Best Tips for People Planning to Move to Greece

Choosing the Right Place

When planning a move to Greece, one of the most important aspects is choosing where to live. There are several factors to consider when deciding on a place in Greece. First, think about the lifestyle you want to have. Do you prefer living in a big city or a small town? Would you like to be near the beach or in the mountains? Once you've determined your lifestyle, you can start narrowing down options. You should also consider your budget. If you're looking for cheaper real estate, it might be worth considering living in smaller cities or outside of Athens. Regardless of your budget and preferences, Greece has a suitable place for you!

Renting or Buying Property

Whether you're looking for a vacation spot or want to experience life in another country, Greece is an excellent choice. But before you start packing your things, you need to decide whether to rent or buy property through a reliable real estate agent like Elxis – At Home in Greece. Each option has its pros and cons, so it's important to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision. For example, if you have a limited budget, renting might be the best option for you. Real estate prices can vary significantly depending on location in Greece, so make sure to research before making any decisions. Also consider the length of your stay. Are you planning a long-term residence in Greece or do you think you'll only be there for a few years? If you're unsure about the duration of your stay, renting offers more flexibility. However, if you know Greece will be your permanent home — start looking for suitable places to settle down!

Dealing with Greek Bureaucracy

Greece is a beautiful country to live in, but it's also known for its bureaucracy. If you're planning to move to Greece, here are some tips on dealing with the bureaucratic process:

• Be prepared to fill out many forms. When applying for a visa or residence permit, as well as opening a bank account, you'll need to complete numerous forms and documents. Make sure you have all necessary paperwork before starting the process.
• Allow enough time. Don't expect quick results when working with Greek bureaucracy. The process can be slow and frustrating, so patience is key.
• Be ready to pay fees. Many administrative tasks in Greece require payment of fees, so ensure you have sufficient funds to cover these expenses.
• Seek help if needed. If you feel overwhelmed by the process, there are organizations that can provide support, such as the Office for the Protection of Citizens' Rights.

Cost of Living in Greece

Greece is an excellent place to live, but it can also be expensive. The cost of living in Greece may vary depending on your lifestyle and where you choose to live. Here are some tips that will help manage your finances effectively in Greece:

Making Friends and Integrating into Society

When moving to any new country, an important step is making friends and adapting to the new environment. This can be harder than it seems, but there are several ways to make this easier. Here are some tips:

• Get acquainted with neighbors. Meeting people who live nearby is a great way to make friends and feel part of the community.
• Join clubs or groups. Greece has many clubs and communities centered around hobbies, interests, or charity work. Joining one can help you meet people with shared interests and form friendships more easily.
• Attend local events. From festivals to concerts and sports matches — there's always something happening in Greece. Participating in local events is a great way to meet new people and have fun.

Understanding Cultural Norms

Before arriving, it's important to learn and understand the cultural norms of the country. Greeks are proud of their culture and traditions, which can be quite traditional. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Family matters. Greeks usually live close to relatives and place great value on family ties.
• Religion also plays a role. Greece is predominantly Orthodox, and religion has a significant impact on daily life.
• Greeks value personal relationships. They tend to form strong bonds with friends and family members, often staying in touch even after moving.
• Greeks are passionate people. They're known for their emotional expressiveness, both verbally and physically. This can sometimes lead to lively debates but is part of the culture!
• Greeks love food and drinks! They enjoy spending time socializing during meals and parties, so be prepared for long fun evenings!

Learning Basic Greek Language

Similarly, if you're planning to move to Greece, it's a good idea to learn basic Greek. Even if you don't intend to speak fluently, knowing key phrases will help you adjust more easily to life in Greece. Here are some tips for learning Greek:

• Start by learning the alphabet. Knowing the Greek alphabet will allow you to read signs, menus, and other texts.
• Study common phrases and vocabulary. Knowing how to say hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and other basic expressions will be useful in many situations.
• Don't fear practicing with native speakers. Greeks are usually very tolerant of foreigners trying to speak their language.
• Listen to Greek music and watch Greek movies or series. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with conversational Greek.

How to Find Work in Greece

Finally, Greece is a beautiful country offering much: from stunning beaches to delicious food. While finding work in Greece might seem challenging, it is definitely possible with hard work and persistence. Here are our main tips for getting a job in Greece:

Move to Greece Today!

Moving to Greece can be an exciting adventure and a great way to experience new culture and lifestyle. We hope the tips from this article have given you confidence in moving forward with your plans if you're considering relocating there. Remember: don't rush, spend time thoroughly researching options before making decisions and use these tips as a guide throughout the entire process. Good luck!