Athens, Greece Report of what it's like to live there - 01/28/25
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?
Yes, first overseas post.
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. United often offers direct flight.
3. What years did you live here?
2019 - 2022.
4. How long have you lived here?
We resided in Athens for three years.
5. 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?
We had a spacious ground level apartment in Filothei with a fabulous private garden. Folks tended to live in …
1) Athens (Kolonaki): excellent commute to US embassy, far from all international schools
2) Psychiko / Filothei: this is where we lived with very young children (and loved it) - housing assignments are scattered so there’s not an insta embassy community but you’re more immersed in day to day Greek life and community - midway between embassy / schools. Several local preschool options.
3) Vrilissia: many embassy families here and the houses are sizeable (typically basement, main level, bedroom level, attic with spotty AC) and an elevator. Townhouse style, insta embassy community, closest to schools. Unpleasant commute to US embassy
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
It took a while to adjust. What may be one grocery trip in the U.S. is more like three: grocery store, butcher, produce. Unlike the U.S., farm markets (called “the laiki”) are extremely affordable. I will miss the fresh and beautiful produce of Greece forever!
Cut of steaks differ but you’ll figure it out.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Vanilla extract impossible to find in Greece. Greek food is not very spicy. Mexican food in Greece is pretty bad. The U.S. embassy has a duty free shop with TONS of U.S. product.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Wolt - has it all!
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Some of the housing had roaches, like mammoth size roaches that reside in the sewage pipes and come into the homes through sink/tubs drains. Yep, that’s horrifying. Oh and ants, never leave food out...it won’t be a few ants, they come in thousands :)
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
U.S. embassy has DPO and extremely helpful mailroom team
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
10 euro / hour minimum. There are various Facebook groups one could join to locate help. Nanuka is another website to find help. Embassy newsletter.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes on safety for walking/hiking. No on the bike question - we only rode within Olympic Stadium, streets are extremely unsafe for child bikers (because of cars / traffic)
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are gyms, yoga, Pilates, trainers, pools, etc. Less costly than the U.S.
5. 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 accepted widely however one can negotiate better cash price for nearly any service.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Heaps of Greek Orthodox churches; there’s always a celebration going on, it’s beautiful
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Try to get at least the basics to help with every day tasks. If you can learn the Greek letters and day to day words (food items, numbers, pleasantries), you’re fine. And there’s always someone around who can speak English and will jump in to help.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, however it can be done! Understand this about the sidewalks: even if there is a sidewalk, there will be trees planted every ten meters or so right in the center. This makes things extremely difficult for a wheelchair and tricky with a stroller.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis and drivers, yes. We never used public transport but many did. Check with RSO. Theft is an issue.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Bring a four wheel drive SUV!!! You’ll need four wheel drive for many weekend trips (taking ferry to Cycladic islands with very questionable road infrastructure, going north to ski - yes, it gets very cold and can even snow!)
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Vodafone super easy to set up cell phone. I believe embassy homes are provided with WiFi but you’ll need to find it, service can be spotty
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Vodafone for local line, can keep US line through Google FI.
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?
There are an absurd number of pet supply stores (and vets and pharmacies).
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Heaps!!! Animal rescue, refugee support, many organizations and groups needing support.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Greeks dress nicer than Americans for day to day things, for the most part.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Be smart, do not leave down without locking up house appropriately and setting alarm. This is one of those posts at which I would not have sliding glass doors open and be on another floor. Concern is more theft than personal safety.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Excellent medical care, truly. We loved our pediatrician, dermatologist, eye doctor, ENT, etc.
That being said, it is different (public vs private medicine) - private hospitals can max out during flu season. Try never to end up at public hospital :)
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 bad during wild fires but otherwise just fine, get out to the mountains!
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Some people, oddly, are allergic to olive trees. Allergies will differ here since the plants differ. See a local allergist.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Winter gets much colder than you may expect (particularly Feb / March) but it’s still Greece, so no complaints!
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
August is brutally hot. Feb is MUCH colder than you would expect (think long underwear under kids uniforms and true winter coats). Seasons.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Important to note my perspective / experience is exclusive to pre-K through second grade.
There’s an American International school that everyone complains about but the majority of expats attend. It gave gloomy prison vibes when I visited so we did not explore further.
I could not possibly speak more highly of Byron. The campus and whole environment is a fairy tale. The curriculum is challenging. The expectations are high. I understand, from those with older children, that sports programs are not robust. To us, it was perfect. New campus slated to open 2025 - 2026 school year.
Campion: British School, folks adore it as well.
St Catherine’s: British school but families (notably British families) left in droves to attend the above mentioned schools.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Contact the schools directly.
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?
There are lovely preschools, definitely less structured than what you may be used to :).
They all have buses though which I couldn’t wrap my head around but it works...t’s more like a van with lovely bus monitors and drivers. They practice with the kids the first week. Home cooked meals. Immersion into Greek culture.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Probably all in Greek.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
We loved it but folks who came from smaller, more community-centric posts did complain. There is just so much to do that most families don’t rely on the embassy for community.
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?
I’m a mom so … kid birthday parties. Beach meetups, playground meetups,
Yoga group, book club, local events and museums
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I can say a big yes for families!!
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Yes on the first. Unfortunately, yes on the second.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I don’t see why not, ask around for more insight. From the family perspective, same sex parents were just as included as anyone else. During our tour, close family friends were a two dad family and loved by all.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
As we have seen at nearly every post, there are nuanced race issues specific to the region
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Cycladic islands! Peloponnesus! You could not get to all the magical places in a lifetime.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Literally everything! The zoo, playgrounds with cafes for parents to enjoy coffee or wine, indoor play places (like even in the grocery store!), Peloponnesus- Gialova, use points at the Westin out there, Mani Peninsula (Kardamyli, Limeni), Corinth, any and every island (we skipped Santorini and Mykonos - dig deeper!)
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Yes! You will leave post with new traditions you adore, ceramics and art etc
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It’s Greece. If you have the option to live in Athens, DO NOT pass it up.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
It’s going to take a while to get used to a different way of life. Once you get used to it, you’ll never want to leave.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
YES.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Hmm. As a diplomat, tho ga are handled for you. If you are not a diplomat, leave behind your expectation that anything is done efficiently :)
Example: you’ll watch a fence get painted over the course of too many days, with workers stopping for smoke breaks (or smoking while they paint) and having ample freddo espresso breaks.
4. But don't forget your:
Sunglasses, everything bagel seasoning, vanilla extract, outdoor gear, beach chairs, four wheel drive vehicle
5. Do you have any other comments?
Assuming you bring the four wheel drive vehicle I’ve recommended, it’s not a good idea to take it into the city as parking is a nightmare, streets are narrow. And, if you do, don’t get your panties in a twist when a rearview mirror is knocked off or you leave with dents and scratches
