Greece (GR)
Greece is a southeastern European republic and EU member state, birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games, celebrated for its 6,000 sun-drenched islands, ancient ruins from the Acropolis to Delphi, vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, and a warm culture that draws expats, retirees, digital nomads, and Golden Visa investors from across the world.
Daily Life
Practical day-to-day information for living in Greece.
🛒 Supermarkets
Most reliable budget option; good quality own-brand products. Widely available across Greece, including smaller cities.
Part of Delhaize Group; one of the main mid-range supermarket chains. Good range of imported and organic products.
Large Greek chain with competitive prices and wide selection. Dominant in many areas.
Popular mid-range chain with good prepared food counters and deli sections.
Strong presence in northern Greece (Thessaloniki and surrounds). Competitive pricing.
Greek chain strong in Athens and Attica region.
Carrefour returned to Greece in May 2022 via Retail & more S.A. (Teleunicom group subsidiary) — not the former Marinopoulos operator (which went bankrupt in 2017, with all stores rebranded as Sklavenitis). AVE Group acquired 40% stake in June 2025 to expand into tourist regions. Good international product range.
Weekly laïki agora (λαϊκή αγορά / farmers' market) offers the best value for fresh produce, herbs, olives, and cheese. Each neighbourhood has its laïki on set weekdays.
Opening Hours
Supermarkets: Mon–Sat 8:00–21:00, some open Sunday 9:00–18:00. Small shops (μαγαζιά): traditionally close for afternoon siesta (14:00–17:30) and reopen until 21:00, though many in cities are dropping the siesta. Banks: Mon–Fri 08:00–14:30 (some central branches open until 18:00). Government offices (ΔΟΥ, KEP): Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00. KEP also has some late or Saturday slots in major cities.
Sunday Rules
Sunday trading is permitted. Many supermarkets and shops in tourist areas and cities are open on Sundays. Traditional smaller shops in villages may be closed. Sundays remain culturally associated with family lunch at home or at a taverna. The weekly farmers' market (λαϊκή) does not operate on Sundays.
Recycling
Greece has a growing recycling infrastructure. Blue bins (μπλε κάδος) for paper and cardboard, yellow bins for plastics and metals, green bins for general waste, brown bins for organic waste (in some municipalities). Glass recycling containers (πράσινοι κάδοι γυαλιού) in dedicated spots. A deposit-return scheme (DEPOSIT SYSTEM / ΦΟΔΣΑ pilot) has been introduced for bottles. Recycling rates are improving but still below EU average. Local municipality apps or websites list collection schedules.
Dining Out
Greeks eat late — lunch from 14:00–16:00, dinner from 21:00 onwards. Restaurant culture centres on long, leisurely meals with shared dishes (meze style). Service can be slow by Northern European standards but this is deliberate — the meal is a social event. Asking for the bill is normal; servers don't bring it automatically. Bill splitting between friends is common (splitting evenly rather than calculating individual portions). The term "σερβίρισμα" (cover charge) may appear on bills — €0.50–2 per person for bread and table service, legal and common.
Utilities & Internet
Electricity: DEI (Δημόσια Επιχείρηση Ηλεκτρισμού) is the main provider; market now open to competition (Elpedison, Protergia, NRG, Heron). Average electricity bill for a 2-person apartment: €60–120/month. Water: local DEYAs (municipal water companies). Water quality is generally drinkable in Athens and mainland cities but many Greeks prefer bottled water on islands. Gas: DEPA (natural gas) and bottled propane (μπουκάλα) in areas without piped gas. Heating is often via heat pump (αντλία θερμότητας) or diesel oil boiler (πετρέλαιο).
Cultural Tips for Expats
- → The afternoon siesta (μεσημεριανή ανάπαυση) is still culturally embedded, especially outside cities — avoid calling or visiting between 14:30–17:30.
- → Greeks are passionate about coffee culture — the frappé, freddo espresso, and freddo cappuccino are national pastimes. A "Greek coffee" at a kafeneio is a slow, social ritual.
- → Name days (ονομαστικές εορτές) are celebrated as enthusiastically as birthdays — knowing a colleague's name day is expected. The largest are Georgios (April 23), Maria (August 15), Kostas (January 26).
- → The kiosk (περίπτερο/periptero) is a Greek institution — a tiny street kiosk selling newspapers, cigarettes, phone credit, snacks, and often acting as a neighbourhood information point.
- → Easter (Πάσχα) is the most important holiday. The midnight service and Sunday lamb feast are major family events. Athens empties as families return to their villages.
- → Bureaucracy in Greece can be slow and require multiple visits. The KEP (Citizen Service Centre / ΚΕΠ) exists specifically to streamline administrative tasks and should be your first stop.
Quiet Hours
Greek noise regulations (Κανονισμός Κοινής Ησυχίας) set out legally mandated quiet periods. Violations can be reported to the police (100) or local municipality.
All days. No loud music, noise from appliances, or noisy activities.
Applies to construction, renovation, and mechanical noise. Residential buildings observe this quietly.
Construction and major renovation prohibited. Avoid noisy domestic activities in the morning.
- •Running washing machines or dishwashers after midnight
- •Loud music at balcony gatherings during summer evenings (after 23:00)
- •Drilling or renovation work after 15:00 on weekdays or at weekends
- •Playing music loudly in shared courtyard spaces (aule)
Police fine (€150–600). Repeated violations can escalate to higher fines and neighbour disputes which are sometimes resolved in court.
Postal Services
ELTA (Hellenic Post / Ελληνικά Ταχυδρομεία) is the national postal service. Courier services (DHL, UPS, FedEx, Speedex, ACS, ELTA Courier) widely available. Postal services to islands can be slower.
ELTA has introduced parcel locker points (ELTA Lockers) in major cities. Private couriers also offer locker/collection points. Growing but not yet as widespread as in Northern Europe.
Registered post (συστημένο γράμμα) and some parcels require ID on collection. Bring your ID card or passport.
Συστημένο γράμμα — provides a tracking number and recipient signature. Use for all important official correspondence. Cost: ~€3.50 additional on top of postage.
ELTA offers a mail forwarding service (Εκτροπή Αλληλογραφίας). Apply at any ELTA branch. When moving, update your address with all government authorities (DOY, AMKA, EFKA) directly.
- →Official government letters are sent by registered post — collect from the post office promptly as they expire after 10 days.
- →ELTA post offices have limited afternoon hours in smaller towns; plan to visit before 14:00.
- →The μπλε κουτί (blue post box) on the street is for standard mail; registered items must be taken to a post office branch.
- →Use private couriers (Speedex, ACS) for reliable same-city or next-day delivery — they are generally faster and more reliable than ELTA for parcels.