|
About
Edessa
Capital
of Pella Region / C.Macedonia / Greece
General information for your stay
in Edessa
Documents: Visitors from
other European Union member countries may enter Greece using either a
passport or their national identity document. Visitors from other
countries must have a valid passport and a visa if required. Inquiries
regarding visas can be directed to Greek diplomatic representatives
abroad. During Covid-19 period needed PLF document and vaccination EU
certificates.
Languages: Greek is the main
language spoken in Edessa. English, and to a lesser extent German, are
also widely spoken. Tourist information, menus, etc. are nearly always
available in English and in many cases in French, German & Russian.
Health: No international
immunization is needed when entering Greece. However, be sure to
familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of all countries
through which you may have to pass on your way to Greece. At local level
there is a General Hospital just 1,5km from the city center.
Climate: Edessa enjoys a
Mediterranean climate with mild, winters, warm summers and relatively
medium rainfall & snowfall. Temperatures during the summer months of
July and August can be quite hot during the day, with temperatures of 26
to 31 degrees Celsius (77-86 degrees Fahrenheit), but are very pleasant
in the evening.
Transport: Taxis in Edessa
may be ordered by phone, picked up at authorized taxi stands or flagged
down in the street. Generally are cheap. Always check that the meter is
running. Taxis must usually be paid in cash though some accept credit
cards but all must give a receipt.
Edessa has a good, comprehensive
public transport network, with round-trip and day tickets valid on bus
and local trains. Taxis are abundant and reasonably priced. Free parking
is very limited in the city center and there are enough car parks near
waterfalls area, so car rental is only really recommended for excursions
outside the city. The beauty of Edessa is that everything is on your
doorstep.
TAX: There is a variable
value added tax (VAT) of 6,5% to 24% applied to most items and services,
but most prices you see will include it. When it is not included, this
should be clearly indicated. There is also a Tourist Tax 0.5% that all
hotel guests will be required to pay and it is included in price.
Trading hours: Normal trading hours
are Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 14.00 and 17.30 to 20.00; however,
in the city center and shopping malls, many shops stay open all day from
9.00 to 21.00, or even later in some tourist spots such as Waterfalls
Area.
Customs: There are no
restrictions on visitors entering Greece with goods bought in another
European Union member country, as long as they are for their own use and
not to sell.
Banking: Banks are open from
8.00 to 14.00 from Monday to Friday during the all year round. All major
international credit cards are accepted. Foreign currency and traveler
checks can be exchanged in Greece at banks. Cash-point machines
accepting major international credit cards and charge cards are
available at most banks. The Greek currency is the Euro (€).
Tipping: Except restaurants
in hotels, taxis, hairdressers and so on, a gratuity is not included in
the price. Although optional, tips are readily accepted and a general
guideline is between 3-5% of the bill, depending on the quality of the
service. Hotel and airport porters will take, depending on the luggage
you have, 1 to 1+ Euros.
Insurance: The Conference
organizers cannot accept liability for personal injuries, loss or damage
to property belonging to Conference participants (or their accompanying
persons), either during or as a result of the Conference. Please check
the validity of your own insurance.
Safety: Edessa is a very safe
city, with almost no violent crime, and tourists and visitors can stroll
around and sightsee at ease. However, as in any city, some basic safety
precautions should be observed:
If you travel by car and have to
leave your luggage in the vehicle never leave objects within sight.
Electrical Power: A 2-pin
round adapter is necessary for electrical appliances. The electric
current used is 220 volts/50hz. For those bringing 110 volts/60hz
appliances, be sure to use an appropriate transformer.
You are welcome
to Edessa.
|
