When living as an expat in Greece, understanding the local greeting customs can play a significant role in fostering good relationships with the locals. Greek greetings are generally warm and friendly.

Don’t: Hug or kiss unless initiated by the Greek person. While Greeks are affectionate, such gestures are usually reserved for people they know well. Greeks often greet close friends and family with a kiss on each cheek.

Communication Style

The Greek communication style is often direct but also quite expressive. This can be a bit of a culture shock for expats from countries where communication is more reserved.

Do: Be prepared for animated conversations. Greeks often use gestures and vary their tone during conversations. Don’t mistake this for aggression; it’s a natural part of communication in Greece.

Don’t: Take criticism personally. Greeks are generally straightforward and will not hesitate to voice their opinions. Constructive criticism is not meant to offend, but rather to inform and improve.

Dining Etiquette

Sharing a meal is considered a social event and is taken very seriously in Greek culture. There are several customs associated with dining that expats should be aware of.

Do: Accept offers to join meals. Being invited to someone’s home or a restaurant is a sign of friendship and respect. Always bring a small gift like sweets or wine to a home dinner.

Don’t: Start eating before the host. It is considered polite to wait until the host has started eating before you begin. Also, try to finish everything on your plate as leaving food can be seen as wasteful.

Do: Offer to help with the cleanup after a meal at someone’s home. This gesture is appreciated and seen as polite, showing respect for the host’s effort.

Respecting Religious Customs

Religion plays an integral role in Greek culture, with the majority of the population adhering to Greek Orthodox Christianity. Respecting religious customs is crucial.

Do: Dress modestly when visiting churches. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Women should also consider carrying a scarf to cover their heads.

Don’t: Refuse holy bread or wine if offered during a religious service. Even if you do not follow the religion, accepting these is a sign of respect. You can just touch the bread to your lips if you prefer not to eat it.

Observing National Customs

Greece has numerous national customs and holidays that hold cultural significance. Participating or respecting these customs can help expats integrate more smoothly into society.

Do: Participate in local festivals and holidays. Joining in celebrations such as Easter, the most significant holiday in Greece, can enrich your understanding of Greek culture and strengthen community ties.

Don’t: Disrespect national symbols. The Greek flag and national anthem are highly respected symbols. Always stand and remain silent if the anthem is being played.

Business Etiquette

Navigating the business culture in Greece can be challenging but understanding the basic etiquette can help build professional relationships.

Do: Be punctual for meetings. Despite the relaxed nature of Greek personal life, punctuality is valued in business settings.

Don’t: Rush negotiations. Business dealings in Greece can take longer than what some expats might be used to. Patience is key, and building a personal relationship with business partners is crucial.

Do: Exchange business cards. Offer your business card with two hands as a sign of respect. Take a moment to look at any business card you receive before putting it away.

Understanding the Concept of Philotimo

Philotimo is an untranslatable Greek term that loosely refers to love of honor, duty, and integrity. It is a cornerstone of Greek social ethics and deeply ingrained in the culture.

Do: Show kindness and respect. Acts of kindness and respect are highly valued and are seen as part of one’s duty to society and family.

Don’t: Be overly self-centered. Community and family are placed above individual needs in Greek culture, and being considerate of others’ needs is a part of daily life.

Living in Greece as an expat offers a rich cultural experience, filled with vibrant traditions and customs. By adhering to these do’s and don’ts, expats can show respect for Greek culture, which in turn will help them to integrate and form meaningful relationships within the community.