๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Athens ยท First days

First 48 hours in Athens

The first two days in Athens, in priority order: what has to happen, what should, and what can wait. Tick things off as you go.

For Athens
How long you are staying

Must do

  • Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at the airport; bring your passport, as prepaid numbers are registered to ID.
  • The โ‚ฌ27 monthly pass only goes on a personalised card, which needs ID, a photo and usually a document showing your AMKA; confirm the list at a metro ticket office. Until then, tap a contactless bank card at the validator.
  • From the tax office for your address, or through an accountant or representative. Ask for TAXISnet credentials at the same time: the login is what the bank and the state's online services use.
  • The landlord declares the lease to AADE against your AFM, and you accept it online. Keep the declaration number: utilities and permit desks ask for it.

Should do

  • 112 for any emergency, answered in English; 166 for an ambulance.
  • Metro line 3 is โ‚ฌ9 to the centre; the X95 express bus to Syntagma is โ‚ฌ5.50. Neither is covered by the ordinary city ticket.
  • Pharmacies close in the afternoons on some days and at weekends. The duty pharmacy's address is posted in every pharmacy window.
  • Rent must go by transfer to the landlord's declared account, so open yours early. Logging in with TAXISnet credentials lets the bank pull most of your details.
  • Run both before you settle in. Athens summers are long and hot, and an older flat can be cold for two months in winter.

Nice to do

  • Iced espresso or cappuccino, shaken and served all year. Say how sweet: sketo (none), metrio (medium) or glyko (sweet).
  • Many embassies run a registration or alert service for nationals abroad. Two minutes now saves a scramble later.
  • Two hills, two views of the Acropolis. Locals take the walk up in the evening when the heat drops.
Your first 48 hours in Athens0/120% done. Ticks are saved on this device.
  • Must do0/4
  • Should do0/5
  • Nice to do0/3
Emergency112 ยท Police 100
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