What do I need to know before moving to Greece?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Greece, they said...
"1. Greece is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. 2. The official language is Greek, so it is important to learn some basic phrases before moving. 3. The climate in Greece is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. 4. Greece is a member of the European Union, so expats should familiarize themselves with the regulations and laws of the EU. 5. Expats should also be aware of the cost of living in Greece, which is generally lower than in other European countries. 6. Healthcare in Greece is of a high standard, but expats should ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage. 7. Expats should also research the job market in Greece before moving, as the unemployment rate is currently quite high. 8. It is also important to be aware of the cultural norms and etiquette in Greece, as these can vary from other countries," said another expat in Greece.
"There are no real estate agents on the smaller islands, so be prepared to do the foot work yourself, looking for signs posted. Ask around about what is for sale in each village and don't be shy. Good contacts might be architects, expats already here, lawyers. Be prepared for climate differences - extreme heat, gale-force winds. We never reach the freezing point here, so have flowers (and bugs) all year round. But we also have roaming goats and sheep and dogs and cats run free. So having a successful garden is a major challenge, even with a fence. Learn a fair amount of the new language before moving abroad to any country! It's your best bet and opens all sorts of doors for you," wrote a member who made the move to Agean Island, Greece.
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- What are the schools in Greece like?
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- Is the cost of living in Greece high?
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- Are there good restaurants in Greece?
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- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before moving to Greece?
If you live in Greece, newcomers to Greece would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.