Cultural Differences
Greece has a vibrant and social culture that flows from years of rich history, beautiful art and fantastic celebrations. Immerse yourself in this culture to enrich your study abroad experience. Read on for important Greek customs to know before you go abroad.
Dining
Dining in Greece offers a unique experience with distinct customs to be mindful of. Greeks have a later mealtime schedule compared to the U.S., typically serving lunch between 2:00-3:30 PM and dinner between 8:30-10:00 PM. It's important to note that tipping is not standard in the service industry, however it is expected when dining but not when receiving other services. While exploring Greek cuisine, be aware that vegetarian and vegan dishes might not be as clearly differentiated from other options as in the U.S. You might, therefore, need to be mindful about asking if a restaurant offers vegetarian or vegan options and have the personnel point those dishes out for you. Furthermore, it's worth noting that smoking is a widespread habit throughout Greece, particularly if you choose to sit on a restaurant's terrace. Smoking, however, is not allowed in closed spaces. Embracing and understanding these dining customs will enhance your culinary journey and cultural immersion while in Greece.
Clothing
In Greece, the dress code is generally more formal and conservative compared to some casual norms in the United States. For everyday wear, locals often opt for stylish and well-fitted clothing, favoring classic pieces and avoiding overly revealing, loud or casual clothing. When visiting religious sites, such as cathedrals or churches, it is customary to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. For more formal events, such as business meetings or upscale restaurants, dressing in business attire or smart-casual clothing is appreciated. By being mindful of the country's dress code and embracing its more refined fashion sense, you can show respect for the local culture and fit in during your time in Greece.
Punctuality
In Greece, punctuality is viewed with a more relaxed approach compared to some strict adherence to schedules in the United States. It is common for social gatherings and informal meetings to start a bit later than the designated time, and being fashionably late by a few minutes is generally accepted. Embracing this more laid-back approach to punctuality while understanding when it's important to be on time will help you navigate social situations and make the most of your experiences in Greece.
Language
Greek is the official language of Greece and spoken by the majority of residents. Although most Greeks can have a basic communication in English, knowing a few expressions in Greek will always ensure a warm welcome and a kinder service. See below for useful Greek words and phrases.
Social Interactions
Greeks are warm, open and highly social people. Family and community play integral roles in Greek life, and locals are usually open to welcoming newcomers into their social circles. Greeks can often be very expressive of their emotions which can come as a surprise at the beginning, but as long as you communicate your boundaries and try to understand theirs, you can enjoy warmer, more meaningful relationships.
Remember that while these cultural differences might be generally observed, individual behaviors can vary widely, and it's essential to approach each interaction with an open mind and respect for the local customs and traditions.
Gestures
Body language plays a crucial role in communication in Greece, and it's important to be aware of certain gestures and movements that may be perceived as offensive. Two common hand gestures to avoid include raising your hand with your palm facing outwards, which is considered disrespectful, and making an "OK" sign with your thumb and forefinger, which can be interpreted as rude. Additionally, nodding your head for "yes" and shaking it for "no" can be confusing for Greeks, who use a subtle, forward inclination of the head for "yes," and a vigorous backward nod for "no."
Helpful Greek Words and Phrases
Although Greeks understand gender diversity, the equivalent to they/theirs in the Greek language is not used for purposes of gender identification. People introduce themselves as a he or a she and unless someone specifically asks that their pronoun is different to their biological one, it is safe to go with the latter when meeting new people. Keep in mind though that in the Greek language the plural pronouns are used to show respect and are expected when first meeting people in a professional setting, regardless of their age.
I = Ego
You = Esi
He = Aftos
She = Afti
Yes = Nai
No = Ohi
Maybe = Isos
Hello! = Geia sou!
Goodbye = Antio
Good morning= Kalimera
Good evening = Kalinihta
I would like to go to = Tha ithela na pao sto
How much is it? = Poso kostizi?
Please = Se parakalo
Thank you= Se efharisto
I am not interested in / I don’t want to = Den me endiaferi/ den thelo
I don’t understand = den katalaveno
Do you speak English? = Milate agglika?
Where is the bathroom/station/office? = Pou einai to mpanio/ o stathmos/ to grafio?
Really? = Alithia?
That’s cool! = Super! or Telia!