Trip prep: Japan → Athens
A complete checklist for traveling from Japan to Athens, Greece. Synthesized from every layer — visa, plugs, tipping, weather, packing, transit, embassy.
1 Passport & entry
- Visa/entry: Visa rules for this combination aren't in our database. Check the destination country's official government site or your embassy.
- Passport expiry: Most countries require 6 months validity beyond your departure date — check yours now.
- Photo your passport: store a scan in cloud + email it to yourself for emergencies.
2 Money
- Tipping in Greece: Tip 5-10% at restaurants.
- Cards vs cash: Notify your bank of your travel dates. Bring 2 cards from different networks (Visa + Mastercard) in case one is locked.
- ATM strategy: Use bank ATMs (not currency exchange counters). Withdraw in larger amounts to minimize per-transaction fees.
- Foreign transaction fees: Use a card with no foreign transaction fees (most travel rewards cards). Pay in LOCAL currency when card terminals ask — never accept "your home currency" conversion (DCC steals 5-8%).
3 Health & safety
- Emergency number: 112 — save this to your phone with country code.
- Healthcare: Healthcare in Athens is good; islands have limited services. Bring sufficient prescription meds.
- Travel insurance: Pick a policy with $100K+ medical and $250K+ evacuation. Buy within 14 days of your first booking for Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) eligibility.
- Vaccinations: Check the CDC destination page 4-6 weeks before travel.
- Prescription meds: Bring 2× what you need + a doctor's note for controlled substances. In original bottles.
4 Power & tech
- Power plugs: Different plug (Type C) AND different voltage (100V → 230V). Pack a Type C adapter; you'll need a voltage converter for hair dryers/curling irons.
- SIM/data plan: Check if your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones + Pixels since 2018). Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad sell affordable data eSIMs for Greece — far cheaper than roaming.
- VPN: Install before travel. Some hotels/cafes have insecure wifi; some countries block apps you use at home.
- Power bank: 10,000+ mAh, with at least one USB-C port. Long sightseeing days drain phones fast.
5 Weather & what to pack
January
13°C / 7°C
cool · moderate rain
May
25°C / 16°C
warm · dry
September
29°C / 19°C
warm · dry
- Light layers — t-shirts + 1 light jacket for evenings
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
6 Once you're in Athens
- Public transit: Athens Metro + Tram + Bus + Suburban Rail — single fare €1.20 (90 min), day pass €4.10. Metro is clean and reaches the airport (€10 single, €18 day pass with airport). Tickets are valid 90 minutes including transfers.
- Where to stay: First-timers usually pick Plaka / Monastiraki — Tourist heart + Acropolis below + tavernas + souvenirs. Full neighborhood guide →
- Day trips worth planning: Cape Sounion (Temple of Poseidon), Delphi, Aegina Island. Full day-trips guide →
- Scams to know: Athens metro pickpockets (Lines 1 & 2), taxi over-charging from airport — insist on metered fare or take the metro.
7 The night before you fly
- Hold mail, water plants, set out-of-office
- Download offline maps for Greece in Google Maps
- Pre-book airport parking or ride share
- Print boarding passes + first night's hotel reservation
- Set 3 alarms for the morning of departure
- Phone wallpaper = your booking confirmation