Athens, Greece Report of what it's like to live there - 01/06/09
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.
2. How long have you lived here?
1 year.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
10 hours to U.S., 2 hours to Rome, 2.5 to Munich.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Large beautiful homes can be had if you want to live in Kifissia. It can take 45 min to an hour on a bad day, although it is less than 10 miles to the Embassy. Not a lot of parks in this area. Psychico and Filothei are closer to the Embassy, less than 5 miles with lots of green parks/playgrounds. Kolonaki is great for couples with out children. Most housing is apartments, and they almost all have balconies.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Great, Carrefour is a huge French owned grocery store that has pretty much anything you are looking for, not the same brands as the States. The cost are not bad, it's the Euro conversion. If you shop the local farmers market, it is really inexpensive and so so good. The produce is something I will miss when I leave this place. There are two IKEAs here, which is great for household items.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Bikes-I was told not to bring them, but there are plenty of trails for mountain biking.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
The food is fantastic. There are a few McDonald's and lots of Starbucks. Plenty of restaurants, cafes, tavernas.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Babysitters are 5 Euros an hour. I pay 50 Euros for my cleaner each week. Some pay by the hour - 8 Euros.
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?
No problems; ATMs are everywhere, except at the cashiers counter at the grocery store.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, almost every denomination is available in English.
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
We have an AFN box. Some have cable, which runs about 90 Euros a month. English paper is available, don't know the price. Apple TV.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It would be really helpful. Wish I knew more. There are quite a few english speakers here, but knowing how to read this language would be nice.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Don't bring a wheelchair or a stroller for that matter, people walk on the street and park on the sidewalks.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Same side as the U.S. except they also drive on the sidewalk, wrong way on a one way...pretty much a lawless place when it comes to driving.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Great metro, taxis are everywhere and reasonable and buses in every neighborhood that I know of. I would say they are all very safe.
3. 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 is better. Everyone here drives tiny little cars. I think it would be hard to park a large car, but driving one would not be a problem. Have not had a issue with getting parts yet.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, I think we pay 70 Euros a month; it is combined with our home phone.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Greece has plenty of modern cell phone companies, cost are about the same in U.S.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Vonage or skype.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Very good. And if you don't already have a pet there are plenty of strays to pick from. They love their cats and dogs.
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 think it may be difficult without knowing the language very well.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Sress at work is business, in public you see it all, dress to the max or trying to wear as little as possible.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Not really, I feel safe here. There is petty crime, but murders are rare. Use common sense.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical is great. Pharmacies are the best! You can get anything. Lots of U.S. trained docs.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It rains a lot in the winter, but the weather here is mostly beautiful. Sunny and warm.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are quite a few schools to choose from with British curriculum and one that teaches with an American curriculum.
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?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large.
2. Morale among expats:
Pretty good. You meet those who hate it here, but you can't please them all. Most of the expats really like it here.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Plenty to do at all hours of the night.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for all. Greeks adore children. There are lots of things to do as a family, single or couple.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes, but maybe not as open as California.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I believe there are some racial problems with the Albanians.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Site seeing the most amazing things. Great zoo, parks, beaches, islands and so close to other areas in Europe.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Beautiful pottery andjewelry
9. Can you save money?
Absolutely. You can also spend a lot of money on travel.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Some say your coats, I don't agree. It does get chilly here. Your impatience, they do things here on Greek time. Leave behind your jogging stroller, you really can't use it here.
3. But don't forget your:
Sunscreen,books, very hard to find them in English. Sense of humor, you will need it at times. Halloween decorations, they don't celebrate it here.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
Athens is a great experience. Come with an open mind and you should enjoy your tour.
