Greece on a Chinese Licence 2026: Bring a Translation

A mainland Chinese licence can be used in Greece, by car, without any international permit. Greek law has a route written for licences from countries that issue no IDP: a non-resident may drive cars, motorcycles and mopeds on the national licence as long as it comes with an official translation into Greek or English. China belongs to neither the 1949 Geneva nor the 1968 Vienna convention, which is why that route, and not an IDP, is the one that applies.

Preparing the documents in China

Have the official translation made before you fly. Keep it with three other things whenever you drive: the original licence, your passport and the rental contract. Email a copy of the translation to the rental company when you book. A counter clerk who has seen it in advance is far less likely to hesitate on arrival. If the trip continues beyond Greece, remember that each country decides for itself how to treat a Chinese licence, and the Greek translation rule does not carry across the border. The Driving Permit Checker shows how other European countries treat the same licence.

No side change, but slower towns

Greece and China both keep to the right, so the steering position, lanes and roundabout direction are as at home. The numbers are where the surprise lies.

Under the 2025 road traffic code (Law 5209/2025), 50 km/h survives in towns only on roads with a central divider or at least two marked lanes in each direction, unless a sign says otherwise. Everywhere else in a built-up area, assume 30.

Fines that come with suspensions

Greek penalties pair a fine with time off the road. The speeding bands:

• up to 20 km/h over: EUR 150
• 20-30 km/h over: EUR 150 and a 20-day licence suspension
• 30-50 km/h over: EUR 350 and a 30-day suspension of licence and vehicle documents
• over 50 km/h: EUR 700 and 60 days

Other offences are just as firm:

A repeat phone offence rises to EUR 1,000 and 180 days. For a visitor, a suspended licence means the end of the self-drive part of the holiday. Greek bands for other speeds are in our speeding fine calculator, with euro amounts per band.

Alcohol

Greece allows 0.05%, or 0.02% for novice and professional drivers. China’s limit is 0.02%, so the Greek general figure is higher than you are used to. That is not an invitation. Police run checks, and an unfamiliar road after a glass of wine is a poor combination. Plan on none.

Mountains and islands

Many mainland routes climb on narrow switchback roads; leave extra time and use a lower gear on descents. On island trips the car often travels by ferry. Book the crossing ahead in summer, arrive early for loading, and check that the rental contract allows the car on a ferry at all.

What the car must carry

Greece requires a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a warning triangle. A reflective vest and spare bulbs are recommended. Check all three required items before leaving the rental lot.

Different numbers for familiar services

Chinese drivers know 110 for police, 120 for ambulance and 119 for fire. In Greece the general emergency number is 112, police are 100, ambulance 166 and fire 199. The fire number is easy to confuse with home, so save them in your phone. The Greece driving guide has the remaining rules.

Sources

• Hellenic Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, circular Δ30/Α3/5599 of 9 January 2023 on foreign licences (art. 94 par. 3 KOK; states that issue no IDP: national licence plus official Greek or English translation): diavgeia.gov.gr
• UN Treaty Collection, Convention on Road Traffic 1968 (parties): treaties.un.org
• Law 5209/2025, the new Greek road traffic code, consolidated text of articles 20 (speed limits) and 24 (fine bands and suspensions): taxheaven.gr
• WHO Global status report on road safety 2023, Greece profile (0.05 g/dl; 0.02 g/dl novice): who.int
• Global Affairs Canada, Greece travel advice (112; police 100): travel.gc.ca