Have you ever arrived in a place somewhere in the world and instantly thought, "I feel so at home here"?
There are some astrology charts where, based on your date and place of birth, you can see which places in the world may make something inside of you just ‘click’. We are not saying we believe in astrography, but we still haven’t found a better explanation for why our friends’ lives finally started to make sense only after they moved to Greece after finding a job at Speakit.
Greece has a special effect on people, an effect that not every place on this Earth has. It gives you the opportunity to live your life at a slower pace, to taste the food like you never have before, and to appreciate the simple things in a way you didn’t know you could. It doesn’t take anything from you, but in return, it carries your soul to another dimension, to a place that makes you realize just how far you've been from yourself until that very moment.
We’re aware that this is a pretty cheesy way to start an informative blog, but we truly believe there is more to relocation than just comparing costs of living. There is just so much to discover about Greece and Greek culture!
In today’s blog we’ll talk about much more than just a simple guide, because it’s going to be about much more than just a story about the blue seas, island hopping and (delicious) gyros!
Today, we plan to take you on a trip to Greece that we planned together with Speakit, one of the biggest and best Greek employers who are currently hiring speakers of multiple languages for both on-site and remote positions.
What could your life in Greece look like?
Imagine it is Friday, you wake up in Pagkrati, you go to your favorite and closest local cafe for the first greek coffee of the day, accompanied by a melópita (translation: a strong, tasteful coffee and a traditional honey pie).
You choose to walk to work today, since this morning you can feel a cool breeze combined with the warm sunshine that reaches your shoulders. You pass by your favorite neighbourhoods, like Neos Kosmos or Gyzi. You look around, the sky is blue, all people are smiling at you, life is good.
So, how can you make it happen for yourself?
Can you build a career in Greece without speaking Greek?
Yes of course you can! English is actually very common and, most of the time, the official corporate language.
Besides, Greeks are very welcoming to non-Greek speakers, whether you are looking for jobs in Greece, exploring career opportunities abroad, or simply hanging out with your potential new friends.
Building a successful career in Greece without speaking Greek is more than realistic if you work in customer support, sales, IT, marketing, finance, or content moderation. Many international companies hire multilingual professionals to serve customers across Europe, so your native language is often more valuable than Greek. German, Dutch, French and many other languages are high in demand.
While learning a few basic Greek phrases will definitely help with everyday life and show respect for the local culture, it’s rarely a requirement for landing an international role. As you settle in, you can gradually improve your Greek while already enjoying the benefits of living and working in one of Europe's most attractive destinations.
A lot of candidates wonder whether Greece, Europe’s most attractive destination, is the most expensive one?
Greece has a lower cost of living than you think
The list of reasons why Greece is a beloved destination for many Europeans is endless. It is a country where modernity and history perfectly blend. From the unforgettable landscapes and the genuine warmth of people to the intense nightlife and delicious food at countless seaside tavernas, Greece is a place where anybody would like to be. The best part? It’s not as expensive as many tend to think.
Relocating to a completely new country can be overwhelming and the first concern one would have before making a decision to move is how affordable the place is.
A lot of expats choose to relocate to Athens, Thessaloniki or Crete. Not without a reason - these are the places where you can enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle and develop your international career.
If we talk about Athens, the cost of accommodation can vary, depending on your needs, liking and location. Here is what you need to pay (on average) for:
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a shared apartment (1 bedroom) in the city centre, the rent starts from 250€/month;
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an apartment (1 bedroom) in the city centre, the rent starts from 400-600€/month.
Greece is known for having a generally lower cost of living compared to many Western European countries. If you want to do your grocery shopping from the supermarket (the famous Sklavenitis), some products will cost less, while others could be the same as in the rest of Europe.
The coolest news is that you can lower your grocery bill, and also feel more like a local, by going to the “laiki” (which means “people’s market” in Greek), where you can get the most fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, nuts, rice and beans (and even plants or flowers for home decor or even clothes) - basically, you can get everything you need from there. On average, basic shopping for one person should not cost more than 250€/month.
In terms of transport, in Athens you can travel by:
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metro & train,
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bus & trolley,
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tram.
The public transport system in Athens offers various kinds of electronic tickets, monthly and yearly travel cards that are easily rechargeable:
• 90-minute ticket: 1.20 €,
• daily ticket: 4.10 €,
• 5-day ticket: 8.20 €,
• 3-day tourist ticket (includes return transport from the airport): 20 €,
• monthly card for unlimited transports: 27 €.
Life in Greece after moving
How do locals live and why is Greece actually a good place for career development?
The best way to start your career in Greece would be to find an entry-level position in customer service (at Speakit!). These roles do not only offer a great work-life balance which allows the ‘new locals’ to actually enjoy their spare time in a new country, they also provide an international office environment which allows them to make friends from all over the world and explore Greece together.
Re-learning how to be a local is a unique experience, especially in a place like Greece. Greek culture teaches everyone that the “Kefi” attitude is the best way to go in life. Kefi attitude is about capturing a deep sense of joy and love for life. It’s a very expressive word in Greek culture and it’s reflected in the way people live. Meaning - even when times are difficult, Greek people will always try to see the glass half full, to find moments of joy, especially in the company of others.
Social life is very important for Greek people, they value spending time with others. It’s well known how hospitable they are - they visit each other and they welcome visits anytime - from the loved ones and not only.
What can expats do after work in Athens?
You can be sure that Greece has a lot to offer and people do not live there only to work like in the west… they work to be able to enjoy all the things Greece has to offer!
There are a lot of interesting things to do in the afternoons in Greece.
In Athens you can go to get some drinks in a plethora of cool neighborhoods like Koukaki, Pangrati, Psirri.
The open-air cinemas (“therina cinema”) are a very popular way to enjoy movies during the summer months. If we were in Greece, we would be going to the open-air cinema every week! One of the best known open-air cinemas in Athens is Thision Open Air Cinema.
If you’re looking to take part in interesting events and meet new people, you should definitely check out Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Pedion Areos, Dimotiki Agora Kypselis, and Onasis Foundation. Some of the places and events require you to buy a ticket, but some of them don’t!
There is an event you just cannot miss. Athens City Festival is a 1 full-month festival, filled with concerts, open parties, performances, outdoor cinema screenings, urban experiences and more, which lets you discover all the best of Greek culture in a way the locals do.
Are there any expat communities for expats in Greece?
Yes! There are a lot of expat communities in Greece, especially in Athens, Thessaloniki and Chania. They are usually organized through social groups and online communities.
This way, employees of multinational companies, people who relocated through customer support, tech, and multilingual service jobs have the chance to get to know each other!
To meet people from outside of your work you should join some Facebook groups for expats, check Meetup events (Meetup App) and sports clubs (like running groups, fitness clubs). Erasmus Student Networking (ESN Greece) is another great way to meet new people, mostly in their early twenties - and you don’t have to be enrolled at any university to attend their events!
We know making friends can be hard sometimes, especially when you moved alone in another country. The good news is, in the community of expats, everyone wants to meet people and have a great time, and believe us when we say - you’ll always find your people. Everybody in Greece speaks English, so do not worry about the language barrier and start saying hello to both expats and locals - you may find friendships that will make your stay in Greece so much better!
What are some places every expat in Greece should visit?
Nafplio: The first capital of Greece. It’s romantic, filled with Venetian architecture, and only two hours from Athens.
Meteora: Massive rock pillars with centuries-old monasteries perched on top. It’s a surreal, spiritual, breathtaking landscape.
Crete: This is the ultimate all-round island. It has incredible food, rich history, Venetian harbors (Chania, Rethymno), and diverse nature for hiking. You can find dozens of breathtaking beaches, mountains, hiking trails, a lot of beautiful ports and maaany restaurants with traditional food to try.
If you’re looking for a less known alternatives If you want a cheaper, weekend-getaway, you can opt for the Hydra Island - fun fact: it has no cars, only donkeys; and Aegina that is the closest island to Athens famous for its pistachios and neoclassical charm.
Conclusion
Starting a new chapter in another country can feel like a big step, because it is a big step!
The good news is that Greece makes the journey much easier than many people expect. With its growing international job market, welcoming culture, sunny lifestyle, and plenty of opportunities for multilingual professionals at Speakit, it's an excellent destination to build both your career and your life.
