What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Greece?
We asked people in Greece if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"Practically everyday. I "accidentally" offered to help a postal worker with a stapler and nearly had it thrown in my face. I "accidentally" laughed sarcastically when my daughter's teacher said they were going to have a "party" relating to the H1N1 virus," remarked another expat who made the move to Athens, Greece.
"It is important to be mindful of cultural differences when visiting Greece. It is considered rude to show up late to social gatherings, so it is important to arrive on time. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It is also important to be respectful of the local customs and traditions, and to avoid making negative comments about them. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local laws and regulations, and to avoid engaging in any activities that are illegal in Greece. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the local people and their culture, and to avoid making any offensive or insensitive remarks," explained one expat living in Greece.

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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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Other Questions:
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- What do expats in Greece appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Greece?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Greece accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Greece like?
- What are healthcare services like in Greece?
- What are medical services in Greece like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Greece?
- What are emergency services like in Greece?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Greece?
- How are local medical facilities in Greece?
- As a foreigner living in Greece, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Greece?
If you live in Greece, newcomers to Greece would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.