Banking & Money
- Currency: Euro (€)
- ATMs: Widely available in towns and tourist areas.
- Credit Cards: Accepted in most restaurants, hotels, and shops; small villages may prefer cash.
- Bank Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 08:00–14:00
- Closed on weekends and public holidays
Pharmacies
- Opening Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 08:00–14:00 (some reopen 17:30–20:00)
- Saturday: Usually open in the morning only
- Emergency Pharmacies: A rotating duty schedule is posted on pharmacy doors and at hotels or tourist info points.
Shops & Supermarkets
- Small shops:
- Weekdays: 09:00–14:00 and 17:30–21:00
- Saturday: Morning only
- Tourist shops and larger supermarkets: Open all day, often from 08:00 to 22:00, including Sundays in high season.
Driving in Kos
- Speed Limits:
- Urban areas: 50 km/h
- Rural roads: 80 km/h (check signs)
- Documents Required: Driver’s license (EU or International), ID/passport, rental agreement.
- Seatbelts & Helmets: Mandatory for all passengers. Helmet required on scooters.
- Drink Driving: Legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. For new drivers (<2 years), 0.02%.
- Parking: Free in most areas. Look for white lines (free), blue lines (paid), yellow (no parking).
Tipping
- Restaurants: 5–10% is customary, not always included in the bill.
- Taxis: Round up or add €1–2 for longer rides.
- Hotels: €1–2 per day for housekeeping is appreciated.
Tap Water
- Safe in most places, but many locals prefer bottled water, especially in villages.
Emergency Numbers
- European Emergency: 112
- Police: 100
- Medical Emergency: 166
- Fire: 199
Electricity
- 230V / 50Hz, standard European plugs (Type C & F).
Wi-Fi & SIM cards
- Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
- Local SIM cards (e.g., Cosmote, Vodafone) can be purchased at kiosks or phone shops.
