Other

Tipping in Greece is not typically included in the bill as a mandatory service charge (unlike 'coperto' in Italy). While not required, tipping for good service is appreciated and can be done according to personal preference.

Dining prices in Greek tavernas can vary significantly. A simple meal for two at a budget-friendly taverna, including dishes like Greek salad, fried calamari, small fish, and drinks, can cost around 70 EUR. Prices for specific items like Greek salad can range from 9 to 15 EUR. Tourist-heavy areas and popular islands tend to have higher prices compared to less frequented locations. It is common to order based on recommendations or specials rather than strictly from a menu, especially in traditional establishments.

In Cretan taverns, prices for fish like sea bass and dorado can be around €21-€22 per portion, with a full English breakfast costing €8.50. Purchasing fish by weight at fish markets or specialized shops offering cooking services can be cheaper, for example, €10/kg for certain fish types plus €5 for preparation. Fish weighing up to 1 kg might have a less intense flavor compared to those weighing 1-1.8 kg. Traditional taverns often offer complimentary items. Fish shops operating as eateries may offer lower prices, especially if catering to locals.

Financial sponsorship is acceptable for Schengen visa applications. The applicant must provide a sponsorship letter (in free form, in the language of the country of application or Russian/English), a copy of the sponsor's passport, a bank statement, and proof of income (e.g., employment letter, 2-NDFL). The consulate assesses if the sponsor has sufficient, stable funds for the entire trip. Financial documentation is mandatory; a sponsorship letter alone is insufficient.

When applying for a Schengen visa (e.g., for Greece) with a sponsor, the sponsor must provide a comprehensive set of financial documents similar to those required from the main applicant. This typically includes: employment verification (letter from employer), pension fund/social fund statements, bank balance certificates, and bank transaction statements. Additionally, a sponsorship letter detailing the coverage of all travel expenses (transportation, accommodation, etc.) is necessary. Copies of the sponsor's passport and proof of relationship are also required.

When using a sponsor for a visa application, the sponsor does not need to transfer money to your account for the financial statement. Their role is to provide financial guarantees. You should submit their financial statements, proof of employment, and other documents demonstrating their financial capacity. If a large sum is recently transferred to your account, it might raise suspicion about your financial stability, especially if your reported income is low. It's best to rely on the sponsor's documented financial strength. Past transfers for trip planning are generally acceptable, provided they are not misrepresented as your own funds.

For visa applications, bank statement requirements can vary. In Moscow, a standard color printout of a bank statement is often accepted. For banks without physical branches, like Ozon or Yandex Bank, it may be possible to have the statement delivered to your home. If in doubt, printing in color or requesting home delivery are viable options.

For Greek visa applications, bank statements are required. Online bank statements from Sberbank and Tinkoff Bank, printed in color, have been accepted in Moscow. Similar acceptance for color printouts from VTB and Tinkoff Bank has been reported. A balance statement and a 3-month transaction history are generally needed. The recommended daily amount to show per person is €70-€100, assuming accommodation is already paid for.

For a 12-day sea vacation in Greece in September, applying for a visa in St. Petersburg, the recommended financial requirement is approximately 70-100 Euros per person per day. This translates to a total of 840-1200 Euros per person for the duration of the trip. Having paid for flights and accommodation can positively influence the application even with a slightly lower balance.

Insurance for trip cancellation can be obtained from various providers, including Sber and T-Bank, often as an additional option during medical insurance purchase. The cost is around 3500 rubles. Tour operators also offer this, but it's important to clarify their specific penalty clauses. One user insured risks, including visa refusal, with Reso for 3500 rubles. Policy conditions typically cover tickets, accommodation, and visa fees up to the insured amount, though no claims have been reported yet by the user.

Fuel prices can vary significantly between European countries. Malta generally has lower fuel costs compared to Greece. This difference is often attributed to varying national taxation policies on fuel, with Greece having higher tax rates contributing to its elevated fuel prices. For residents or frequent travelers between these locations, this price disparity can represent a notable difference in living or travel expenses.