VILLAS IN RHODES - USEFUL HINTS

Phone Home

Most public telephones are now card phones. You will find several phone boxes in each village. Telephone cards can be purchased from supermarkets etc; the code for the UK is 0044 + the area code minus the first 0 and then the number

Post Offices

The main office is opposite Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes town and opens weekdays until 20:00. stamps can be purchased from the post office and from all supermarkets and souvenir stores.

Open: 08:00 - 13:00 Monday - Friday

Post boxes are bright yellow and can be found outside every post office and in the center of most villages, stamps are also obtainable from most supermarkets and hotels.

Banks

Numerous banks and cash points are scattered around the Island .

Open: 09:00 - 14:00 Monday - Thursday

09:00 - 13:30 Friday

Closed Saturday and Sunday

You should take your passport. Cash can be obtained of VISA at Commercial Bank or on Access at the National Bank. There are cash point machines outside most banks for cash with drawls on most major credit cards.

You'll find banks in all towns and main resorts and all of them change money, travelers cheques and euro cheques supported by an euro cheque card. Some banks also give cash on major credit cards. There are also plenty exchange offices around the island (in rent a car, hotels, travel agencies). When changing travelers cheques don't forget to take your passport along. Most major credit cards are accepted in many shops, taverns and banks, but it is advisable to check first. The money on Rhodes is the Euro.

Time  

The Greek time is two hours ahead of the British time, so when it is 8.00 am back home, on Rhodes it's 10 am.

Pharmacies

The majority of pharmacists speak good English and can prescribe remedies for simple problems. Identified by a green and red cross.

Open: 08:00 - 13:00, 17:00 - 21:00 Monday - Friday

08:00 - 14:00 Saturdays

Sunday's most chemists are closed.

Health Matters
Beware of the effects of the strong Greek sun. Use a high factor sun lotion with UV protection and accustoms your skin to the sun gradually. Food hygiene on Rhodes is generally excellent. However, preparing food yourself, it is advisable to wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly as chemicals are often used in the cultivation process.

Medical contact
Don't worry about the standard of medical care in Greece , it is good. Doctors here receive first rate training and as they do not have the same volume of patients as UK doctors are expected to deal with, you may even find you get more time and attention here. A visit to a doctor on Rhodes will require you to pay all bills in cash. 
Please ensure that you obtain receipts but you may be able to reclaim some of your cost against insurance. Please remember to take your passport on a visit to the doctor. In Rhodes town you'll find a generally efficient hospital.

Buses

There is regular daytime bus service between the south and Rhodes tows, which takes approximately an hour and a half. Up to date time tables are posted at most bus stops.

Taxis

Tel: (+30) 22410 64712, Taxis available throughout the day and evening. Please note the tariff is higher after midnight.

Car Hire

Payless Car Hire (+30) 22410 82311

Petrol Stations

Open: 07:00 - 19:00 (in high season they are usually open later)

Newspapers

English and foreign language papers and magazines are available at newsagents and some supermarkets. Newspapers cost between 1.80 - 3.00 euros. Magazines are a little more expensive.

Electricity

This is 220VOLT 50cycle A/C. You will not need to change voltage control on UK appliances but you will need to buy an adaptor if you have not brought one.

Shopping

Shops are usually open early in the morning, but don't forget the siesta. Shops are open around 09:00 close about 14:00 and open again at 17:00 until 21:00 or 22:00.

Pumping 
Narrow gauge plumping pipes cannot cope with paper or sanitary products. So use the bin provided, ratter than flushing them down the toilet. 

Water
The tap water is natural spring water. That means you can drink it without stomach trouble. 

Mosquitoes