20 IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
Crete is a fantastic mosaic of marvellous beaches, ancient ruins and wonderful people but it might be difficult for first-time visitors in Crete to understand or accommodate some Greek practices, habits, and traditions.
1. Do not forget your passport
Do not forget your passport and other needed travel documents. Get the phone number of your embassy in Greece, just in case.
2. Make your bookings early
The earlier you book your air tickets or your car rental, the cheapest prices you will get.
Concerning ferry tickets, it is better to book the Greek ferries early if you need a cabin or if you are traveling with a car.
3. Have cash with you
Make sure you have enough money or have ways to get some, for example, through an ATM. Always have a credit card with you. Nowadays, all restaurants accept credit cards.
4. Greek toilette system
Have in mind that the toilette system in Crete is not much advanced as in other European countries. Everywhere (included in Out of the Blue Resort and La Perla Hotel), they ask that you do not throw the paper in the toilet, but instead, there are small bins next to the toilette to put the paper. These bins are emptied by the cleaning staff.
5. Emergency
Be careful to have a good health insurance because a doctor, who come in your hotel room, cost €.180,00.
In case of emergencies, dial 100 for police and 166 for an ambulance.
The nearest hospital, from Agia Pelagia, is 30 minutes’ drive.
6. Water
Water is usually not drinkable in Crete, so you must drink only bottled water. Most islands are not water sufficient, and they have to carry water with the tank. This water is used for bathing or doing the laundry, but not for consumption, so wash also your teeth with bottled water.
7. Smoking country
Smoking is a very bad habit of the Greeks, and it results very annoying for tourists. In the past, smoking was allowed almost everywhere. Only recently, smocking has been prohibited in interiors (restaurants, bars, ...).
8. Internet connections
Internet connection is pretty easy in Crete. If you have a laptop, you can connect in the several free Wi-Fi spots in many squares, restaurant or malls. Moreover, you can buy a prepaid internet card from the kiosk, which also includes an available phone line you can use for the dial-up connection (Note you need to show an ID).
Have in mind that Out of the Blue and La Perla hotels also offer internet connection for free.
Note that there are no roaming charges for European countries and a very good 4G signal is available in Crete.
9. To bring with you
There are a few things you shouldn't forget when you travel to Crete: Your camera, your sunglasses, sun hat, bathing suit, mosquito repellent (and mosquito cream) and sun cream. Do not worry if you forget anything as you can easily find it in the shops near both hotels.
10. Weather
Make sure you have some heavier clothes with you because the temperature in Crete could be very pleasant (about 22-30 degrees in October) but nights and mornings are cool.
Also have a small umbrella as rainstorms are frequent and sometimes sudden, although they usually last no more than half an hour.
11. Plug adaptor
Nowadays most current electric equipment (laptops, cell phones, etc) use chargers which adapt to voltage changes automatically, so you do not need a transformer for those. However, you do need a plug adapter, which only changes the shape of your electric plug but not the voltage which is 220 volts.
12. Monetary unit
The official monetary unit of Crete is the Euro, and no other money is accepted, so you will have to exchange your currency with the euro. You can do it in the banks, in currency exchange offices or at the airport.
13. Easy to communicate
It will be easy to communicate in Crete, even if your English is not fluent. Most Greeks are familiarized with tourists, and they will help you if you need directions or an explanation. So, say kalimera instead of "good morning" and efkaristo instead of "thank you", and you will see some big proud smiles in their faces.
Moreover, most street signs are in both Greek and English, so no reason to really worry about getting lost? Not exactly, as most of the time there are not enough signs, and many streets have no names.
14. Safe country
Although the crime rate is on the increase in the last years, Crete is still a very safe country. Crime in smaller cities and villages is almost inexistent. The only crime you might experience (mostly in large cities) is some thefts in crowded places or in the public means of transport. Pay attention to your wallet and bag, especially on the buses and do not leave it exposed.
15. Drugs
Using or selling drugs is strictly prohibited in Crete. The country has some of the strictest drug laws in Europe. You are prohibited to use even light drugs, like marijuana. Tourists do not form exceptions in the application of these drug laws.
16. Drivers
Pay attention when you cross a street because car drivers seem to totally ignore pedestrian signs. Do not expect that they will slow down when you cross the street. They are more likely to make an abrupt turn past you than slow down.
17. Bargaining
Bargains are frequently seen in Heraklion or Chania and other large towns. If you are seating for a coffee and a bargain approaches you, have your mind for pickpocketing. Give them a small coin or kindly ask them to leave.
18. Tipping
There is no rule or norm for tipping in Crete. People do not expect you to tip in anywhere else than in coffee houses, taverns, restaurants and maybe room service in the hotels. But still, it is not compulsory. You can tip as much as you want or you can still no tip at all.
19. Churches and monasteries
You will find churches and monasteries everywhere in Crete, as the Greeks are much bonded with religion, there are plenty of chapels in all towns and islands.
In fact, there is a particular dress code to enter a church or a monastery. Visitors should be properly dressed, that means no swimming tanks, long trousers for men and long skirts for women.
20. Parking in Heraklion
If you decide to go by car to Heraklion, we recommend you to park in Almyrou road, the Center Parking is just in front of the “DOM Boutique hotel”.