The Land of  Plato & Socrates,

Archimedes & Aristotle, Achilles & Hercules

Information on Relocating to Greece

• The capital city of Greece is Athens with about 3.4 million people. The political centre is also in Athens. Greece is a Parliamentary Republic since the monarchy was rejected by referendum 8 December 1974.

• Languages: The languages spoken is Greek 99% (Ellenika). Most people connected with tourism and those of a younger generation will speak some English, German, Italian or French. The TV programs are mainly in Greek, but foreign movies are shown in original language with Greek subtitles.

• Population: The population is about 11.1 million people - 98% are Greek and 2% other. The Greek Government states there are no ethnic divisions in Greece.

• Expat areas: Popular areas for the Expat community is Athens and it's suburbs. Some prefer the northern suburbs (Ekali, Kifisia, Politeia) for the cooler climate and others choose to live close to the sea in the southern suburbs (Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni). In the centre of Athens the most fashionable areas are Kolonaki and Lycabettus.

• Housing: Generally it is not difficult to find available properties in the Athens area. Especially furnished accommodation of good standard can be hard to find.  Most Expats rent their houses or apartments but some buy their homes. Both options are available and will be looked at with you, but mainly depend on your company relocation policy, income, and the length of your stay.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment. The rent can be anywhere between Euro 1500 - Euro 3500 for an apartment and Euro 4000 - Euro 6000 and higher for a house. The local currency is EURO.

• Schools: There are several international and foreign schools in the Athens area. Some follow the American and some follow the British school system but they all offer the IB program. There is also a German and a French school. Most of the schools are located in the northern suburbs. Depending on your requirements we can help you choose the most appropriate school

• Transportation: Greece has an good public transport system. Our relocation consultants can inform you of the different ways to get around, ticket system and last but not least about the “rules” of the unique taxi-system.

• Bank: The banks are open Monday-Thursday from 8.00 am - 2.30 pm and on Friday from 8.00 am - 2.00 pm. Banks on the larger islands tend to stay open in the afternoon and some during the evening to offer currency exchange facilities during the tourist season.

• Shopping: These vary according to the season, location and type of shop, but a rough guide follows: Mon, Wed, and Sat 9.00am – 2.30pm, Tues, Thurs and Fri 9.00am – 2.30pm and 5.30pm – 8.30pm. Most holiday resort shops stay open late in the evening. Note: (a) Visitors should be aware that many ‘antiques' sold to tourists are fake; it is illegal to export any item of real antiquity without a special permit from the Export Department of the Ministry of Culture. (b) Non-EU citizens can get a refund on Greek VAT (4% on books and 18% on nearly everything else); the process is fairly complex, but well worth it. Non-EU visitors may buy goods from certain shops bearing the sign ‘Member of the Tax-Free Club' and have the VAT refunded, in cash, at special refund points at the airport. Ask store owners and tourist information offices for details.

• Climate: Greece has a warm Mediterranean climate. In summer, dry hot days are often relieved by stiff breezes, especially in the north and coastal areas. The evenings are cool. Winters are mild in the south but much colder in the north. From November to March is the rainy season.

• Culture: When you visit Greece you will find the Greeks to be well aware of a strong historical and cultural heritage. Traditions and customs differ throughout Greece, but overall a strong sense of unity prevails. The Greek Orthodox Church has a strong traditional influence on the Greek way of life, especially in more rural areas. Principal museums devoted to Greek antiquities include the National Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Museum, and the Acropolis Museum, all in Athens. Traditional Greek dances such as the Hasapiko, the Tsamiko, and the Kalamatiano continue to be performed at weddings and other celebrations.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Years day; January 6th-Epiphany; Orthodox Shrove Monday-(date vary); March 25th-Independence Day; Easter Sunday & Easter Monday-(dates vary); May 1st-Labor day; Day of the Holy Spirit-(date vary); August 15th-Assumption;  October 28th-Ochi Day; December 25th-26th-Christmas day.