Greece is an ideal country for recreation, the sun shines almost all year round, you can swim in three different seas, and legends are made up about the hospitality of the people. In addition, even in large cities in Greece, the value of real estate is low, and local products are pleased with the quality and price.
However, life in Greece has not only a number of advantages, in recent years the situation in the country is constantly changing, and it is already not clear whether it is so good to live in this warm land.
Paradise climate
Among the advantages of living in Greece, its Mediterranean climate with mild winters and dry hot summers immediately comes to mind. Of course, the weather is slightly different in different climatic zones of the country, but compared to our harsh winters, Greece is a real warm paradise.
According to statistics, the number of sunny days in Greece is approaching three hundred, and the average winter temperature in the country is +10 ° . Summer is very dry and humid; the heat is most difficult in large cities, where there is no refreshing wind. It is most pleasant to spend the hot months on the coast, and this can be attributed to the minuses of life in Greece. There is too much temptation to give up such a hard-found job and go where the fresh sea breeze blows. Although, if you find a job in the field of tourism, these desires can be combined.
The climate of Greece is not suitable for people with serious pulmonary diseases. And there is one more nuance: in the winter the apartments are unusually cold. It is not customary to heat the country heavily, and additional electric batteries will be quite expensive.
Nobody is in a hurry
Greeks are inherently very emotional and expressive. Sometimes it seems that the people they met have arranged a serious skirmish, but in fact they are just discussing the news.
However, according to reviews of life in Greece, everything is done very slowly here. You need to be prepared for the fact that the order in the cafe will be submitted late, and many stores are open until 16 hours. In places visited by tourists, the working day can continue until 18:00. Although there is constant peace and tranquility in the air, you can wait ...
In small towns, institutions completely close during the siesta, from 14:00 to 16:30. It seems that the Greeks do not really like to work. The summer heat could serve as a justification for such a schedule, but in fact they finish work too early.
The slowness inherent in the Greeks is manifested not only in the service. You can simply forget about punctuality - it’s considered normal for residents of the country to be late for an hour or reschedule a meeting 5 minutes before it starts.
Workers in official institutions are not in a hurry. The deadlines for issuing the necessary documents and certificates will be postponed, often without explanation. The level of bureaucracy in Greece affects even our citizens, who seem to be familiar with everything.
The nuances of the device to work
In the past few years, illegal migrants have literally filled the country. The government, and in the best of years not strongly supporting immigrants, has practically reduced benefits.
Greece takes labor migration very seriously. In addition to quotas and restrictions on the entry of foreign citizens into the country, each company must adhere to a ratio of Greeks and migrants as 10: 1. Therefore, before moving to Greece, you should preoccupy yourself with a job search.
According to reviews, life for Russians in Greece is hindered by attitudes toward our education. Diplomas of most universities in Russia are not quoted, the qualifications will have to be confirmed. It’s even better to pre-register for Greek continuing education courses.
Without knowledge of languages, getting a decent job will not work. Moreover, a good level of English will not be enough, you will have to learn Greek. And this language, despite its beauty and melodiousness, is quite difficult to learn.
Good knowledge of languages, you can find a job in the field of tourism. This type of activity is popular throughout the country, except for the remote islands, and charming active workers are always in demand. But you need to be prepared for the fact that the level of salary will be lower than that of a Greek who holds a similar position.
Despite unemployment and the low standard of living of the population of Greece, local residents do not get low-paid jobs, leaving them to migrants. Therefore, in Greece you can always find work in the agricultural sector: picking citrus fruits or caring for animals on farms. They will not require excellent knowledge of the language and confirmation of a diploma.
A good education
Among the advantages of living in Greece is the opportunity to get a decent education. Several Greek universities are among the top 100 best universities in the world, and anyone can get a quality education, regardless of origin.
Education in many universities is conducted in English, and for visitors who do not speak Greek, special language courses are organized.
As a result, after graduation, the former student becomes a sought-after specialist with a diploma of a European level and the opportunity to work in any of the countries of Europe.
Due to the standard of living in Greece, the cost of training is relatively low. For example, studying in Germany or France will be much more expensive. In addition, most universities offer foreign students accommodation in a comfortable hostel for a nominal fee.
The state is interested in qualified specialists, therefore in Greece there is a student support program. It includes medical insurance on special conditions, reduced fare on public transport and visits to museums. An internship abroad and a guaranteed right to get a job in Greece are possible.
Sophisticated tax system
Not a very high standard of living in Greece is caused not only by the recent crisis, but also by the reluctance of residents to pay taxes voluntarily. In defense of the Greeks, it should be said that tax revenues in the country are quite high. Moreover, they must be paid by both citizens of the country and foreigners with real estate or doing business in Greece.
Therefore, the government has to refine and invent new ways of obtaining funds. For example, in Greece it is impossible to buy a car without paying a tax for it. Moreover, the class of the vehicle will depend on the income level of the owner. Property tax is imposed on even empty land and unfinished houses. And the interest rate of income tax is unbearably high, especially for small businesses.
The medicine
By the level of care for its citizens, Greece is in the first 30 countries of the world ranking. Here, medical care is very well developed, from insurance cases to emergency care.
The services of doctors are paid and free. Speaking of quality, in order to obtain the right to open a private practice, the doctor must work for at least seven years in a public hospital.
When planning to move to Greece, you should immediately consider the issue of obtaining medical insurance, otherwise problems may arise. Of course, first aid will be provided without insurance, and then you will have to contact private clinics.
There are many of them, and this is a separate sad topic. Often the cost of services does not correspond to the standard of living in Greece, a specialist consultation can cost more than 100 euros. And this is without analysis and the necessary procedures.
Ecology
After the megalopolises of our country, the air of Greece is striking in its transparency. An increased level of pollution is observed only in large Athens and Thessaloniki, in the rest of the area everything is in order. Despite the crisis, the government continues to take care of the environment.
There are no large factories or nuclear power plants in the country that threaten the safety of residents. Peach orchards, olive groves, vineyards on the sunny slopes - everything in Greece breathes purity and peace.
Yes, and the Greeks themselves are pathological cleanlings - garbage is not visible on the city streets, the facades of houses are smart and neat. Thanks to nature and respect for it in the country, there are a lot of centenarians. The average life expectancy here is 70 years for men and 81 for women. Of course, this is a definite plus when choosing a life in Greece.
Inexpensive quality products
Thanks to the generous southern sun and warm climate, agriculture in Greece is almost perfect. In addition, most products are produced on small family farms, where the main criterion is environmental cleanliness and following family recipes.
It is in Greece that delicious olives grow, from which oil is made according to old recipes. A stunning feta cheese has recently become a recognized Greek symbol. In the traditional cuisine of the country, cheeses, especially tender feta, occupy a special place, they are added to many dishes or enjoyed separately.
Surprisingly, in Greece it is impossible to buy yesterday’s bread, this is simply not accepted. Fruits and vegetables are also always fresh, often from the nearest farms. Due to the crisis that the country is experiencing, food prices have declined, although the choice has remained unchanged.
Among the pros and cons of Russian life in Greece, it is worth noting the features of the cuisine of this country. It is not customary to eat a lot of meat, and the Greeks especially do not know how to cook it. But fish dishes can, without a doubt, be ordered in any tavern, the taste will be fantastic.
Sweets and wine
Winemaking in Greece dates back to ancient times, so the wines of this country are filled with sunny aroma and originality. Winemakers are proud that the famous date of manufacture of the first Greek wine exceeds six thousand years! In total, more than a thousand varieties of wine are produced in the country, priced from 2 to 40 euros.
Greeks are famous sweet tooth, and most desserts are prepared on the basis of the famous Greek honey. Traditional pastries from multilayer dough, sprinkled with honey and stuffed with nuts, literally melt in your mouth. All kinds of cakes, pastries, local ice cream - it is impossible to resist. Locals are good-natured and hospitable people, so in a cafe a small dessert can be added to the ordered cup of coffee. Not including in the bill, just as a gift.
Common religion
Historically, our peoples have fairly extensive economic and cultural ties. In addition, the majority of Greeks profess Orthodoxy, the mentality of the inhabitants is largely formed by faith. For the most part, residents of the country are tolerant of the mistakes of visitors, most importantly, they do not behave very defiantly.
Surprisingly, the inhabitants of this country believe that after the end of earthly life, paradise awaits them all. In some ways, these expectations are justified, because where else can a resident of Greece get to.
More than 95% of the Greek population are baptized, but faith is more important to them than the fulfillment of church ordinances. Although there are exceptions: marriage in this country is taken very seriously, a wedding is equivalent to state registration of family status. Of the minuses of living in Greece - to get a divorce here is almost impossible.
Customs and Superstition
In this country, it is not customary to go empty-handed; guests usually bring fruit or pastries with them. The feast among the Greeks is plentiful and lasts a very long time. Often folk dances and songs are used, because most residents love to dance.
Among the pros or cons of living in Greece are frequent physical contacts. Even unfamiliar people at a meeting hug and kiss twice, one for each cheek. Avoiding such contact is very impolite.
Children in Greece are a subject of adoration. They love, pamper, treat everyone everywhere, are condescending to children's pranks and noise, talk to them.
Surprisingly, the inhabitants of this country combine true faith and the deepest superstitions. Almost every resident has a protective talisman against damage in the form of a blue bead with a pattern imitating the iris of the eye.
To date, the pros and cons of life in Greece have been unevenly distributed. This is a wonderful country, very beautiful and colorful, once you have been here, you want to come back again.