Things to Consider Before You Move to Greece | Living in Greece

There are so many things you should consider before you move to Greece. Here are all the things I think you should know about before you get to Greece. I discuss housing, taxes, banking, healthcare and making friends in Greece in this video.

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[charalamposkatsenis]

As a greek, I would like to point out that housing is much more difficult and expensive in Athens, than in smaler cities, like Patras, which is 200 km away from Athens. Also, for people looking for a more relaxed lifstyle, smaller cities may be a better choice. Athens is a bit overcrowded, which means that prices aer higher, in hoysing, food etc.

[isaojable]

I'm French and I live in the US and I am so frustrated with the food too, everything is wrapped under plastic and the food mostly available in supermarkets is of poor quality full of preservatives and hormones. I dream of French cheese stores with cheese that taste like chee, going to the butcher store or to the bakery for pastries or baguette. Food in the US is not the best. Enjoy Greece, they have some of the most amazing food, their cuisine is one of the best in the world.

[annastayziaa]

you are an angel for making this video. thank you SO much. I've been looking for this kind of video!!

[JYC]

Oh that’s awesome! I’m from the DFW and have been wanting to visit Greece pretty soon. The more I learn about the culture and studying Greek, the more I’m falling in love. Love to follow your adventures and thoughts!

[realgreekexperiences]

Hi Tiffany! Great video, just one tiny comment - as you probably know by now, buying (and eating!) food is a totally different thing over here, and while supermarkets sell everything it's always worth checking out smaller shops and different street markets. As an Athenian who loves hanging out with expats, I'm happy to go for a coffee / walk anytime :)

[starmaze]

Thank you. I appreciate this information. Most usually talk about the beach and food. I have Greece on my radar to relocate. I always wanted to be by the ocean., But there’s so much to take into consideration. As I get older, healthcare becomes essential as does cost. Yes, living in another country does have a learning curve.

[airmag]

Actually what you have pointed out are the very simple and common facts of living in a european/mediterranean country. Most of the US citizens in these countries face the exact same issues with very same frustrations. This is purely stemming from the clash between american way of living and the european. You can not change so you will have to adapt. Everything aside: there is NO WAY you can complain about food in Greece. Forget what you have tasted or what you had fed on till now and open your doors wide for the best culinary experience you can ever have.

[AK-cizq]

soooo helpful!! i really appreciate your honesty and insight. thank you!

[julio]

Hey, thanks for the video! Just one comment. I understand comfort food and all, but adapting to what is local is a big part of living abroad, I think at least. And given that greek cuisine is one of the best on earth, I missed your opinion on that.

[mariaescosura]

Great channel, thank you. I have been going to Greece twice a year for 15 years now, I have good friends in Athens. More recently, I am currently using my holidays time to explore Greece with the view to buy a bed & breakfast so this information is very useful. I am aware that the NHS is not as good as in my country, Spain or the UK, where I currently work and live. In general, the country lacks the infrastructure that other EU countries have and it is a shame that Greece is not at the same level, they deserve better!

[soik]

You should note that some things you said apply to non-EU citizens. Some things are easier for EU citizens. The insurance of other EU countries in valid in Greece. So is the driving licence, no visa, etc.

[muddywaters]

Another thing, makings friends is very tough. I am of pure Greek background but born and raised in Massachusetts. When I first moved to Greece, a Greek person told me I will always be viewed as an outsider and my mother who was still alive at the time told me the same thing. Nothing wrong with that but just something to have rolling around in your head. I love Greece and I enjoy living there, but I miss Americans. I hope to meet more expats on my next round.

[muddywaters]

Well said. You hit all the major issues. Thank you.

[benkelly]

This video was really informative, especially the banking and taxes part. It's definitely the most "boring" thing to talk about, but those things are really important to get right so that you can enjoy the rest, right? Maybe you or someone else has a video about the importance of speaking the language that I'll find after this; but you definitely make the possibility of enjoying life and moving far, far away seem attainable, so thank you for the video.

[nuangel]

Great video, very informative and no nonsense, thanks !

[giannistatsiopoulos]

0:31 Depending on the context sometimes these 2 words can have interdependent meaning. For instance "υπομονή" can be stoicism, tolerance or even perseverance.

[enjoystraveling]

Actually in the United States, they should also do that with a hot water heater because when you have it on all the time that waste electricity and also money.
If you do have a timer on it, then it doesn’t matter so much you don’t have to think about it

[sakisathan]

In the center of Athens there are old buildings, in the other places in Athens there are solar panels and the hot water is free 24/7

[dkib]

Thanopoulos Supermarket in Kifisia has a lot of US food items. Lots of Americans live in the area.

[crushedjaguar]

Great and informative video as always!