Athens, Greece Report of what it's like to live there - 01/18/20
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?
This was our 4th expat experience. Lived in Asia and Africa previously.
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 DC. Trip is about 9 hours +/- . DC - Philadelphia- Athens. Very easy to travel to Athens.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two 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?
Housing varies from stand alone, townhouse and apartments throughout city center and suburbs. Those near the city tend to walk to work within 5-10 minutes. Those in the outer/northern suburbs commute with times varying from 15 - 60 minutes depending on where you live and traffic.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can find anything. Cost is equivalent to US. Neighborhood lykes are incredibly cheap for fresh fruits and vegetables.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing; you can find everything.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Typical restaurant is Greek, but there are a few varieties. Thai, South African, sushi, Chinese, etc. food delivery was abundant - you can have a cup of coffee delivered to your house. Easy to use apps.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants and centipedes.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO and pouch. Local facilities were adequate.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Typical cost was USD 10 an hour. Nannies and housekeepers were common.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Lots of gyms for reasonable cost. Daughter took boxing classes at a local club. Great / huge park in the northern suburbs for running or walking. Embassy has a gym available for a small fee.
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?
Yes, widely used and safe. There is an ATM at the Embassy. Banks everywhere that we used as well.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
I believe there are English language services available.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Most Greeks speak English, but it’s always nice to know some basics (please, thank you, etc). Language was available at the Embassy or on the economy.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. Strollers, carts, etc. are very difficult to use on the streets and around Greece. Most sidewalks are in disrepair, have trees growing in the middle of them, or cars parked on them.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes. All safe, easy to use and affordable. The train system isn’t very extensive, but it can be convenient with traffic. Taxis are plentiful and reasonable. Meters are required in taxis.
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?
Recommend something small, but you see everything (SUV, minivans, trucks). Parking can be a nightmare. The roads/highway system are great. Just lots of traffic and limited parking in most areas. Plan for dings and scratches. Accidents aren’t uncommon.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Had internet on arrival. It was decent and affordable.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We brought our unlocked phones. Used a local provider. Much cheaper than the U.S.
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?
No quarantine. Good vets available and ridiculously cheap. We shipped in pet food, treats, and litter only because I’m picky about what I use. There are plenty of pet shops with everything you would need. Pet carriers, leashes, food, litter, etc. Shipping pets out was a bit of a process, so plan ahead. GSO and the airport cargo folks were very helpful.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Soup kitchens, animal shelters, local charities, etc.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Attire is similar to U.S. There are functions that would require formal dress.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No concerns. Felt very safe.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
No health concerns. Good medical care and affordable. Same for orthodontics; about half the cost of the U.S. Loved that appointments could be made at night; we often had an ortho appointment at 7 or 8 pm. Getting medication was also easy and cheap.
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?
Good air quality. Had no issues.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
All four seasons. Not often, but it does snow in Athens. Summers can be hot. Winter tended to be rainy.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
ACS and Campion were the main schools used. Found ACS to be okay. Certainly not top notch. More like a Greek school teaching American curriculum.
Campion is British curriculum; we didn’t attend so can’t speak to the school.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
They have some accommodations. We have a son with an IEP and they did well to accommodate him.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
My daughter took boxing classes locally. Quite a few kids took martial art classes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Medium-sized community. I thought morale was good. Made some great friends there.
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?
Going out to eat, day trips, trips to other countries, concerts, parties.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think good for all. Tons to do for everyone, from bars and clubs to movies, a zoo, adventure parks, paintball, etc.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
A little difficult, but once you make a Greek friend, they’re a friend for life.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The beaches. Traveling to other countries. Local sites. Islands.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Run the marathon or participate in the Spartan race. Explore different islands. Skiing.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Olive oil. Pistachios.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
So many beaches nearby, if you’re a beach person.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
That the school wasn’t as great as I had been led to believe. Not sure it would have changed my mind about going, but would have better mentally prepared me.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
