Athens, Greece Report of what it's like to live there - 12/27/08
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?
No, I have also lived elsewhere in Europe and Asia.
2. How long have you lived here?
Six months.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Associated with the U.S. Embassy.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Usually apartments. The farther you get from the Embassy, the nicer they get.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can get most stuff here that's available in the USA, but costs are about 50% higher.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Ink jet cartridges, cereals, soups, and more clothes.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Plenty of cheap places specializing in gyros, etc., and more expensive restaurants that charge 20 Euros for spaghetti. Not much in between.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
An APO is available for embassy personnel.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
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?
Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, but for limited denominations. Not many choices for Protestants.
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
There are a few weeklies available at kiosks.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You can't drive here without being able to at least read the Greek alphabet.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Plenty -- the sidewalks often have cars parked on them, forcing pedestrians into the streets.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes on both counts. The Metro is a good bargain.
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?
Don't bring an SUV here -- you don't need one and it will be hard to navigate the tiny streets and park.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, starting around twenty Euros per month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Widely available. Get a pay-as-you-go one to save money.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Skype or phone cards.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
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?
So so. It helps if you can speak Greek.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Not as formal as in more European places such as Paris.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate (minor smog).
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes, there are anti-American terrorist groups here (worst in Europe) and frequent demonstrations directed against the U.S. Embassy or the local authorities. Street crime doesn't go much beyond pickpocketing or purse snatching, though.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
You can drink the water here, although it's sometimes brown.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
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:
Surprisingly, not that good since many were expecting a more European experience.
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?
There are a lot of embassy parties. Other than those, you're pretty much on your own.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes on all counts. Single women often date Greeks and seem to like it better here than single men. The local women are not as attractive as other Europeans to most men.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I think so.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
The Greeks don't like people from neighboring countries (especially Albania and Macedonia) much and blame them for crime, riots, etc.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Tour the ruins of this once-great civilization. Visit nearby Europe (Greece is more like Middle-East light). Try Greek food (quite good). Go to the Greek islands (much nicer than Athens).
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not much other than touring. The Greeks don't produce much besides anarchists, booze, and olive oil.
9. Can you save money?
Yes, if you don't go out much.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. There are easier places to live in Europe, however.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Dreams that the Greeks are deep thinkers or philosophers. Those people are long gone. The modern Greeks are basically ungovernable and riot at the drop of a hat.
3. But don't forget your:
Patience. Nothing happens quickly here. Even the demonstrations and (very frequent) transportation strikes are usually planned days in advance.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
7. Do you have any other comments?
As of this writing, the Greeks have been rioting for several weeks after a local youth was shot while throwing firebombs at the police. It looks like the worst is over now, after 1.5 billion Euros in riot damage.
