Athens, Greece Report of what it's like to live there - 10/03/17
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?
No. We've lived in Africa, the Near East, and Europe.
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?
Washington, D.C.
3. How long have you lived here?
One year.
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?
Nice townhouse. Not as nice as our housing in Africa.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
The U.S. embassy has a Navy Exchange, which is a big help. The local grocery store prices are comparable to the US.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
With the inclusion of the Navy Exchange, you can find just about anything you need here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Food deliveries are excellent and affordable.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We usually receive packages via diplomatic pouch. For sending, we using a Mail and Go kiosk and pay the shipping cost.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very expensive. If your spouse doesn't have to work, it's best to manage the house and kids. House help can range from 8 - 10 Euros per hour. Some families pay 1,200 Euro per month.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The U.S. embassy has a pretty nice gym that's run by the EWSA...at a cost.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are highly used here.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
You might have a little difficulty communicating if you don't know Greek. The younger people do speak English.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
The younger generation speaks good English, but you might have a hard time generally if you don't speak Greek.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes. No security issues with local transportation.
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?
With the lack of parking, smaller is better here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, we pay around $30 per month. It's just ok.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
The pay as you go system works well.
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?
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?
EFM jobs are very limited here. First come, first serve.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Plenty of volunteer opportunities with the refugees. Very rewarding.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business or business casual, depending on the position.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Home and car break-ins.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Very good medical care in the country.
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?
Air quality is pretty good in Greece.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It's typically a four-season country.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are about three American-accredited schools to choose from.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
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?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Mainly soccer.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Pretty large. Greece is a wonderful place to retire.
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?
Night clubs, meetings people at the beaches and Athens has very nice parks.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Everyone can enjoy Greece.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I was told that Greeks are know to be racist people. There have been several racial issues with families at the U.S. embassy.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Enjoying the city.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Greece has 200 + beaches.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Greece is a major tourist site, so there are shops all over the place.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Similar to living in the States.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Thanks to Talesmag.com, we were pretty well informed.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Large automobile.
4. But don't forget your:
Beach clothes.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Do you have any other comments?
Don't worry about trying to save money. Life is too short. Do as much and see as much as you can in the short time you have in this country.
