UK expats in Greece's 'biggest' culture surprise over unexpected social norms

13 June 2024 , 01:45

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British holidaymakers heading out to Greece for a brand-new life as an expat have been warned over a weird problem many are facing after upping sticks. (Image: No credit)

UK tourists have been told over a "shock" in Greece and warned "get used to it." British holidaymakers heading out to Greece for a brand-new life as an expat have been warned over a " weird " problem many are facing after upping sticks.

Expat Ludmila said: "One of the biggest culture shocks so far... even from the very beginning was the lack of personal space that everyone gives here. For me it was crazy. I don't know how it is everywhere else but [at home] if you are near someone, it's just weird."

"You cannot be too close to someone or you'll be considered a weirdo. If you go into the metro and there's somebody in the metro car, you need to go to the next metro car because if you sit in the same one you've got some weird motives."

"It was definitely something I had to get used to," she said on My Greek Expat Journey's YouTube account. She advised others looking to move to give themselves some time to get used to being in another culture.

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Ludmila added she has loved her experience overall and would "not go back" to her native Canada because she "fell in love with the weather", she revealed. Greece is a go-to for British tourists each and every summer, with popular destinations including Corfu, Crete and Santorini.

Other holiday hotspots include the mainland, like capital city Athens, as well as islands like Lesvos, Kos, Mykonos, Skiathos, Chios, Thasos, Samothrace and more. Experts at Immigrant Invest stated: "In Greece, consumer prices, including rent, are 30 per cent lower than in the UK. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs €400 (£337) on average."

"Greece is one of the safest European countries and has an easy-going relaxed feel. Move to Greece and get high levels of safety, excellent education opportunities, comprehensive healthcare options, and a dependable rule of democratic law."

Zasha Whiteway-Wilkinson