Athens, Greece Report of what it's like to live there - 06/30/10
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. 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?
DC, 15 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Embassy housing varies greatly. The closer to the embassy you are, the smaller the house you get. Commute times are really long if you live more than 5 miles from the embassy. Except in August. There is no traffic then.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
I think it is great, but I guess it depends on the Euro exchange rate.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's, Starbucks, Applebee's. About the same in the US. But the food in Greece is FANTASTIC.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Not very cheap, but available.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There is a very small gym at the embassy. There are also public gyms to join in Athens.
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?
ATMs are everywhere.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, Catholic.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None. But if you try, the Greeks are friendlier.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Ha ha. Sidewalks are used for dog pooping grounds, motorcycle parking and trees. It would be VERY hard to get around this city in a wheelchair.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
They are safe and affordable, as is the metro.
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!
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes; not sure of the cost.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Available and easy.
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.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Not sure about kennels, but there are good vets.
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?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Casual dress.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
I did not feel concerned with security. As an American, there are always concerns, but Greece seemed pretty safe.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Private hospitals are available and quality is good.
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?
It depends how far out from Athens you live. Downtown is bad, suburbs are pretty good.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Mild winter, hot summer. Always sunny.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The American Community School is poor. There are two British schools that are said to be better. I do not know about them. I had two children in the American school, though, and they did not learn much more than they already knew.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
I would not bring a special-needs child to Athens.
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?
Very, very expensive.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Not really.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge.
2. Morale among expats:
It depends who you ask. Some people are always unhappy. I loved living in Greece and had a great time.
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?
Very active.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not really.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
People are very friendly.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
So many interesting things to see. History! The beaches are close by, and the water is fantastic.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Pottery.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Weather is fabulous! Almost always sunny. Hot in summer, mild in winter.
11. Can you save money?
Yes, but you can also spend it easily. Travel throughout Europe is easy from Athens.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter coat.
3. But don't forget your:
sunscreen.
