and how much you can pay. All long-distance bus routes are run by a government agency called KTEL, which operates a fleet of modern coaches with first-class amenities.){kind=link}