Like every culture there are different things that a considered respectfull and disrepectful. For the most part Greece is the same as the majority, but there are some things that you shouldn’t do in Greece!
If you are staying at an airbnb in a village always be sure to greet people on the street. There will usually be old men in the square of the village or old ladies sitting outside their steps. They tend to stare… a lot. The natural thing to you may be just not to pay any attention to them, but this is considered very rude in Greece.
While you walk by just it is very appreciated just to say hello. Hello in Greece is “???? ???!” Pronounced “Yaa sas”. This is the formal way to say it and will show respect.
It is a great way to show respect, to be friendly and it may spark up a conversation. Who knows, you could learn something or even create a new friendship.
The moutza is a Greek way of insulting someone with your hand. It is very simple, you just stick your arm up with your hand open and flexed. It can be mistaken for when you are waving, but you don’t move your hand. Greeks will say the word NA! (Here you are) while doing it. It is similar to the international hand gesture of giving the middle finger.
Friends will do it amongst themselves jokingly, but if a stranger does it, they might be offended and react. It is most frequently used seriously while driving. So be AWARE!
Don’t be surprised when you come to Greece and in every bathroom you have a sign saying don’t throw paper in the toilet. I know it is common to be able to do this in many countries. In Greece, though the plumbing isn’t as advanced yet. The pipes in other countries are usually 4 inches(100mm) in diameter. For some reason, in Greece, almost all the pipes are half that size so clogs much easier.
Surprisingly, even now with the technology that is available today, for instance, google earth and smartphones. It is still illegal to take photographs of military bases even from outside. They have this law in place for security reasons. Obviously, nowadays it is so easy to take a picture or find one on the internet. But to not have any problems it is better not to take the risk.
Greece is good for many things. However, learning to drive is not one of them. There is a list of reasons why driving is Greece, especially on islands isn’t preferable for new drivers. The same goes for mopeds. Mopeds are can be very dangerous on these roads even though sometimes you will see more mopeds on the roads than cars.
- There are many potholes.
- The roads are small.
- The roads are very winding.
- Greek drivers drive fast.
- Tourists drive in the middle of the road.
- Many street lights are broken.
- Most rental cars are manual.
- Automatics are a little more expensive.
- Occasionally you will find goats/sheep on the road.
If you do choose to rent a car being a new driver, I would absolutely recommend spending a few extra euros for full insurance. If you choose to rent a moped make sure you wear your helmet!!
Like in many cultures, it is common etiquette when you are invited for dinner not to show up empty-handed. In Greece, it is the same. Greeks will not usually care if you so up without anything, but it will be very much appreciated if you do. It could be anything from a bottle of wine, pastries, soft drink to some flowers. It may not go with the planned meal, but they will be able to use it another time.
Greeks enjoy going out for a drink at night and usually spending the whole night at the bar/club. We rarely ever get drunk though. When we see someone get drunk it is frowned upon and even more so when someone is so loud that they are causing a disturbance. You will notice when you are out that everyone is usually just standing in the bar/club with a drink and/or cigarette in their hand talking calmly, dancing a little with their friends. When someone causes a scene like anywhere, people are not pleased.
Taking things slowly is a part of the culture in Greece so a good way to avoid stressing over Greeks moving like turtles is to assimilate while you are here.
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