Athens, Greece Report of what it's like to live there - 02/11/18
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?
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, USA.
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?
I live in a small townhouse.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Generally more expensive than the US.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Everything is available.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Athens has many restaurants and delivery services available.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
FedEx for sending mail and DPO to receive.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
About $10 per hour. Domestic staff isn't that good, in my opinion.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
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?
Credit cards are widely used.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are only a few English speaking churches in Greece.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need to know Greek.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
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?
Bring something small due to parking issues in the city.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
The internet isn't up to US standards.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Bring a mobile phone with you. Local market phones are very expensive.
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?
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?
Jobs in the US mission are few and far between.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
If you don't speak Greek you are out of luck.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Terrorism is always a concern.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
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?
The air quality is pretty good.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Bring your meds with you.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Greece has typically Mediterranean climate (not too hot in the summer and not too cold in the winter).
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are only a few American-accredited schools.
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?
Preschool and day care services are available.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Mostly soccer.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Pretty large.
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?
Diner parties, night clubs, etc.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes. Greece has something for everyone.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
YES...this has been the most racist place I've ever been, in my experience. Even Greeks say Greeks are racist. Particularly, if you don't look European, these people try their best to make you feel unwelcome. For example, store workers ignore you and wait on Greeks first.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Travel within and out of Greece is pretty easy and inexpensive.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Beaches mostly.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
How racist the culture would be.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No way.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Human dignity, respect for others and self respect. I could go on about this.
4. But don't forget your:
Human dignity, respect for others and self respect.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Do you have any other comments?
If you are Mexican, African, Asian or any non-European nationality, think twice about having a good time here.
