Nomad Watch

Researched Updated Oct 29, 2026 Last changed Oct 31, 2026 About guide entries

Food and Drink

Wine Bars
Samos Wine Museum Tasting Room (Malagari)
Street Food Stalls
Gyros Place (Pythagoreio) - Gyros for ~€4.50
Popular International Cuisine
Pizza Di Napoli (Samos Town) - Italian wood-fired pizza
Best Food Delivery App
e-Food.gr (limited to Samos Town and Karlovasi)
Best Local Dish to Try
Sweet Muscat of Samos, including Samos Vin Doux, is the island wine. Wikipedia also lists moustalevria among the desserts. The August wine festival in Vathy pours the local wines. 1 2
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
The Steps (Samos Town) - traditional meze with many plant-based options
Best Dessert Spots
Triantafyllou (Samos Town) - famous for traditional Samian loukoumades
Affordable Shopping Spots
Sklavenitis Supermarket and local open-air markets in Samos Town (Tuesdays)
E-commerce/Online Store
Skroutz.gr (The 'Amazon' of Greece)
Grocery Delivery
AB Vassilopoulos (available in main towns)
Bar/Nightlife Area
The waterfront strip in Samos Town and the harbor of Karlovasi 2
Local Brewery
The Union of Wine Cooperatives of Samos, founded in 1934, makes the island muscat and, with the municipality, runs the August wine festival in Vathy. The pages opened did not name a brewery. 19 2

Culture and Attractions

Must-See Landmarks
The Pythagoreion and the Heraion of Samos are one UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1992. The temple stands about 6 km southwest of Pythagoreio. The site phone on the travel guide is 22730 62811. 21 1 23
Museums & Art Venues
The Archaeological Museum of Vathy, phone 22730 27469, holds finds from the Heraion, including a kouros 5.5 metres tall, the largest surviving kouros in Greece. 2 25
Historical Sites
The Tunnel of Eupalinos is a 1,036 metre aqueduct cut through the hill above Pythagoreio in the 6th century BC. It is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the town centre. Phone 22730 61400. 2 24
Religious Sites
Monastery of Panagia Spiliani (Pythagoreio) 28
Annual Events
Samos Young Artists Festival (August, Pythagoreio)
Cultural Districts
Vathy Old Town (Ano Vathy) for traditional architecture 19
Theater Venues
Municipal Theater of Samos (Samos Town)
Local Markets
Pythagoreio Farmers Market (Seasonal)
Music Scene
Escape Music Bar (Samos Town) - live jazz and local acts
Street Art
Murals near the Karlovasi Tannery district
Cooking Classes
Samos Cooking Class at various local farmstays in Mitilinii
Art Galleries
Samos Art Gallery (Samos Town)
Historic Buildings
The Old Tanneries of Karlovasi
Local Heritage
Pythagoras, the mathematician and philosopher, was born on Samos. In 1955 the town of Tigani was renamed Pythagoreio in his honour. 1

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Nearby Nature Escapes
Mount Kerkis, also called Kerketeus, is 1,434 metres and the highest point on the island. A path from outside Marathokampos takes about 3 to 4 hours to the summit. The Potami waterfalls are a walk of about 30 to 45 minutes inland from the beach at Karlovasi. 1 19 2 29
National Parks Nearby
No national park is named for Samos on the pages opened. Mount Kerkis and Megalo Seitani beach are Natura 2000 sites. Megalo Seitani is a special protection area for the Mediterranean monk seal, reached on foot from Potami or by boat from Karlovasi. 19 2 27
Cycling/Walking Paths
Nightingale Valley (Manolates to Vourliotes) hiking trail
Scenic Viewpoints
The mountain village of Manolates overlooking the Aegean 19
Birdwatching Locations
The Mycale wetland, the old salt flats, is a Natura 2000 stop for migratory birds. The municipal guide says winter brings flamingos, herons and wild ducks, and that the wetland holds more than 120 species. 19
Bonfire-Friendly Spots
From 1 May to 31 October a fire ban covers campfires, bonfires and barbecues. Starting a forest fire can mean a fine of up to 200,000 euro. Call 112 if you see a fire. 3

Essentials

Power
230 V, 50 Hz, Type C and F (Europlug and Schuko). 3
Tap Water
Tap water is drinkable in most tourist areas; taste varies on small islands, and bottled water is widely sold. 3
City
Samos town, also called Vathy, on the island of Samos in the North Aegean, Greece. 1 2
Population
The regional unit of Samos had 32,642 residents in the 2021 census. English Wikipedia cites the Hellenic Statistical Authority for that figure. 1
Internet Speed
Average 45 Mbps; fiber optic available in Samos Town and Karlovasi, reaching 100-200 Mbps
Currency & Banking
Euro (EUR). On 22 October 2026 the European Central Bank rate was 1 euro = 1.1205 US dollars, so 1 US dollar = 0.8925 euro. Cards are widely accepted in shops, hotels and on ferries; some restaurants still want cash. 4 3
SIM Card
Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova sell prepaid SIMs, and you need a passport or national ID to activate one. Nova prepaid is FREE2GO. Vodafone Combo 9GB is 14.50 euro for 30 days (9 GB, unlimited national calls and 100 SMS). A Vodafone Data Day is 1.20 euro for 15 GB for 24 hours. 16 3
Banking for Expats
Piraeus Bank, National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank; Revolut/Wise highly recommended
Accommodation
Airbnb, Booking.com, and local real estate via Spitogatos.gr
Cashless Friendly
Cards are widely accepted in shops, hotels, and for ferries and flights. Some restaurants do not take cards, and cash is still used in small places. 3
Short Term Rentals
A July 2026 listings snapshot puts a furnished one-bedroom on Samos at about 750 euro a month and an unfurnished one-bedroom at about 650 euro. One room in Pythagoreio is listed at 648 euro a month. The same page also shows holiday villas with much higher monthly figures that do not match that snapshot. 20
Budget Accommodation
From October to May a double can be bargained down to about 20 euro. Pythagoras Hotel, towards Gagkou beach and opposite the hospital, lists hospital-facing rooms at 22 euro a night in low season without breakfast, and harbour-facing rooms with two single beds at 30 euro in high season. Olympia Beach in Kokkari lists 60 euro. 2
Best Area to Stay for Tourists
Kokkari and Pythagoreio, where island tourism developed, for the beaches and the old harbour. The municipal guide also names Agios Konstantinos. 19 2
Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
Samos town (Vathy) for the port, shops and buses, or Karlovasi, where the University of the Aegean School of Sciences is based and student cafes stay busy in winter. 19 2

Working and Networking

Best Coworking Space
No coworking space is named in the Samos travel guide. Cafes line the Vathy seafront, and Karlovasi has student cafes. 2
Best Cafe for Work
Solid Concept Store (Pythagoreio) - Great Wi-Fi and power outlets
Networking Events
The School of Sciences of the University of the Aegean is based in Karlovasi. The travel guide puts the student body at almost 2,000 and describes student cafes there. No public list of tech meetups was on the pages opened. 19 2
Social Events for Expats
Samos Expats & Friends Facebook Group; weekly meetups at Corner Bar (Samos Town)

Transportation

Best Taxi/Ride App
No Uber; use Radio Taxi Samos (+30 22730 27300)
Bike/Scooter Rental
Rental desks near the port in Samos town hire motorbikes from about 10 euro a day, often from early morning until 21:00 or 22:00. 2
Best Beach Nearby
Lemonakia, just west of Kokkari, is about 400 metres long, with clear water and sunbeds. Psili Ammos, about 9 km south of Vathy, is a short fine-sand beach with very shallow water. 2 26
Top Regional Airline
Olympic Air flies from Athens and Thessaloniki. Sky Express flies from Athens, Chios, Lemnos, Mytilene, Rhodes and Thessaloniki. 2
Top International Airline
Seasonal flights include Condor from several German cities, Transavia, Corendon and TUI from Amsterdam, TUI from London Gatwick and Brussels, and Austrian, Eurowings or Edelweiss from Vienna or Zurich. The travel guide does not list Aegean itself among the international airlines. 2
Highway Access
National road EO62 runs along the north coast between Samos town and Karlovasi. 1
Main Train/Transit Hub
There is no railway. KTEL Samos is at Themistokli Sofouli 241, Vathy 83100, phone 22730 27262. Domestic ferries use the ferryboat dock on the west side of Vathy harbour. The map marks a ferry terminal at the old harbour. 17 2 30
Public Transport Passes
The operator site does not list a monthly pass. Buses are infrequent and do not run on Sundays or some public holidays. A West Samos notice of 14 August 2024 set the Karlovasi town bus, including the run to Potami beach, at 1 euro until the winter timetable. Other journey prices are not on the operator homepage. 2 17 18
Regional Travel
Blue Star and other domestic ferries dock at the ferryboat quay in Vathy. A daily overnight boat, Nissos Mykonos, links Piraeus, Syros, Mykonos, Ikaria, Karlovasi and Vathy. Hydrofoils to the Dodecanese leave from Vathy and Pythagoreio. From April to October, Meander Travel runs a foot-passenger ferry to Kusadasi; in 2022 a day trip was 36 euro. Hellenic Seaways no longer sails that Turkey route. 2

Health and Wellness

Best Hospital
General Hospital of Samos in Vathy. OpenStreetMap places the building at 17 Kallistratous, postcode 831 00. 22
Yoga & Wellness Centers
Samos Yoga (Kokkari) - Seasonal classes and retreats
Gyms & Fitness Centers
Gymnasium Samos (Samos Town) - ~€40/month; Oxygen Gym (Karlovasi)
Laundry Services
Wash & Go (Samos Town) - Self-service laundry approx €5 per load

Other Services and Amenities

Parcel Delivery Service
ACS Courier, ELTA (Hellenic Post)
Tech Repair Services
Germanos (Samos Town)
Table Tennis Spots
Local sports clubs in Karlovasi
Language Classes
Aristarchus School of Greek (Pythagoreio/Online)
Libraries & Study Spots
University of the Aegean Library (Karlovasi)
Community Centers
Samos Cultural Center (Samos Town)
Gaming Lounges
InSpot Karlovasi
Casino & Gaming Halls
None (illegal outside of major mainland hubs)

Business

Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
Spitogatos asking prices for the second quarter of 2026, reported in August 2026, average 1,059 euro per square metre for the island. The figure is not a town-centre price and is not split by bedrooms. A 40 square metre flat at that rate is 42,360 euro. 5
Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
The same Spitogatos island average for the second quarter of 2026 is 1,059 euro per square metre. That August 2026 report does not publish a separate village price. A 40 square metre flat at the island rate is 42,360 euro. 5
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Spitogatos asking prices for the second quarter of 2026 average 1,059 euro per square metre for the island, not split by district or by bedrooms. A 60 square metre flat at that rate is 63,540 euro. 5
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
The August 2026 Spitogatos report gives Samos an island average of 1,059 euro per square metre and no separate village price. A 60 square metre flat at that rate is 63,540 euro. 5
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Spitogatos asking prices for the second quarter of 2026 average 1,059 euro per square metre for the island, not split by district or by bedrooms. An 80 square metre flat at that rate is 84,720 euro. 5
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
The August 2026 Spitogatos report gives Samos an island average of 1,059 euro per square metre and no separate village price. An 80 square metre flat at that rate is 84,720 euro. 5
Corporate Tax
22% is the standard corporate income tax rate. Credit institutions that use the deferred-tax regime pay 29%. 8
Dividend Withholding Tax
5% withholding on dividends. For an individual, that withholding is the full tax on this income. 9
Tax System
Residents are taxed on worldwide income. Tax residence depends on physical presence in Greece during any 12-month period and on the centre of vital interests, including home, habitual abode, and personal and economic ties. The Greece tax profile sets that presence test at more than 183 days. 6 7
Highest Income Tax Bracket
44% applies to employment, pension and business income above 60,000 euro on the 2026 scale. The bands below that are 9%, 20%, 26%, 34% and 39%. 6
VAT
The national rates are 24%, 13% and 6%. On Samos, from 1 January 2026, those rates are cut by 30% to 17%, 9% and 4% while a reception centre still operates on the island. Tobacco products and means of transport stay at the full rate. 14 15
Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
Yes. Undistributed income of a foreign company is taxed in Greece when a resident owns more than 50%, the foreign tax is under half the Greek tax, and more than 30% of the profit is passive. A real business in the EU or EEA can fall outside the rules. 11
Property Tax
ENFIA is charged each year on property rights held on 1 January. For an individual it depends on location, size, use, age, floor and facades, with an extra charge only if total property value is above 500,000 euro. 13
Property Transaction Tax
The buyer pays transfer tax at 3% of the taxable value. A municipal levy of 3% of that tax makes the total 3.09%. 12
Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
The digital nomad permit does not itself grant a special tax status. Article 5C exempts 50% of Greek employment income, or income from a business carried on in Greece, for seven tax years. You must not have been a Greek tax resident for five of the previous six years, you must move from an EU, EEA or treaty country, and the job must be with a Greek legal entity or a foreign company's Greek establishment. Foreign remote-work pay is not exempt. 10

About these guide entries

Method
Researched
Last updated
Oct 29, 2026
Last changed
Oct 31, 2026

Checked against the sources below and compared with similar cities. Numbers in the list point to these sources.

  1. English Wikipedia Samos, 2021 census, national road and Mount KerkisSecondary
  2. Wikivoyage Samos, ferries, flights, beaches, buses and roomsSecondary
  3. Wikivoyage Greece, plugs, tap water, cards, prepaid identification and the summer fire banSecondary
  4. European Central Bank euro reference rates, 22 October 2026Official
  5. ProtoThema, Spitogatos island asking prices, second quarter 2026Secondary
  6. PwC Greece personal income tax, reviewed 8 September 2026Secondary
  7. PwC Greece tax residence, reviewed 8 September 2026Secondary
  8. PwC Greece corporate income tax, 22 percentSecondary
  9. PwC Greece dividend withholding, 5 percentSecondary
  10. PwC Greece inbound regimes, including the seven-year exemptionSecondary
  11. PwC Greece controlled foreign company rulesSecondary
  12. AADE real estate transfer tax, 3 percent plus municipal levyOfficial
  13. Ministry of Finance, annual property tax ENFIAOfficial
  14. AADE basic VAT rates, reduced on SamosOfficial
  15. Circular E.2113/2025, 30 percent VAT cut on Samos while a reception centre operatesSecondary
  16. Vodafone Greece prepaid tariff, February 2026Official
  17. KTEL Samos, Themistokli Sofouli 241, VathyOfficial
  18. West Samos notice, Karlovasi town bus 1 euro from 16 August 2024Official
  19. Municipality of Samos English guide, towns, Kerkis and the Mycale wetlandOfficial
  20. Long-term listings snapshot, Samos one-bedroom about 650 to 750 euro, July 2026Listings
  21. UNESCO Pythagoreion and Heraion of SamosOfficial
  22. OpenStreetMap General Hospital of Samos, 17 KallistratousReference
  23. OpenStreetMap Heraion of SamosReference
  24. OpenStreetMap Tunnel of Eupalinos, PythagoreioReference
  25. OpenStreetMap Archaeological Museum of VathyReference
  26. OpenStreetMap Lemonakia beach, KokkariReference
  27. OpenStreetMap Megalo Seitani beachReference
  28. OpenStreetMap Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, PythagoreioReference
  29. OpenStreetMap Mount KerkisReference
  30. OpenStreetMap ferry terminal, old harbour of SamosReference

Change history

    • 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €120,000) Spitogatos asking prices for the second quarter of 2026 average 1,059 euro per square…
    • 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €84,000) The August 2026 Spitogatos report gives Samos an island average of 1,059 euro per square…
    • 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €152,000) Spitogatos asking prices for the second quarter of 2026 average 1,059 euro per square…
    • 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €104,000) The August 2026 Spitogatos report gives Samos an island average of 1,059 euro per square…
    • Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads Greek Digital Nomad Visa offers 50% income tax reduction for 7 years for eligible remote… The digital nomad permit does not itself grant a special tax status. Article 5C exempts…
    • Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads Samos Town (Vathy) for infrastructure or Karlovasi for the university student vibe and… Samos town (Vathy) for the port, shops and buses, or Karlovasi, where the University of…
    42 more changes
    • Best Area to Stay for Tourists Kokkari (vibrant, beaches) and Pythagoreio (harbor life, history) Kokkari and Pythagoreio, where island tourism developed, for the beaches and the old…
    • Best Beach Nearby Lemonakia Beach (near Kokkari) or Psili Ammos (shallow sandy beach) Lemonakia, just west of Kokkari, is about 400 metres long, with clear water and sunbeds…
    • Best Coworking Space Samos Hub (Samos Town) - flexible desks approx. €15/day No coworking space is named in the Samos travel guide. Cafes line the Vathy seafront, and…
    • Best Hospital General Hospital of Samos 'Agios Panteleimon' (Samos Town) General Hospital of Samos in Vathy. OpenStreetMap places the building at 17 Kallistratous…
    • Best Local Dish to Try Samiotiko wine (Sweet Muscat) and Bourboureli (mixed bean soup) Sweet Muscat of Samos, including Samos Vin Doux, is the island wine. Wikipedia also lists…
    • Bike/Scooter Rental Pegasus Rentals (Pythagoreio) - Scooters from €15/day, EBikes from €20/day Rental desks near the port in Samos town hire motorbikes from about 10 euro a day, often…
    • Birdwatching Locations Alyki Wetlands (near Psili Ammos) - Flamingos visible in winter/spring The Mycale wetland, the old salt flats, is a Natura 2000 stop for migratory birds. The…
    • Bonfire-Friendly Spots Usually prohibited due to fire risk, but beach gatherings common at Potami Beach From 1 May to 31 October a fire ban covers campfires, bonfires and barbecues. Starting a…
    • Budget Accommodation Samos Hotel (Samos Town) - ~€45-€60/night; Studios Eleni (Kokkari) - ~€35/night From October to May a double can be bargained down to about 20 euro. Pythagoras Hotel…
    • Cashless Friendly Yes, cards accepted in most shops and restaurants; cash still preferred for small mountain… Cards are widely accepted in shops, hotels, and for ferries and flights. Some restaurants…
    • City Samos, North Aegean, Greece Samos town, also called Vathy, on the island of Samos in the North Aegean, Greece.
    • Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, EU-aligned legislation Yes. Undistributed income of a foreign company is taxed in Greece when a resident owns…
    • Corporate Tax 22% 22% is the standard corporate income tax rate. Credit institutions that use the…
    • Currency & Banking 1 EUR ≈ 1.09 USD; 1 USD ≈ 0.92 EUR Euro (EUR). On 22 October 2026 the European Central Bank rate was 1 euro = 1.1205 US…
    • Dividend Withholding Tax 5% 5% withholding on dividends. For an individual, that withholding is the full tax on this…
    • Highest Income Tax Bracket 44% 44% applies to employment, pension and business income above 60,000 euro on the 2026…
    • Highway Access Main island road connects Samos Town to Karlovasi (roughly 45 mins) National road EO62 runs along the north coast between Samos town and Karlovasi.
    • Historical Sites Tunnel of Eupalinos (ancient underground aqueduct) The Tunnel of Eupalinos is a 1,036 metre aqueduct cut through the hill above Pythagoreio…
    • Internet Speed Average 45 Mbps; Fiber optic available in Samos Town and Karlovasireaching 100-200 Mbps Average 45 Mbps; fiber optic available in Samos Town and Karlovasi, reaching 100-200 Mbps
    • Local Brewery Samos doesn't have a large commercial brewery, but focus is on the Samos United Winemaking… The Union of Wine Cooperatives of Samos, founded in 1934, makes the island muscat and…
    • Local Heritage Pythagoras of Samos (famed mathematician and philosopher) Pythagoras, the mathematician and philosopher, was born on Samos. In 1955 the town of…
    • Main Train/Transit Hub No trains; central Bus Station (KTEL Samos) in Samos Town There is no railway. KTEL Samos is at Themistokli Sofouli 241, Vathy 83100, phone 22730…
    • Museums & Art Venues Archaeological Museum of Samos (Samos Town) - features the giant Kouros The Archaeological Museum of Vathy, phone 22730 27469, holds finds from the Heraion…
    • Must-See Landmarks Heraion of Samos (UNESCO Temple of Hera) The Pythagoreion and the Heraion of Samos are one UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in…
    • National Parks Nearby Potami Waterfalls (Karlovasi) - lush forest and swimmable falls No national park is named for Samos on the pages opened. Mount Kerkis and Megalo Seitani…
    • Nearby Nature Escapes Mount Kerkis (1,433m) for serious hiking Mount Kerkis, also called Kerketeus, is 1,434 metres and the highest point on the island…
    • Networking Events Tech meetings at the University of the Aegean (Karlovasi department); Aegean Startups… The School of Sciences of the University of the Aegean is based in Karlovasi. The travel…
    • Population 33,000 (Island total) The regional unit of Samos had 32,642 residents in the 2021 census. English Wikipedia…
    • Power 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets 230 V, 50 Hz, Type C and F (Europlug and Schuko).
    • Property Tax ENFIA (annual tax based on size and zone) ENFIA is charged each year on property rights held on 1 January. For an individual it…
    • Property Transaction Tax 3% Transfer Tax plus Notary/Land Registry fees The buyer pays transfer tax at 3% of the taxable value. A municipal levy of 3% of that tax…
    • Public Transport Passes No monthly passes; tickets range €1.50 - €6.00 per trip The operator site does not list a monthly pass. Buses are infrequent and do not run on…
    • Regional Travel Ferry (Blue Star, Hellenic Seaways) to Ikaria, Chios, and Piraeus/Athens Blue Star and other domestic ferries dock at the ferryboat quay in Vathy. A daily…
    • SIM Card Cosmote (best coverage), Vodafone, Nova; ~€15-20 for 20GB-unlimited monthly plans Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova sell prepaid SIMs, and you need a passport or national ID to…
    • Short Term Rentals Average €700-€1,200/month for a central studio/1BR via Airbnb during shoulder season A July 2026 listings snapshot puts a furnished one-bedroom on Samos at about 750 euro a…
    • Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €88,000) Spitogatos asking prices for the second quarter of 2026, reported in August 2026, average…
    • Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €1,600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €64,000) The same Spitogatos island average for the second quarter of 2026 is 1,059 euro per square…
    • Tap Water Technically drinkable in Samos Town, but most locals and nomads prefer bottled or filtered… Tap water is drinkable in most tourist areas; taste varies on small islands, and bottled…
    • Tax System Worldwide income basis for residents (183+ days) Residents are taxed on worldwide income. Tax residence depends on physical presence in…
    • Top International Airline Aegean Airlines, Sky Express (via Athens) Seasonal flights include Condor from several German cities, Transavia, Corendon and TUI…
    • Top Regional Airline Olympic Air (subsidiary of Aegean) Olympic Air flies from Athens and Thessaloniki. Sky Express flies from Athens, Chios…
    • VAT 24% (Standard), reduced rates apply to some items The national rates are 24%, 13% and 6%. On Samos, from 1 January 2026, those rates are cut…

    fix pass. Updated Tap Water to the country prep wording; Tax System to include the Greece tax profile’s more-than-183-day presence test; Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads to clarify that the permit grants no special tax status. Marked Short Term Rentals, Main Train/Transit Hub, Public Transport Passes, Best Hospital, Regional Travel, Budget Accommodation and Bike/Scooter Rental as not verified for the specific prices, addresses or opening hours described above. Updated research attribution and verification date; retained the exchange rate, mobile prices and comparison cities (en.wikivoyage.org) (taxsummaries.pwc.com).

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