Practical Info

Preview

• Air & sea arrivals — what to know about schedules, affordability, and convenience
• Budget-wise advice on money, connectivity, and health safety
• Essential services — banks, ATMs, pharmacies, and emergency contacts
• Hands-on tips for convenience — Wi-Fi, SIM cards, and safety awareness
• A local’s checklist — smart habits everyone arriving in Corfu should follow

Corfu balances easy access with warm everyday life. Visitors quickly discover that banking, health, internet, and emergencies are handled professionally — and locals make sure tourists feel both safe and welcome.

Arrival by Air & Sea

The island’s airport and ferry terminals are compact but efficient. ATMs are available at Arrivals and at the port; typical fees per withdrawal are about €2.50–€3.50, so withdrawing a bit more each time reduces charges. Ferries from Italy, mainland Greece, and nearby Albania are reliable in peak season — booking early helps secure the best times, prices, and cabins.

Money Matters & Budget Tips

Corfu uses the euro. Banks and exchange offices are concentrated in Corfu Town; banks usually offer the fairest rates, though queues can be slow. ATMs are widespread in town and major resorts; plan withdrawals in daytime and before weekends in high season. Carry small notes for village shops and tavernas; larger businesses and resorts commonly accept cards.

ATMs, Banks & Practical Payments

Banks operate Monday–Friday until early afternoon (≈14:00–14:30). ATMs are found in town, at the airport, and the ferry port. In smaller resorts at peak times machines can run low — plan ahead and keep small denominations as many places prefer exact change.

Health & Emergency Services

The main hospital has a 24-hour casualty department; many doctors speak English. Private clinics and walk-in doctors offer quick care at higher cost. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Useful Phone Numbers

• 112 — General emergency
• 100 — Police
• 199 — Fire service
• 171 — Tourist Police (multilingual)
• Main hospital (24-hour casualty) — posted on local signage and at the hospital entrance

Connectivity: Internet & SIM Cards

Most hotels, cafés, and restaurants offer Wi-Fi; coverage outside towns can be patchy. Local SIMs are easy to buy; Cosmote generally has the best rural coverage, while Vodafone and Nova offer competitive packages (≈€13–€20 for tourist data/calls). eSIMs (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad) provide instant setup without paperwork. Near the east coast, phones may latch onto Albanian networks — switch to manual network selection and disable roaming, or stick to Wi-Fi.

Pharmacies & Medical Supplies

Pharmacies are common in towns and resorts, with extended hours in summer. They stock prescriptions and common OTC meds, and staff often speak English. Duty rosters ensure one pharmacy per area is open overnight or on Sundays.

Public Services & Seasonal Nuances

In summer, buses are frequent, shops open late, and tourist services operate daily. In winter, transport is limited and some ATMs or pharmacies in small resorts may reduce hours. Public restrooms are limited outside Corfu Town; cafés usually allow customers to use facilities — ordering a small coffee is polite. Tap water is fine for brushing teeth, but locals often prefer bottled water for drinking (inexpensive and widely available).

Local-Insider Bonus: Smart Arrival Checklist

• Withdraw euros at the airport or port, then plan larger top-ups in town to reduce fees.
• Get a local SIM or eSIM; pick Cosmote for wider coverage, Vodafone/Nova for deals in towns.
• Use hotel/café Wi-Fi to save data and avoid accidental roaming on the east coast.
• Know the emergency numbers (112 / 100 / 199 / 171) and keep them on your phone.
• Carry a small first-aid kit; remote areas may have limited pharmacy hours.
• Ask at tourist kiosks for current bus/ferry timetables — staff usually speak English.

From years of island life, we know Corfu’s practical side is as welcoming as its beaches. Secure your cash, connect with care, and embrace the island’s warmth — here, practicalities and pleasures meet seamlessly, and every visitor feels at home.