Fast Facts

American Express -- The Memphis Travel Company, 3 Aristotelous (tel. 2310/222-745), represents American Express in Thessaloniki.

Currency Exchange & ATMs -- All banks exchange currency, as do most hotels and the central post office. The major banks along Tsimiski and Aristoteleos Square have ATMs. Keep in mind that ATMs are often not stocked on holidays lasting several days and during bank strikes.

Doctors & Dentists -- The U.S. Consulate (tel. 2310/266-121 or 2310/260-716) has a continually updated list of recommended doctors. In addition, most of the better hotels can reach an English-speaking doctor or dentist.

Embassies & Consulates -- The U.S. Consulate (tel. 2310/242-905 or 2310/260-716) is at 43 Tsimiski. It offers a bare minimum of services. The UK/Commonwealth Honorary Consul is at 8 Venizelou (tel. 2310/278-006 or 2310/269-984), by appointment only.

Emergencies -- The police hot line is tel. 100; for nonurgent help, call tel. 2310/863-393. For first aid, call tel. 166. For car breakdowns, call tel. 104 (the Greek Automobile Touring Club, or ELPA). Also try the tourist police, 4 Dodekanisou, near the eastern end of Tsimiski (tel. 2310/554-870 or 2310/554-871).

Hospitals & Clinics -- The main hospital is the Ippokration (tel. 2310/892-2000 or 2310/837-921) at 50 Papanastasiou; doctors who speak some English are usually available here. Two private clinics, Ahepa Hospital, 1 Kiriaki (tel. 2310/993-111), and Ayios Loukas (St. Luke's), on the road to Panorama village northeast of the city (tel. 2310/342-102 to -104), both have English-speaking doctors.

Internet Access -- Thessaloniki has many Internet cafes, including centrally located e-Global, 117 Egnatia (tel. 2310/887-711), and Meganet, 5 Plateia Navarino (tel. 2310/269-591). By the time you visit, much of the city center may have Wi-Fi.

Lost Property -- Call the tourist police at tel. 2310/554-870 or 2310/554-871. The chances of retrieving lost goods are minimal.

Newspapers & Magazines -- English-language publications are available at several kiosks in Aristotelous Square and along Tsimiski.

Pharmacies -- Pharmacies alternate late-night hours. Lists and addresses of the ones open on a particular night can be found in the local newspapers and the windows of all pharmacies.

Police -- The 24-hour emergency number is tel. 100. The tourist police number is tel. 2310/554-870 or 2310/554-871.

Post Office -- The main post office is at 26 Aristotelous (tel. 2310/278-924). Hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 8pm, Saturday from 7:30am to 2pm, and Sunday from 9am to 1:30pm.

Restrooms -- All but the smallest eateries and bars have restrooms that you can request to use without embarrassment. Carrying some tissues with you is always a good idea.

Safety -- Thessaloniki is still a very safe city, although the influx of a rough element in recent years means that obvious tourists should exercise the usual big-city caution, especially at night, or if surrounded by a group asking directions (often pickpockets). The only area absolutely to avoid is around Vardaris (Dimokratias) Square, which attracts some shady characters.

Taxis -- Your hotel can call a radio taxi for you and give you a list of up-to-date services; there's a fare supplement of as much as 5€.