21 Secrets About Living In Greece To Know Before Moving

As you look at this bustling country, aren’t you just shouting, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!

If you’re thinking: but I don’t speak Greek! Then stop, because it doesn’t matter!

Get ready to be captivated by the generous locals, magnificently unique architecture, and breathtaking views.

If you’re expecting the Mamma Mia-esque lifestyle, well, you’re not wrong!

Sections

1. English is widely spoken

Although Greek is the official language, you’ll be happy to know many locals speak English. English is commonly used in the city’s most touristic areas, and most working Greeks will have no issue conversing with English speakers.

2. The cost of living in Greece

Numerous comparisons indicate that Greece’s cost of living is lower than the United States. A single individual may expect to spend an average of US $950 every month in Greece. Can you believe living in the United States is almost double this amount?

Greek life is less expensive than in most European countries, but Greece has a higher cost of living than the rest of the globe, ranking the nation 69th in living costs out of 197 countries.

3. Make sure you carry cash

Money, Money, Money!

When it comes to money in Greece, cash reigns supreme. While Greek companies are obliged by law to have a point-of-sale system to accept credit or debit cards, many prefer cash.

So if you’re someone who hates carrying money, then well, that’s too bad!

Less popular areas and street sellers are seldom equipped with point-of-sale computers, so they’re compensated only in cash. Also, ATMs in these smaller towns and cities often run out of money. So if you’re visiting a tiny village or island, bring some cash.

4. Consider getting private medical insurance

National health care services can cover expats in Greece if they pay taxes and are members of one of the country’s national health care organizations, often organized according to job type.

Numerous expats choose to go private to guarantee access to treatment — and, in particular, shorten wait times. Several expat websites concur that it’s essential for anybody migrating to Greece.

In Greece, private health insurance and care are often preferable to the public option, and many Greek inhabitants use private health services. Private institutions often feature more up-to-date equipment and lower wait times but are not covered by public health insurance.

5. The weather in Greece

You best believe you’ll need a lot of sunblock if you’re moving to Greece!

It’s a typical Mediterranean climate, with moderate and often rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The country usually has sunshine from April to October.

Winters in the northern section of the nation may be pretty cold, with some locations experiencing snow.

6. Birthdays and Name Days

Forget your annual birthday party! It’s all about Name Day!

The oldest child is named after a grandparent at birth which is a historical practice that secures the family name. Then, many Greeks celebrate the day linked with their namesake saint for the remainder of their lives.

If you are named after one, or your given name has a similar meaning, then their feast day is also your given Name Day. There’s an open house feast for everyone to attend, whether you have an invite or not.

7. Avoid flushing toilet paper

Now, this may sound completely nuts, but you’ll get used to it!

Instead of flushing toilet paper, you must seal the tissue and place it in a bin, which will be changed daily. It will take some getting used to, and you’ll probably forget 100 times before it becomes the norm.

Greek plumbing is old, so the tiny pipes aren’t built to withstand toilet paper, unlike the American plumbing systems, which are twice the size.

8. Getting around in Greece

Considering how many Greek islands there are, it’s surprisingly easy to travel around. Hop on a ferry, and get just about anywhere in Greece. Greece offers many ports dedicated to passenger and commercial shipping.

You’ll use trains, trams, the metro, buses, or taxis by land. You should know that trams and the metro are only present in Athens, while Thessaloniki is building a new metro system.

In Greece, buses are the predominant mode of ground transportation. Buses connect cities and small towns across the continent, and Corfu may also be reached by bus from the capital.

If you want to drive in Greece, you need an International Driver’s License, must possess an International Driving Permit (IDP), and a state-issued driver’s license.

9. Learn about the working hours

In Greece, the hours of operation of governmental services and retailers vary, and they may even run across towns and villages. However, as a general rule, the following time applies:

Shops in the central business districts of major cities are open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM/li>
The day is divided into two sections on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Sundays are closed, apart from in really touristic locations where kiosks may remain open until late at night.

10. Drink a cup of coffee like a local

Don’t be expecting any Pumpkin Spiced Latte! (Although, they’re probably found somewhere.)

If you’re moving to Greece, you need to breathe, eat, and drink Greece!

Would you like yours hot (zesto) or cold (frio)?

Greek coffee is a specialty beverage produced from finely ground Arabica beans. Some say it has the consistency of flour (weird, right?.) It’s probably because of its unique brewing system where the coffee is boiled instead.

11. Job opportunities for expats in Greece

Of course, you’ll need to make that Money, Money, Money if you’re moving to Greece.

Working hours are typically forty hours each week.

Even if you don’t speak the Greek language, you can still find work in Greece. These positions are primarily found in the English teaching profession or as a Greek employer in the tourism business.

EU citizens can live and work in Greece for three months, but you must apply for a Residence Visa once that time is up. But don’t worry, it’s a straightforward registration with the local police.

However, Non-EU nationals must follow a thorough immigration procedure, which begins with obtaining a Work Visa. You can get this visa through a Greek Consulate Office.

12. The Greeks are very superstitious

Yep, they are super(trouper)stitious!

No need to worry about Friday the 13th in Greece. Instead, ill luck and tragedy will strike you on Tuesday the 13th!

Tuesday is generally unlucky for Greeks, as the day is said to be dominated by Ares, the God of War.

Did you know that crows signify the occult in ancient Greek mythology? If you visit Greece and come in contact with a crow, it may indicate a terrible omen, awful news, disaster, and death!

Spooky!

Like a family heirloom, the Greeks pass down superstitions through generations of families.

13. The most important holiday is Easter

Easter in Greece is way more than just chocolate eggs.

Easter is a meaningful Christian holiday that commemorates Christ’s death and resurrection. It also symbolizes the changing of seasons and the bloom of spring. Also, the Grecian calendar determines the date of Easter, which differs from other EU countries.

14. The Golden Visa program

Greece’s Golden program is one of the most popular investmentvisa systemsin the EU. It is a Residence-by-investment Visa or a permanent Residence Permit granted to non-EU nationals who contribute significantly to Greece’s economy.

You must invest a significant sum in either a Greek government bond or a ten-year leasing arrangement with a hotel or business to be eligible for this. Still, the most typical is to acquire real estate worth at least a quarter-million dollars.

15. Be wary of how you wave

Be mindful of how you greet the Greeks, as waving may get you in hot water with the Greek authorities.

So put those hands down!

In Greece and the entire Mediterranean area, waving is considered disrespectful.

For some, waving indicates that the recipient’s husband is cheating on them. So again, just don’t do it! You don’t want to be in the middle of that drama.

16. Look out for coins in your cake

When in Greece, don’t go stuffing your face in any cake. You might just bite down on a coin!

Greek citizens often conceal a coin in their cakes, like how you throw a bouquet at a wedding, and whoever finds the cash should expect good fortune for the remainder of the year.

Fun, isn’t it? It’s like winning Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket!

If you’re living abroad in Greece, expect the rich history of Saint Basil’s life to be commemorated at the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve in a Vasilopita, a traditional Greek dessert.

17. Greek people value a strong sense of community

The ancient Greeks valued loyalty, honor, intellect, and hospitality. This strong sense of togetherness has been passed down for generations.

While these beliefs may seem straightforward, they successfully molded a whole civilization into the modern Greek culture that persists today.

18. So many delicious delicacies to choose from

Greeks are passionate about their cuisine. They like eating as well as feeding others living in Greece. Greek traditional recipes are flavorful and bursting with fresh and dried herbs. The most renowned Greek meal, Moussaka, comprises layers of fried eggplant, minced pork, and potatoes covered with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked till golden brown.

Delicious!

19. Family structure is important to the Greeks’

The family unit is the cornerstone of Greek society, giving emotional and economic support to its members. Greek households have usually shrunk in size over the last several decades due to the reduction in childbearing. But this doesn’t stop their connections from being tighter than ever.

20. Taxes in Greece

If you are a non-resident of Greece, you must only pay taxes on income generated in Greece. You will be taxed separately, with some amendments possibly being made.

Every year, Americans residing in Greece or any other nation must submit US expat tax returns. Also, the US requires you to record any foreign income on your expat tax return, including taxable income in Greece.

21. Greece is one of the safest countries in Europe

The crime rate in Greece is relatively low. Nonviolent crimes such as handbag stealing and pick-pocketing are the most widespread in Greece. Break-ins are common in tourist areas and on the bus or metro. But all in all, you’ll feel pretty safe out and about.

FAQs

How is the Greek economy doing?

According to the European Union, Greece’s GDP is anticipated to expand by 4.9 percent! Private consumption is also projected to assist GDP as consumer spending recovers to pre-pandemic levels.

Does the Greek Orthodox Church have a pope?

Eastern Orthodox Church asserts that the pope has never been acknowledged as the de jure head of the church. In Greece, all legitimate bishops are lawfully Peter’s successors.

Which is the most luxurious Greek island?

Mykonos is often regarded as Greece’s most luxurious island. It’s the hot spot of many celebrity holidays!

What makes Greek cuisine unique?

The flavors are one of a kind! Greek cuisine is heart-healthy due to its heavy reliance on olive oil, fish, lean meats, vegetables, herbs, and grain. Apart from the ubiquitous olive oil, everyday ingredients and flavorings in Greek food include eggplant, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and honey. Yuh-huh, Honey, Honey!

Final Thoughts

What are you doing all the way down here? You should be moving to Greece already!

Kidding!But hopefully, this guide has given you the boost of confidence you need to get out there.

Can’t you hear Greece talking to you now? It’s virtually singing: Take A Chance On Me.