Athens, Greece Report of what it's like to live there - 12/20/16
Personal Experiences from Athens, Greece
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
I am a Third Culture Kid (TCK) and spent the first 13 years of my life overseas. I have studied, lived, interned, and worked in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Hungary, Russia, and finally Greece.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
I am from the Washington D.C. area. Athens is a great travel airport with direct flights all over Greece, Europe, and elsewhere. To see all direct flights, go to the airport website here: www.aia.gr/traveler/flight-info/direct-flights/. The flight from Athens to London is 4 hours and then flying to D.C. is 8.5 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
Just under 1.5 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Athens is a cosmopolitan city with a nice variety of housing available, from downtown apartments, to more spacious housing in the suburbs. Expat families choose to live in the northern suburbs where larger housing is available and where the international schools are located. Commute times can be lengthy due to traffic sometimes. On a really bad weekday, commute times can be 45 minutes to an hour from the northern suburbs to downtown.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Comparable to the U.S. If you purchase items at the weekly neighborhood markets or laiki the prices are significantly lower (and the produce more diverse) than in the grocery stores. You can find almost anything here in Athens.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Most items are available locally. We did bring a large amount of peanut butter with us, only because we like a certain brand. Greeks have excellent food, but they don't tend to like things "hot spicy" so if you like spicy foods, bring plenty of spice packets from home.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Athens is an international city so there are a number of ethnic restaurants available, although they are more expensive than Greek restaurants. Athens has Thai, Indian, Mexican, Chinese, German, Middle Eastern restaurants, etc. just to name a few. The dining scene is great! Food delivery services are good, and for take out there is no delivery minimum so you can even have a burger and fries delivered if you so choose. Main food delivery websites are https://www.clickdelivery.gr/ and https://www.e-food.gr/. The AB supermarket chain has a delivery service, although the website with the items to order is in Greek (www.ab.gr).
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
There is a poisonous caterpillar called the pine processionary that is a seasonal issue once a year (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_processionary). Mold can be an issue in housing if there is not adequate venting.
Daily Life:
1. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
There is a variety of household help available, from babysitters, nannies, cleaning staff, etc. A lot of service providers will make house calls including physical trainers, beauticians, and masseuses. Nannies and cleaning staff tend to be the most in demand. I had cleaning taff at my apartment once a week to clean. Staff can be Greek or come from other countries such as the Philippines. For two cleaning helpers once a week who spoke fluent English I paid 50 euros total.
2. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Gyms are available and plentiful, with a number of classes available on offer including yoga, pilates, zumba, etc. Gym memberships are not expensive.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Due to the economic crisis, most business prefer for you to use cash rather than credit cards. Some restaurants and other places used to take credit cards and now do not, so it is always good to call them in advance to check. We used a credit card at the Makro (now The Mart) and never had an issue. We used ATM machines all over the city on a regular basis and never had an issue or safety concern.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
List here from the U.S. Embassy's American Citizen Services website section: https://photos.state.gov/libraries/greece/38517/uscitizens/churches_list2013_updatedjuly15.pdf
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Most Athenians speak English. Road signage, especially on highways, is in Greek and English so navigating around is not an issue. The metro signage is also in Greek and English. Greek language schools are available. For example, www.lexi-logos.gr/en/ and The Athens Center (http://athenscentre.gr).
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Not many buildings are handicapped accessible and there are stairs everywhere. It would be challenging, but not impossible.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The local public transportation system is safe and affordable. Taxis, with the exception of the fixed price for airport transfer (as of writing fixed at 38 euros), are very affordable. Athens also has Uber and TaxiBeat.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Small cars are helpful since parking in downtown is challenging. Any car may receive bumps, scratches, etc. when parked. Our car is not available locally but the Hyundai dealer was able to find the part we needed. However, there was a significant delay. Consider bringing a car that is available in Greece so you can purchase the parts easily here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
DSL is available. The northern suburbs have faster internet than in the city center.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
The main companies are Vodafone and WIND. We were happy with the level of service with Vodafone. We know some people who preferred WIND.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Yes, there are plenty of qualified vets and good kennel services available. There is Pallini Animal Kennels (hwww.pallinikennels.gr) and Puppies Park (puppiespark.gr).
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
I know of a few spouses who work on the local economy as teachers.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There are number of opportunities open to expats. You can join an organization that does charity work such as the American Women's Organization of Greece (AWOG - http://awogreece.org) or get involved with the Newcomers in Athens organization when they do charity work (http://www.newcomersinathens.com/). Or you can participate in volunteer opportunities through church or an international school.
Caritas runs a soup kitchen in downtown, along with other programs focused on refugees (https://www.facebook.com/CaritasAthensRefugeeProgram/.
Melissa focuses on female migrant issues among others (https://www.facebook.com/Melissanetworkgreece33/)
Help out sea turtles in Greece by volunteering at the center in the south by the beach in Glyfada (http://www.archelon.gr/index_eng.php)
There is a dog shelter that is always looking for volunteers to socialize and play/walk the dogs (www.zofipsy.com)
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Greeks are more formal/fashionable and tend to favor dark suits. Formal dress may be required at various embassy or charity functions or a special military occasion.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Athens is a large cosmopolitan city that is very safe. Just be aware of your surroundings and your valuables. Common theft occurs in the Plaka shopping area. I have never had an issue with this. Only carry money that you plan to spend that day, and don't carry your whole wallet with a bunch of credit cards. There are a few neighborhoods to avoid at night (e.g. Exarchia).
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is good here in Athens. Many families have babies here and elect not to return home for the birth. Athens is a very green city so people with allergies may require medication at different times of the year here.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
The air quality is good/moderate. It is easy to escape the city and hike in the mountains or relax at the beach within an hour or so.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
For food allergies, know how in Greek to say exactly what you are allergic to and know how to spell it. This will be very helpful.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
In the winter and spring it rains a bit, dry and hot in summer and fall. Beautiful blue skies most of the year.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Athens has a number of international schools to offer families. While I don't have kids, families I know have been happy with the variety of international schools on offer so they have a choice on which school works best for their kids. There is an American curriculum school - American Community Schools (ACS), along with a number of British curriculum schools, including Campion, St Catherine's, Bryon College, St Lawrence, International School of Athens (ISA), and also a French school and a German school.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
See info from the Overseas Schools Offering Support to Children with Special Needs 2015-2016 at the link below. Athens has a variety of international schools who can make accommodations, but the earlier you contact them directly to discuss your kids the better.
www.state.gov/documents/organization/176076.pdf
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
International preschools are available. I don't have experience with this personally, but families I know have enrolled their kids in Flopsy Bunnies (Halandri), Junior Einsteins (Halandri), Learning Steps (a Montessori school in Kifissia), Tender Age (Kifissia), and Mary Poppins (Filothei)
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
The international schools have a variety of sports and clubs on offer.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
The economic crisis has been challenging for everyone. Greece, and Athens in particular, has a lot to offer expats - excellent healthcare, a variety of international schools, plentiful restaurants, cafes, museums, parks, and things to do and places to explore. Greece is very family friendly and Greeks make relationships - family, friend, or colleague - a priority.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
InterNations is active in Athens. Other clubs include the American Women's Organization of Greece (AWOG), Newcomers in Athens (www.newcomersinathens.com)
Check out other associations from the U.S. Embassy's American Citizen Services Section here:https://photos.state.gov/libraries/greece/38517/uscitizens/associations-list-sept2014-upd.pdf.
Check out these Facebook Group as well from source XpatAthens:
http://www.xpatathens.com/living-in-athens/networks/item/503-local-facebook-groups
Greeks are a friendly bunch so you can strike up a conversation with them about just about anything.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think it is an excellent city for everyone since it has so much to offer. Families love it since there are plenty of parks, malls, museums which plan kid friendly activities, ec. Singles and couples love it since there is a great dining out scene and cafe culture that encourages meeting people. I have heard it is difficult as a single woman here though.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I would say yes. Athens has produced a PRIDE parade since 2005 that many people participate in.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I have not had any issues personally. However, my friend who is of Indian descent has experienced racism here. The Greeks have been welcoming foreigners for a very long time, so hopefully this is an abnormality rather than the norm.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Greece is a wonderfully diverse and beautiful country, from the mainland (Unesco world heritage site of Meteroa, Delphi, stone village of Arachova and more) to the Peloponnese peninsula (Monemvasia, Epidaurus theater, Corinth, and the Mani among other places), to all the Greek Islands. Island highlights include Santorini (not overrated at all!), Corfu (Italian influence, great food), Rhodes (Medievil architecture), Mykonos (windy old town, UNESCO Delos Island), Crete (the food, the sites!), and more.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Athens has some wonderful smaller museums, such as the revamped Museum of Byzantine and Christian Art and on the very same street is the Museum of Cycladic Art (both with nice stylish cafes). Do NOT miss watching the sun set over the Acropolis and its tiered lights slowly go on. Favorite places to watch this include Lycabettus Hill (cafe with the direct view of the Acropolis) for a view on a clear day to the Pireus port and to the island of Aegina and, for a closer view of the Acropolis, the St George Lycabettus (sit in the bar area). I also like Couleur Locale cafe/bar for this (https://www.facebook.com/couleurlocaleathens/). The flea market at Monastiraki/Thissio area on Sundays is fun. I also like that area for the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art as well as the cafe Little Kook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Kook/1656666077942242).
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Greeks are amazing artists/artisans. Olive oil, olives, olive wood products, olive oil soaps, beauty products (Korres, Apivita, etc), linen and cotton items, leather (sandals, other shoes, belts, bags, jackets), fur, rugs (koorelloo is lovely), handmade jewelry, all sorts of food items (honey, fruit jams), and the wine is delicious.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Life mostly in the outdoors due to the great weather. There is something for everyone here, no matter what your interests area.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
It is as I expected it to be.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
I would love to live here again.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Gigantic car and ego.
4. But don't forget your:
Patience, sense of humor, small talk skills, sense of adventure.
