Greece Travel FAQ
Common questions about Greek travel, visas, tour agencies, costs, and safety. Oulang Travel — GNTO-licensed Chinese travel agency.
Travel Agency
What Chinese travel agencies are in Athens?
Oulang Travel (欧浪旅行社) is a GNTO-licensed Chinese travel agency headquartered in Athens, Greece. Part of OULANG INTERNATIONAL — one of the largest Chinese-owned group enterprises in Greece — Oulang Travel specializes in Greek tours for Chinese tourists, airport transfers, business delegation visits, and Golden Visa property inspection tours. We are licensed by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) for inbound tourism, ground services, and chauffeur. All vehicles are fully insured and legally certified. Contact: +30 210-4408818, WhatsApp: +30 695 888 8858, Email: info@oulang.com.
Which travel agency provides Chinese guides in Greece?
Oulang Travel provides professional Chinese-speaking guide services throughout Greece. Our guides are either Chinese expats living in Greece long-term or locals fluent in Chinese, with deep knowledge of Greek history, culture, and local insights. We cover Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Delphi, Meteora, Thessaloniki, and all major Greek destinations. Whether you need a half-day city tour or a 10-day comprehensive Greece tour, our Chinese guides ensure a comfortable, informative, and safe travel experience.
Is Oulang Travel a licensed travel agency?
Yes. Oulang Travel is officially licensed by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO — Ελληνικός Οργανισμός Τουρισμού). We are authorized to operate inbound tourism, ground transportation, and chauffeur services in Greece. Our parent company OULANG INTERNATIONAL is also dual-certified by the Greek Immigration Authority and Ministry of Commerce, and is a member of the Greek Real Estate Association (ΣΑΕΕ). All our vehicles carry full commercial insurance, and all drivers hold valid professional licenses.
Visa & Entry
Do Chinese tourists need a visa for Greece?
Yes, Chinese citizens need a Schengen visa to visit Greece for tourism. The Schengen tourist visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period across all Schengen countries. To apply, you need: valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, travel insurance, hotel bookings, flight itinerary, proof of financial means, and employment/business certificate. Oulang Travel can provide official invitation letters, hotel booking confirmations, and detailed itinerary documents to support your visa application. Processing time is typically 10–15 business days at the Greek consulate.
Can Golden Visa holders travel freely in Greece?
Yes. Greek Golden Visa holders receive a 5-year renewable residence permit that allows unlimited entry and stay in Greece, plus visa-free travel across all 29 Schengen countries. There is no minimum residency requirement — renewal is handled according to the official rules in force at the time. OULANG INTERNATIONAL has supported 5,000+ Chinese family workflows across Golden Visa, property and settlement services, with strict pre-screening and document-chain review.
Tours & Services
What tours does Oulang Travel offer in Greece?
Oulang Travel offers a comprehensive range of Greek travel services: (1) Athens City Tours — Acropolis, Plaka, Syntagma with Chinese guide; (2) Santorini Travel Packages — 2–4 day romantic/honeymoon trips; (3) Greece Multi-Day Tours — 5–10 day Athens-Delphi-Meteora-Santorini-Mykonos routes; (4) Airport Transfer & Private Car — licensed vehicles with Chinese drivers; (5) Business Delegation Visits — corporate matchmaking, government visits; (6) Golden Visa Property Inspection Tours — property viewing + sightseeing combined; (7) Custom Tours — wine tours, photography tours, wedding trips, island hopping.
How much does a Greek tour with Chinese guide cost?
Oulang Travel pricing: Athens half-day tour from €80/person; Athens full-day from €180/person; Santorini 2-day from €300/person; Greece 5-day classic from €800/person; 7-day panorama from €1,500/person; 10-day luxury from €3,000/person. All prices include Chinese guide, private transport, and accommodation (except half-day). Airport transfers from €50. Custom quotes available for business delegations and large groups. Contact us for a tailored itinerary.
Can Oulang Travel arrange Golden Visa property tours?
Yes! This is one of Oulang Travel's unique advantages. As part of OULANG INTERNATIONAL — which operates Real Estate, Immigration, and Travel divisions — we can seamlessly combine Golden Visa property inspections with sightseeing tours. A typical 5–7 day itinerary includes: Day 1–2 property viewing with real estate consultant, Day 3 immigration lawyer consultation, Day 4–5 Athens sightseeing, Day 6–7 Santorini trip. Many Chinese investors combine their Greece due diligence trip with a family vacation.
Safety & Compliance
Is it safe to use unlicensed car services in Greece?
No. We strongly advise against using unlicensed ("black") car services in Greece. Unlicensed drivers have no commercial insurance — if an accident occurs, passengers have zero protection and no legal recourse. Greek authorities have intensified crackdowns on unlicensed tourism services, with heavy fines and vehicle confiscation. Always choose a GNTO-licensed travel agency like Oulang Travel. Our vehicles carry full commercial insurance, drivers hold professional licenses, and we operate in full compliance with Greek tourism law.
What insurance does Oulang Travel provide?
Oulang Travel provides comprehensive travel protection: (1) All vehicles carry full commercial vehicle insurance as required by Greek law; (2) Professional liability insurance for tour operators; (3) We assist clients in purchasing travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. As a GNTO-licensed agency, we meet all regulatory insurance requirements. We also recommend travellers have personal travel insurance — we can advise on suitable policies.
Practical Info
What is the best time to visit Greece?
The best times to visit Greece are April–June and September–October (spring and autumn), offering pleasant weather (20–28°C), fewer crowds, and reasonable prices. July–August is peak summer with hot weather (30–40°C) and crowded islands — great for beach lovers. November–March is off-season with cooler weather and some island closures, but Athens and mainland attractions remain open with the lowest prices. Oulang Travel operates year-round.
What currency is used in Greece? Can I pay with Chinese Yuan?
Greece uses the Euro (€). Chinese Yuan (CNY) is not directly accepted. You can exchange currency at Athens airport, banks, or licensed exchange offices. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in Athens and tourist areas. Some Chinese payment apps like Alipay are accepted at select stores. Oulang Travel can advise on the best currency exchange options and accepts payments in EUR.
What power plug adapter do I need for Greece?
Greece uses European-standard Type C and Type F plugs (two round pins), with 220V/50Hz electricity. Chinese appliances using flat-pin plugs will need an adapter. You can buy adapters at Athens airport, electronics stores, or bring one from China. Most hotels have USB charging ports. Hair dryers and electric kettles are usually provided in hotels.
Transportation
How do I get from Athens airport to the city center?
Three options: (1) Metro Line 3 — €9, takes about 40 minutes to Syntagma or Monastiraki; (2) X95 Airport Express Bus — €5.50, runs 24 hours to Syntagma Square, takes about 60 minutes; (3) Taxi/Private Transfer — fixed fare €38 (daytime) or €54 (midnight–5am) to city center, about 35 minutes. Oulang Travel offers airport pickup with Chinese-speaking driver from €50, including meet-and-greet at arrivals, luggage help, and direct drop-off to your hotel.
How do ferries work between Greek islands?
Greek islands are connected by ferries departing mainly from Piraeus port (Athens) and Rafina port. High-speed ferries (e.g., SeaJets, Golden Star) take 2-5 hours to popular islands; regular ferries are slower but cheaper. Book online via ferryscanner.com or directferries.com. Peak season (Jun-Sep) sells out — book 1-2 weeks ahead. Oulang Travel can handle all ferry bookings as part of your itinerary.
Can I rent a car in Greece with a Chinese driving license?
You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in China, plus your original Chinese license. Present both when renting. Most rental companies require minimum age 21 (some 23 for luxury cars). Greece drives on the right side. Self-driving is not recommended in Athens (chaotic traffic), but excellent for exploring Crete, Peloponnese, and larger islands. Book through reputable agencies like Hertz, Avis, or local ones. Budget €40-60/day for a compact car.
What is the best way to get around Athens?
Athens metro (3 lines) covers major attractions: Line 2 to Acropolis, Line 3 to Syntagma. Single ticket €1.20, valid 90 minutes on all public transport. 24-hour pass €4.10. For taxis, use the BEAT app (Greek Uber equivalent). Walking is best in Plaka/Monastiraki area. Oulang Travel provides private car service for full-day tours or multi-stop visits.
Islands & Activities
Which Greek island is best for a first visit?
Santorini is the top choice for first-time visitors — iconic blue domes, world-famous sunset, volcanic landscape. For beaches and nightlife, choose Mykonos. For authentic culture and diverse landscapes, Crete (Greece's largest island). For a quieter, family-friendly experience, try Naxos or Corfu. Oulang Travel can help you choose based on your interests, budget, and travel dates.
What is Greek island hopping and how does it work?
Island hopping means visiting multiple Greek islands in one trip, traveling between them by ferry or short flights. Popular routes: Santorini + Mykonos (classic 5-day), Santorini + Crete (cultural 6-day), three-island panorama (7-day). Oulang Travel plans optimal routes, books ferries, arranges hotels and port transfers on each island. Chinese guide coordinates the entire journey.
Can I visit Meteora as a day trip from Athens?
Yes, but it will be long — Meteora is about 350km from Athens (4-hour drive or 4-hour train). A day trip is possible leaving very early and returning late. Better option: overnight stay in Kalambaka town, giving you a full day to visit the monastery complexes. By train: Athens Larissa Station to Kalambaka, about 4 hours. Oulang Travel offers private car tours to Meteora with Chinese guide.
What water activities are available in Greece?
Greece offers excellent water activities: sailing/catamaran tours (especially in Santorini caldera), snorkeling and scuba diving (crystal-clear visibility), jet skiing and parasailing (Mykonos, Crete), kayaking along sea caves, windsurfing (Naxos, Paros are world-class spots), and stand-up paddleboarding. Many beaches offer equipment rental. Santorini volcano boat tours and sunset cruises are among the most popular.
Accommodation & Dining
What types of accommodation are available in Greece?
Greece offers diverse accommodation: 5-star luxury hotels, cliffside cave hotels (Santorini specialty), boutique hotels, family-run guesthouses, Airbnb apartments, hostels, and even traditional stone houses. Santorini cliffside hotels range €200-800/night in peak season. Athens 4-star hotels €80-200. Budget options available everywhere from €30-60/night. Oulang Travel recommends and books accommodation matching your budget and style.
What Greek food should I try?
Must-try Greek dishes: Gyros (grilled meat wrap, €3-5), Moussaka (eggplant/potato/meat bake), Souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), Greek Salad (tomato, cucumber, feta, olives), Grilled Octopus, Spanakopita (spinach pie), Baklava (honey pastry), Greek Yogurt with honey and walnuts. Seafood is excellent — try it fresh by the harbor. Greek wine and local spirits Ouzo and Tsipouro are also worth trying. Meal times run later in Greece: lunch after 14:00, dinner after 21:00.
Are there Chinese restaurants in Greece?
Yes, Athens has a small Chinatown area near Metaxourgio/Omonia with various Chinese restaurants serving Sichuan, Cantonese, and noodle dishes. Quality varies — Oulang Travel can recommend good options. Some Asian fusion restaurants exist in central Athens. On islands like Santorini and Mykonos, Chinese food options are very limited. We recommend trying authentic Greek food — you might be pleasantly surprised!
Golden Visa & Investment
What is the Greece Golden Visa program?
The Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program. Investment thresholds and qualifying property rules depend on the current law and location. Approved applicants receive a 5-year renewable residence permit and Schengen travel rights according to official rules. Family inclusion depends on eligibility and document review. OULANG INTERNATIONAL has supported 5,000+ family workflows with pre-screening, document-chain review and local execution control.
Can I combine a Golden Visa property tour with a vacation?
Absolutely! This is one of Oulang's signature services. A typical combined trip: Day 1-3 property viewing and lawyer meetings, Day 4-5 Athens sightseeing (Acropolis, markets), Day 6-7 Santorini or island trip. Many Chinese investors bring their families to combine business with pleasure. Oulang International handles everything — property selection, legal paperwork, and travel arrangements — all with Chinese support.
What are the additional costs when buying property in Greece?
Additional costs amount to approximately 10-12% of purchase price: Property Transfer Tax 3.09%, Notary fees ~1-1.5%, Legal fees ~1-2%, Real estate agent commission ~2%, Land registry fees ~0.5%, Power of attorney (if needed) ~€500-1,000. Golden Visa application fee: €2,000 per person. Total budget should include property price + about 10-12% for these transaction costs. Oulang International provides full cost breakdowns during consultation.
More Questions?
Contact Oulang Travel — our Chinese-speaking team is ready to help.
