Frequently Asked Questions
1. Access for Disabled people :
Over the past three years, efforts to improve access to disabled have been intensified, concerning existing buildings and urban environment (squares, sidewalks). So far the interventions have secured the accessibility and movement in 40% of the public services buildings, while all new municipal projects that are underway, are designed to ensure access.
2. Consulates and Embassies
In the region of Achaia, and more specifically in the city of Patras the following consulates have been established :
| ΧΩΡΑ |
ΤΑΧ. ΔΙΕΥΘΥΝΣΗ | ΤΗΛΕΦΩΝΟ |
| AUSTRIA | PANTANASSIS 50 - PATRA | 2610-271447 |
| BELGIUM | ARATOU 17-19 – PATRA | 2610-273200 |
| FRANCE | ALSYLIOU 2 – PATRA | 2610-278997 |
| GERMANY | MAIZONOS 98 – PATRA | 2610-221943 |
| DENMARK | PAR. POSEIDONOS – RIO | 2610-991808 |
| SWITZERLAND | ERMOY 15 – PATRA | 2610-277688 |
| ITALY | GERMANOU 63 – PATRA | 2610-620900 |
| LEBANON | TSAMADOU 41 – PATRA | 2610-311858 |
| GREAT BRITAIN | VOTSI 2 – PATRA | 2610-277079 |
| NORWAY | KAROLOU 85ε – PATRA | 2610-435090 |
| HOLLAND | KORINTHOU 363 – PATRA | 2610-322376 |
| FINLAND | ARISTOTELOUS 123 - PERIVOLA | 2610-641642 |
3. Passport & Visa
4. Smoking
At Achaia as well as the rest of Greece, smoking is prohibited in all workplaces, in all waiting areas, public transport, airports, taxis, in public places, bars and entertainment venues. At small cafes, restaurants, bars etc, with an area smaller than 70 square meters, the owners have right to decide whether their store is reserved for smokers or otherwise.
5. Tips
The tip for food service and entertainment is about 5% of the price of the service offered.
6. Pharmacies
At the region there are over 200 pharmacies. The opening hours are different and winter and summer time.
Winter hours: Monday & Wednesday: 8:00 to 14:30
Tuesday - Thursday - Friday: 08:00 -14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00
Summer hours: Monday & Wednesday: 8:00 to 14:30
Tuesday - Thursday - Friday: 8:00 to 14:00 and 17:30 to 20:30
Also after the end of trading hours, specific pre-designated pharmacies will still be open during the night.
7. Where to Buy Foreign Press
Through "Argos" distribution service and also at kiosks and stands in the square of the Trion Simachon near the port of Patras and at neighboring shops and bookstores.
8. Stores and public services operating hours
- For firms engaged in intermittent time:
Monday - Wednesday - Saturday 9:00 to 15:30 and
Tuesday - Thursday - Friday 9:00 to 14:30 and 17:30 to 21:00
- For firms engaged in continuous time:
Monday - Wednesday - Saturday 9:00 to 15:30
Tuesday - Thursday - Friday 9:00 to 21:00
In winter, the operating hours of public services start at 7.30 and 08.00 am and ends at 15:00 or 15:30 The summer work schedule begins at 07.00 and 07.30 am and finish at 14.30 or 15:00.
9. Hour zone
Greece, and thus Achaia, is in the two-hour zone (Time Zone) east of Greenwich (England), which is the reference point for finding the time anywhere on earth. The "Classical" Greek Time is, therefore, adding two hours to GMT.
10. Power & Water network
The electricity grid is controlled by the Public Power Corporation. Electricity is supplied through an alternating voltage of 220 Volt.
The water system is controlled by each Municipal Water and Sewage company. The water of the region is drinkable and this is tested on a yearly basis through scientific studies.
11. Information points
Points of information are the Tourist Police, the relative municipality offices and the prefecture of Achaia and the KEP (Citizen Service Centres).
12. Units of Measurement
Weight : Grammar, Kilo (1 kilo = 1000 grammars), Tone (1000 kilos)
Length: millimeter, centimeter-Measure (100 cm) Kilometer (1000 meters)
Area: Square meter ( m2)
Square meter, ( 1 στρέμμα = 1000 m2)
Όγκος : Λίτρο, Κυβικό μέτρο (m3)