Passport and visas

Citizens of EC countries require a valid passport to visit Greece, but do not need a visa.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you have your own travel/medical insurance, if you are taken ill or an incident occurs and you were taken to the local hospital, insurance would be required. Best practice is to photocopy the details page of your passport and travel/medical insurance and have them to hand when away from your accommodation on Rhodes, while the your passport and insurance policy can reside safely in your room or safe box. The photocopies enable you to go directly to hospital allowing treatment to progress immediately.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Allows British Citizens to access state-provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge.
Everyone who is resident in the UK should have one and carry it with them when travelling abroad. Remember to check your EHIC is still valid before you travel. Applying for the card is free and it is valid for up to five years.
Presenting the EHIC entitles you to treatment that may become necessary during your trip, but does not allow you to go abroad specifically to receive medical care. However, maternity care, renal dialysis and managing the symptoms of pre-existing or chronic conditions that arise while abroad are all covered by the EHIC.
Your EHIC will allow you access to the same state-provided healthcare as a resident of the country you are visiting. However, many countries expect the patient to pay towards their treatment, and even with an EHIC, you might be expected to do the same. You may be able to seek reimbursement for this cost when you are back in the UK if you are not able to do so in the other country.
The EHIC is NOT an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or the cost of things such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, repatriation to the UK or lost or stolen property. For these reasons and others, it is important to have both an EHIC and a valid private travel insurance policy. Some insurers now insist you hold an EHIC and many will waive the excess if you have one.
Applying for an EHIC is easy. Even if you do not have any plans to travel in the near future, it is always a good idea to get one.
 

Baggage

You are limited to one case of 15-20 kilos depending on airline and one hand luggage, a laptop will count as one hand luggage. No liquids or sharp objects such as nail files are allowed in your hand luggage; please ensure that your bags are clearly marked with your name, inside as well as outside in case the labels are detached.

Walking Clothes

Rhodes Island is renowned for 300 days of sun in the year and out of July and August the remainder of the year is lovely to walk in. The sun still remains strong throughout and it is advisable to wear long light trousers and long sleeved shirts, the sun will have a draining effect on your body if exposed to it for prolonged times. Especially when walking the wind will disguise the sun’s strength and the effects will not be known until the evening or the following morning. Walking boots are the best footwear, we recommend you bring your own although we can provide walking boots and trekking poles if required.

Vaccinations and medical precautions

No vaccinations are necessary for Greece and health problems in Rhodes are very rare. The only medical precaution you may wish to take is a small first aid kit to cater for blisters, headaches, coughs and colds, mosquito repellent, lip salve etc. A high factor sun protection lotion and sunhat is essential, as sunburn can be severe on hot days. On the mountains where it is breezier and cooler, you do not realize you are getting burnt until you get back to your hotel. Water can be drunk from the taps, it holds a high mineral content that does not agree with everybody, personally I have no problems with it and rarely purchase bottled water.

Currency

Greece uses the Euro, the rate fluctuates and the rate can be found on www.xe.com
There are many ATM in Rhodes and banks, these banks will be different to your own bank, so if you require access to your own bank while in Rhodes make inquiries at your local branch first.

Electricity

220 volts AC, 50 Hz. As the socket outlets require continental plugs, it is advisable to carry an adapter if you intend to bring any electrical items with British plugs.

Time

GMT + 2 hours

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones do work very well in Rhodes. If you have not used your mobile phone outside Britain before then we recommend you make the appropriate changes to reduce the cost of using your mobile phone in Rhodes. We ask you to minimize use of your mobile phone while walking on our routes as of courtesy to others.