Nice to Know – Practical Tips for Visiting Kos

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.