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d_kakavouli

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Of course, there are many reputable taxi drivers in Greece, and these days it's hard to get ripped off… but you always have to remain cautious. Some of the best advice that I can give you about taking taxis in Athens is knowing a bit about what is the normal price for your area and distance. I recommend that you ask waiters, Greek friends, or your hotel concierge about what should be expected for your trip. Before you start your ride, make sure that you ask about how much the trip will cost. And make sure that they turn the meter on at the start of your trip. In addition, I always check Google maps to make sure that the taxi driver is taking the fastest route.
 
Of course, there are many reputable taxi drivers in Greece, and these days it's hard to get ripped off… but you always have to remain cautious. Some of the best advice that I can give you about taking taxis in Athens is knowing a bit about what is the normal price for your area and distance. I recommend that you ask waiters, Greek friends, or your hotel concierge about what should be expected for your trip. Before you start your ride, make sure that you ask about how much the trip will cost. And make sure that they turn the meter on at the start of your trip. In addition, I always check Google maps to make sure that the taxi driver is taking the fastest route.
You can use this, it will give you approximate cost for day and night trip. It takes into account the traffic as well.

 
Of course, there are many reputable taxi drivers in Greece, and these days it's hard to get ripped off… but you always have to remain cautious. Some of the best advice that I can give you about taking taxis in Athens is knowing a bit about what is the normal price for your area and distance. I recommend that you ask waiters, Greek friends, or your hotel concierge about what should be expected for your trip. Before you start your ride, make sure that you ask about how much the trip will cost. And make sure that they turn the meter on at the start of your trip. In addition, I always check Google maps to make sure that the taxi driver is taking the fastest route.
We have both Uber and TaxiBeat downloaded to our phones. Per our discussions with some cab drivers, Uber is a better deal for them. But use them both, because you have better bet on securing a taxi. DO NOT get a cab from the port, as the meter is always "broken" and they will rip you off more often than not. Walk inland a bit and use your apps. Good news is that the Metra now runs into Piraeus port.
 
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We have both Uber and TaxiBeat downloaded to our phones. Per our discussions with some cab drivers, Uber is a better deal for them. But use them both, because you have better bet on securing a taxi. DO NOT get a cab from the port, as the meter is always "broken" and they will rip you off more often than not. Walk inland a bit and use your apps. Good news is that the Metra now runs into Piraeus port.
I've had the same experience, it's a bit tricky to get a good driver from the airport.
 
I've had the same experience, it's a bit tricky to get a good driver from the airport.
Depending on where you are going and the number of bags you have, there is both the Tram and a bus that you can use from the airport. We are in Alimos near the water and the express bus works great, and its only 6 euro. There is a ticket station at the airport on the far end of the B side.
 
Hey, this is all really good information for living and traveling in Athens. I checked the taxi-calculator against the Uber estimate and they were pretty close (11.40 vs 12.25). You can use Uber's global estimator here: Uber Estimate
 
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Hey, this is all really good information for living and traveling in Athens. I checked the taxi-calculator against the Uber estimate and they were pretty close (11.40 vs 12.25). You can use Uber's global estimator here: Uber Estimate
Excellent resource, I've never seen this before but it seems pretty accurate. I used it for my own neighborhood.
 
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I have had good luck taking taxis from the airport or the port in Athens or wherever else in Greece but before I get in, I ask them the fare, and if I don't like it or think it sounds like a rip off I move on and ask another driver. Eventually I find one who quotes me a reasonable rate. Many don't run the meter in those situations and prefer to quote a standard rate. I wait to agree with them about the rate before I get in. Sometimes, when I find a driver I like, I take their card and call them directly throughout the trip.
 
I've had some tricky experiences in taxis in Greece until I found a driver I can rely on. I call him whenever I am in Greece and I trust that his rates are fair and he won't overcharge.
 
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Many taxis won't accept a card if you walk up to them and ask for a ride. The way you find a taxi that will accept a card is by downloading the app Beat. Uber is not a thing in Greece, so don't bother with it. The taxis forced uber out of the country by, literally, beating anyone who tried to uber in the country.
 
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I've had some tricky experiences in taxis in Greece until I found a driver I can rely on. I call him whenever I am in Greece and I trust that his rates are fair and he won't overcharge.
This is really great advice. Everything becomes easier in Greece when you develop a relationship with someone and then are able to depend on them. I highly recommend doing the same.
 
This is really great advice. Everything becomes easier in Greece when you develop a relationship with someone and then are able to depend on them. I highly recommend doing the same.
It's excellent advice. I hope more people take advantage of this!
 
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It's excellent advice. I hope more people take advantage of this!
I wish I did this more, it's a bit difficult for me because I don't go to Greece often and can't make connections
 

Visiting the Cycladic Museum

Though I will be in Mykonos for a while when I come to Greece (soon!) I will have some time in Athens.

I will be tied up with wedding festivities on Mykonos, but I will have some time. So, I want to learn about the history and culture of the island. I know there has to be more to it there than all the parties and the beach scene.

I plan to visit the Cycladic Museum in Athens to get ready. Is there anything I should keep in mind while I explore the museum?

Unique Photo Spots in Athens?

I will be traveling to Athens this year in the spring. What are some great photo spots throughout the city? Aside from what inspires me?

I have a bad habit of forgetting to take pics while away and I come back from the vacation with a random collection. This time, I want to do some advanced planning. Some of my ideas:

- Parthenon/ Acropolis - A shot with people and the Parthenon in the background
- Food photos - plenty of shots with people - and table shots - and of myself - eating the delicious food
- Monastiraki - This place is full of life - there could be some great candid shots

Do you guys have any ideas?

Public Transportation System in Athens

Can anyone give me some advice on the public transportation system in Athens, Greece?

I will be staying in Piraeus but will need to get around. I'll want to visit Acropolis area, as well as several other of the Athens neighborhoods.

Fun Side Trips While Staying in Athens

I've been to Athens. I have done side trips from Athens. Still, I love Rick Steve's work and I found this interesting! He visited some of the places I've seen, but frankly, he made me want to see them again. This was a fun watch!

One of the places I haven't been that he mentioned is Hydra. Such a cool-looking place.

Best Shopping in Athens

My wife and I are going to Greece in a few days. We both like to shop (her more than me) but we've never actually had enough time in Athens to explore the shopping.

Where should we go?

Someone told us Monastiraki is a good choice, but are there other places? We'll have a few days to poke around.
Share and discuss your Athens photos, questions and experiences!

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