Greece is a place where short conversations—on a bus, at a taverna, or buying a ferry ticket—open doors to friendlier service and smoother travel. A few well-timed phrases will help you ask directions, order food, and handle small hiccups without stress.
There are 63 Useful Phrases for Tourists in Greece, ranging from Ένα εισιτήριο για…, παρακαλώ to Χρειάζομαι γιατρό; each entry is organized with Transliteration,English translation,Context / Usage so you can read, speak, and know when to use each line — you’ll find below.
Which phrases should I learn first?
Start with greetings, please/thank you, numbers, and practical lines like Ένα εισιτήριο για…, παρακαλώ and Χρειάζομαι γιατρό. Practice the Transliteration aloud, pair it with the English translation, and focus on phrases you’ll use daily (ordering, directions, transport) so they come naturally when needed.
Will locals appreciate me using these phrases?
Yes—making an effort with basic phrases and polite forms goes a long way; even imperfect pronunciation is usually met with encouragement. Use the Context / Usage notes to match formality, and don’t hesitate to point at the Transliteration if you need help being understood.
Useful Phrases for Tourists in Greece
| Phrase (Greek) | Transliteration | English translation | Context / Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Καλημέρα | Kaliméra | Good morning | Morning greeting |
| Καλησπέρα | Kalispéra | Good evening | Evening greeting |
| Καληνύχτα | Kaliníkhta | Good night | Parting/bedtime |
| Γεια σας | Ya sas | Hello/Hi (formal/plural) | General polite greeting |
| Ευχαριστώ | Efcharistó | Thank you | Expressing thanks |
| Παρακαλώ | Parakaló | Please/You’re welcome | Please/response to thanks |
| Συγγνώμη | Signómi | Excuse me/Sorry | Apologizing or getting attention |
| Ναι | Nai | Yes | Affirmative answer |
| Όχι | Óchi | No | Negative answer |
| Μιλάτε αγγλικά; | Miláte angliká? | Do you speak English? | Asking language ability |
| Δεν καταλαβαίνω | Den katalavaíno | I don’t understand | Clarifying confusion |
| Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε; | Boríte na me voithísete? | Can you help me? | Asking for assistance |
| Πού είναι…; | Poú eínai…? | Where is…? | Asking for directions |
| Πόσο κοστίζει; | Póso kostízei? | How much does it cost? | Asking price |
| Ένα λεπτό, παρακαλώ | Éna leptó, parakaló | One moment, please | Asking someone to wait |
| Το λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ | To logariasmó, parakaló | The bill, please | Dining request to get the check |
| Το μενού, παρακαλώ | To menú, parakaló | The menu, please | Dining request for menu |
| Έχουμε κράτηση | Échoume krátisi | We have a reservation | At restaurants or hotels |
| Έχετε επιλογές χωρίς γλουτένη; | Échete epilogés chorís gloutení? | Do you have gluten-free options? | Dietary restriction inquiry |
| Νερό, παρακαλώ | Neró, parakaló | Water, please | Ordering water in restaurants |
| Πού είναι η τουαλέτα; | Poú eínai i toualéta? | Where is the restroom? | Asking for toilets |
| Τι ώρα φεύγει το λεωφορείο; | Ti óra fevgí to leoforeío? | What time does the bus leave? | Public transport enquiry |
| Πού είναι ο σταθμός του τρένου; | Poú eínai o stathmós tou trénou? | Where is the train station? | Transport directions |
| Ένα εισιτήριο για…, παρακαλώ | Éna eisitírio gia…, parakaló | One ticket to…, please | Buying transport tickets |
| Μπορώ να πληρώσω με κάρτα; | Boró na pliróso me kárta? | Can I pay by card? | Payment question |
| Πού είναι το ξενοδοχείο…; | Poú eínai to xenodocheío…? | Where is hotel…? | Asking for hotel location |
| Χρειάζομαι γιατρό | Chreiázomai giatró | I need a doctor | Medical emergency/request |
| Καλέστε ένα ασθενοφόρο! | Kaléste éna asthenofóro! | Call an ambulance! | Emergency command |
| Έχασα το διαβατήριό μου | Échasa to diavatírió mou | I lost my passport | Reporting loss |
| Πού είναι το αστυνομικό τμήμα; | Poú eínai to astynomikó tmíma? | Where is the police station? | Reporting a problem |
| Βοήθεια! | Voítheia! | Help! | Emergency alert |
| Είναι αυτό το λεωφορείο για…; | Eínai aftó to leoforeío gia…? | Is this bus to…? | Checking transport routes |
| Τα εισιτήρια, παρακαλώ | Ta eisitíria, parakaló | Tickets, please | Asking conductor or at counter |
| Πού μπορώ να αλλάξω χρήματα; | Poú boró na alláxo chrímata? | Where can I exchange money? | Currency exchange enquiry |
| Έχει δωρεάν Wi‑Fi; | Échei doréani Wi‑Fi? | Is there free Wi‑Fi? | Asking for internet access |
| Τι προτείνετε; | Ti protinéte? | What do you recommend? | Asking for suggestions |
| Μια μπύρα, παρακαλώ | Mia býra, parakaló | A beer, please | Ordering drinks |
| Το λογαριασμό ξεχωριστά, παρακαλώ | To logariasmó xehoristá, parakaló | The bill separately, please | Dining splitting the check |
| Πόσο μακριά είναι; | Póso makriá eínai? | How far is it? | Asking distance |
| Μπορείτε να με οδηγήσετε στο…; | Boríte na me odigisete sto…? | Can you show/lead me to…? | Asking for directions or escort |
| Πόση ώρα διαρκεί; | Pósi óra diarkí? | How long does it take? | Asking travel or activity duration |
| Υπάρχει κάποιο φαρμακείο κοντά; | Ypárchei kápoio farmakeío kontá? | Is there a pharmacy nearby? | Finding medical supplies |
| Ένας χάρτης, παρακαλώ | Énas chártis, parakaló | A map, please | Asking for directions or info |
| Το δωμάτιο έχει κλιματισμό; | To domátio échei klimatismó? | Does the room have air-conditioning? | Hotel accommodation question |
| Πόσο κοστίζει ανά νύχτα; | Póso kostízei aná nýchta? | How much per night? | Hotel pricing question |
| Μπορώ να κάνω check‑in τώρα; | Boró na káno check‑in tóra? | Can I check in now? | Hotel arrival question |
| Υπάρχει πρωινό; | Ypárchei proinó? | Is breakfast included? | Accommodation inquiry |
| Μπορώ ένα επιπλέον κλειδί; | Boró éna epipleón kleidí? | Can I have an extra key? | Hotel/request to reception |
| Κάνετε κράτηση ταξί; | Kánete krátisi taxí? | Can you book a taxi? | Asking hotel or restaurant staff |
| Πού μπορώ να νοικιάσω αυτοκίνητο; | Poú boró na noikiáso aftokínito? | Where can I rent a car? | Car rental enquiry |
| Υπάρχει στάση λεωφορείου κοντά; | Ypárchei stási leoforeíou kontá? | Is there a bus stop nearby? | Local transport question |
| Πώς πάω στο λιμάνι; | Pós páo sto limáni? | How do I get to the port? | Directions to ferry terminals |
| Μπορείτε να μου πείτε το όνομά σας; | Boríte na mou peíte to ónomá sas? | Can you tell me your name? | Polite personal question |
| Έχει σήμα το κινητό εδώ; | Échei síma to kinitó edó? | Is there phone signal here? | Checking mobile reception |
| Μπορείτε να το γράψετε; | Boríte na to grápste? | Can you write it down? | Useful when reading addresses |
| Υπάρχει στάση ταξί εδώ κοντά; | Ypárchei stási taxí edó kontá? | Is there a taxi stand nearby? | Finding taxis |
| Θα θέλαμε ένα τραπέζι για δύο | Tha théla me éna trapézi gia dýo | We’d like a table for two | Dining reservation/request |
| Υπάρχει μειωμένη τιμή για φοιτητές; | Ypárchei meiōménī timī gia foitītés? | Is there a reduced student price? | Discount inquiry |
| Μπορώ μια σακούλα, παρακαλώ; | Boró mia sakoula, parakaló | Can I have a bag, please? | Shopping/packing request |
| Πού πληρώνω; | Poú pliróno? | Where do I pay? | Asking where to pay in shops |
| Έχετε χάρτη της πόλης; | Échete chárti tis pólis? | Do you have a city map? | Tourist information request |
| Πού είναι το κέντρο; | Poú eínai to kéntro? | Where is the center/downtown? | Asking for city centre |
| Μπορώ να έχω απόδειξη; | Boró na écho apódixi? | Can I have a receipt? | Request after purchase |
Descriptions
Καλημέρα
Common daytime greeting used until late afternoon; polite and neutral. Use with shopkeepers, hotel staff, or strangers. Informal alternative is “γεια” with friends. Smile and nod; a simple way to start interactions courteously in Greece.
Καλησπέρα
Used from late afternoon through evening as a polite greeting. Appropriate for restaurants, shops, and meeting people. Less formal than “καλημέρα” later in the day. Can be paired with a handshake or a nod.
Καληνύχτα
Said when leaving in the late evening or before going to bed. Polite and friendly. Not used for saying hello; use “καλησπέρα” to greet. Suitable for hotel staff or hosts when departing at night.
Γεια σας
Neutral, widely used greeting for strangers, older people, or groups. “Γεια σου” (ya sou) is informal for friends. Use “γεια σας” in shops, taxis, and with hotel staff to be polite.
Ευχαριστώ
Standard way to say thank you; polite and essential. For extra politeness say “πολύ ευχαριστώ” or “ευχαριστώ πολύ”. Response is “παρακαλώ” (you’re welcome). Tone conveys warmth and appreciation.
Παρακαλώ
Versatile: used to mean “please” when requesting or “you’re welcome” after thanks. Also used to get attention (“παρακαλώ;”). Polite and safe in any tourist interaction.
Συγγνώμη
Used to apologize, get someone’s attention, or say “excuse me” in crowded places. Polite; stronger apology can be “συγγνώμη πολύ”. Useful in shops, on public transport, or when bumping into someone.
Ναι
Simple yes. Pronounced “neh.” Clear and widely understood. Pair with gestures for clarity in noisy environments. No formality difference; works with everyone.
Όχι
Simple no. Pronounced “OH-khi.” Polite tone avoids sounding abrupt. Useful when declining offers or saying you don’t want something.
Μιλάτε αγγλικά;
Polite question to find English speakers. Use “Μιλάς αγγλικά;” with younger people informally. Many Greeks in tourist areas speak English; still useful to start in Greek.
Δεν καταλαβαίνω
Polite way to say you don’t understand. Follow with “μπορείτε να επαναλάβετε;” (can you repeat?) or ask for slower speech. Helpful in conversations and when reading signs.
Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε;
Polite request for help in shops, on streets, or with directions. Use with “παρακαλώ” to be extra courteous. Locals are generally helpful to tourists.
Πού είναι…;
Start of a question pointing to a place: e.g., “Πού είναι το μουσείο;” Use with place names or gestures. Add “παρακαλώ” for politeness.
Πόσο κοστίζει;
Useful when shopping or at markets. Can also ask “Τιμή;” (price?) but “Πόσο κοστίζει;” is more natural. Bargaining is rare in shops but common at some markets.
Ένα λεπτό, παρακαλώ
Polite phrase to ask for a short wait in shops or on phone. Also “μια στιγμή, παρακαλώ.” Good manners when staff are busy or checking information.
Το λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ
Standard phrase to ask for the check in restaurants. Saying only “λογαριασμό” often suffices. Tip: say it with a polite tone and eye contact to staff.
Το μενού, παρακαλώ
Ask when seated or approaching a waiter. If only drinks wanted, specify “μενού ποτών” (drinks menu). Helpful in tavernas where staff may not bring menus automatically.
Έχουμε κράτηση
Useful on arrival at a restaurant or hotel reception. Add name: “Στο όνομα …” (in the name of …). Polite and straightforward.
Έχετε επιλογές χωρίς γλουτένη;
Polite way to ask about gluten-free food. Substitute “χωρίς λακτόζη” for lactose-free. Greeks often accommodate dietary needs; mention allergies explicitly.
Νερό, παρακαλώ
Ask for still (“νερό χωρίς ανθρακικό”) or sparkling (“με ανθρακικό”). Tap water is generally safe in cities but many ask for bottled water. Saying “ένα νερό” is also common.
Πού είναι η τουαλέτα;
Essential when in cafes, museums, or shops. Polite alternative: “Μπορώ να χρησιμοποιήσω την τουαλέτα;” Use “WC” signs often present.
Τι ώρα φεύγει το λεωφορείο;
Ask at bus stops or stations. Specify route or destination for clarity. Have exact destination ready; local timetables may vary by season.
Πού είναι ο σταθμός του τρένου;
Useful at airports, towns, or when catching regional trains. Greeks may say “σταθμός” for rail station; show address or name if unsure.
Ένα εισιτήριο για…, παρακαλώ
Use for buses, ferries, or trains. Fill in destination after “για.” Helpful phrase at counters or kiosks; carry cash as some small booths are cash-only.
Μπορώ να πληρώσω με κάρτα;
Ask before ordering or at checkout. Many places accept cards but small shops or taxis may prefer cash. If declined, ask for an ATM (“ΑΤΜ”).
Πού είναι το ξενοδοχείο…;
Ask taxis or locals for exact location. Give full hotel name or address to avoid confusion. Useful when arriving in town or finding accommodation.
Χρειάζομαι γιατρό
Direct and urgent; useful to tell hotel staff, police, or locals. Follow up with symptoms. For immediate emergencies call 112 in EU; say location clearly.
Καλέστε ένα ασθενοφόρο!
Urgent phrase to get immediate medical help. Yell or tell police/hotel staff to act quickly. In Greece, emergency numbers are 112 (general) and 166 (ambulance).
Έχασα το διαβατήριό μου
Tell police or embassy staff using this phrase. Follow up with “Τι πρέπει να κάνω;” (What should I do?). Keep copies of documents separate while traveling.
Πού είναι το αστυνομικό τμήμα;
Useful if you need to report theft or get a police report for insurance. Say problem briefly and ask for assistance. Carry ID when visiting.
Βοήθεια!
Universal shout for immediate assistance. Use in dangerous situations or to attract attention. Loud and urgent; follow up with specifics if possible (“Φωτιά!” for fire).
Είναι αυτό το λεωφορείο για…;
Ask before boarding to ensure correct bus. Specify destination and watch for route numbers. Combine with asking “σταματάει στο…;” (does it stop at…?).
Τα εισιτήρια, παρακαλώ
Used when a conductor comes on board or at ticket booths. Keep tickets until journey end; inspectors commonly check on buses and trains.
Πού μπορώ να αλλάξω χρήματα;
Ask near banks, exchange bureaus, or airports. Compare rates and fees. ATMs often give better rates; ask your bank about fees before traveling.
Έχει δωρεάν Wi‑Fi;
Useful in cafes, hotels, and public spaces. Ask for password (“Ο κωδικός;”) if network requires it. Many tourist places offer free Wi‑Fi with a short password.
Τι προτείνετε;
Great for restaurants or tours; locals often suggest house specialties (“πιάτο της ημέρας”). Shows interest in local cuisine and can lead to authentic experiences.
Μια μπύρα, παρακαλώ
Common, casual phrase at bars or tavernas. Specify “ένα μικρό” (small) or brand if desired. Greeks appreciate a friendly tone when ordering.
Το λογαριασμό ξεχωριστά, παρακαλώ
Ask when paying for a group meal and wanting separate checks. Some places may split manually; clarify how many ways or who pays for what.
Πόσο μακριά είναι;
Useful when asking for landmarks or beaches. Combine with walking time: “σε πόση ώρα;” (how long?) for better planning. Locals may answer in minutes.
Μπορείτε να με οδηγήσετε στο…;
Polite request for someone to guide you briefly, helpful if unfamiliar with area. Hotel staff often assist; good when carrying luggage or in complex areas.
Πόση ώρα διαρκεί;
Ask for duration of ferries, tours, or transfers. Useful for planning connections. Combine with departure times to avoid missed transport.
Υπάρχει κάποιο φαρμακείο κοντά;
Pharmacies are called “φαρμακείο” and often show a green cross. Useful for medicines, sunscreen, or first-aid items; many have rotating night shifts posted.
Ένας χάρτης, παρακαλώ
Ask hotel reception, tourist offices, or kiosks for a map. Helpful when offline. Alternatively, ask for directions to the nearest “τουριστικό γραφείο” (tourist office).
Το δωμάτιο έχει κλιματισμό;
Important in summer. Also ask about central heating in winter. Clarify if there’s an extra charge and how to operate the system.
Πόσο κοστίζει ανά νύχτα;
Ask when booking small guesthouses or B&Bs. Confirm if taxes or tourist fees are included. Also ask about cancellation policy in Greek or English.
Μπορώ να κάνω check‑in τώρα;
Useful on early arrivals or late flights. Use “check-in” commonly understood; hostels or guesthouses may be flexible but confirm luggage storage if room not ready.
Υπάρχει πρωινό;
Ask if breakfast is part of the room rate and what time it’s served. “Με πρωινό” means with breakfast. Important for budgeting and planning morning departures.
Μπορώ ένα επιπλέον κλειδί;
Useful for groups or lost keys. Hotels may charge for replacements. Be polite and provide ID if requested for security.
Κάνετε κράτηση ταξί;
Common service at hotels and restaurants. Ask estimated wait time and if meter will be used. Alternatively use apps where available.
Πού μπορώ να νοικιάσω αυτοκίνητο;
Ask at airports, ports, or tourist offices. Check insurance, mileage, and driving rules. Bring an international driver’s permit if required by rental company.
Υπάρχει στάση λεωφορείου κοντά;
Good for planning routes in towns. Ask for route numbers and direction. Bus stops often have timetables but verify seasonal changes.
Πώς πάω στο λιμάνι;
Useful when catching ferries to islands. Specify which port if town has more than one. Allow extra time for traffic and check boarding procedures.
Μπορείτε να μου πείτε το όνομά σας;
Use when wanting contact details from guides or helpful locals. Polite phrasing; respect privacy if they decline. Helpful for thanking someone later.
Έχει σήμα το κινητό εδώ;
Useful in remote islands or mountains. Also ask about charging facilities. Good to know before relying on maps or calls.
Μπορείτε να το γράψετε;
Ask locals to write names or addresses if pronunciation is unclear. Saves time showing written directions to taxi drivers or for reference.
Υπάρχει στάση ταξί εδώ κοντά;
Ask at hotels or busy squares. Taxi stands are common near ports, stations, and main squares. If none, ask staff to call one.
Θα θέλαμε ένα τραπέζι για δύο
Polite way to request seating at restaurants. Add “σε εξωτερικό χώρο” for outdoor seating. During high season, reservations recommended.
Υπάρχει μειωμένη τιμή για φοιτητές;
Ask at museums, attractions, and transport. Carry student ID to prove eligibility. Many sites offer discounts or free entry for EU students.
Μπορώ μια σακούλα, παρακαλώ;
Ask at shops or markets when packaging purchases. Some stores charge for bags; reusable bags are common. Be prepared to say “όχι σακούλα” if you don’t want one.
Πού πληρώνω;
Useful in markets or busy bakeries where payment spots vary. Showing goods and asking prevents mistakes. Polite and direct.
Έχετε χάρτη της πόλης;
Tourist offices, hotels, and kiosks often provide free maps. Useful for planning walking routes and public transport. Ask for attractions marked on the map.
Πού είναι το κέντρο;
Useful when trying to reach main squares, shopping areas, or nightlife. Combine with “με πόση ώρα περπάτημα;” (how long to walk) to plan routes.
Μπορώ να έχω απόδειξη;
Ask for a receipt for returns or reimbursements. Important for tax-free shopping claims and record-keeping. Many small vendors will provide one on request.
