Greece

Greetings

Man greeting Man – During initial meetings, men shake hands when greeting one another and maintain direct eye contact. A relatively firm handshake is the way to go. Hugs and light pats on the back and shoulder are common between good friends and family. Some men may share a kiss on each cheek as well.

Woman greeting Woman - A kiss on each cheek is common if two women know each other. A light handshake is the norm if they are meeting for the first time.

Man greeting Woman - At a first meeting a warm handshake will suffice and is sometimes combined with slight touches on the arms and/or elbows. Friends and family usually share a kiss on each cheek.

Communication Style

• Greeks tend to speak quite loudly and with a lot of emotion. At times it may appear as if they are yelling and annoyed but it is most likely a normal tone of voice.

Personal Space & Touch

• Greeks generally prefer standing close to one another while talking. A little less than an arm’s length is normal. This distance becomes greater when interacting with strangers and less when interacting with friends and family.
• It can be considered rude to back up or away from someone while they are speaking.
• There is a fair amount of touching between men and men, and women and women and men and women while conversing.
• Public displays of affection are quite common between genders.

Eye Contact

• Direct eye contact is expected and appreciated. It is viewed as a sign of interest and respect towards the speaker.

Gestures

• Putting your thumb in between your middle and index finger while making a fist is an obscene gesture.

• Thumbs up means all is OK. Thumbs down, however, is usually considered a rude gesture.

• People beckon one another by extending an arm and making a scratching motion with their fingers.

• To hand-signal the number 5, be sure face your palm inwards towards yourself. Facing it outward may be misconstrued for a "moutza".

• Yes" and "no" are usually indicated by nodding the head (only once) downwards for yes and upwards for no.

Views of Time

• Greeks tend to place more emphasis on people and relationships than to the strict adherence of set schedules in social situations.
• In most business situations, being punctual is appreciated.
• Bus, train, and plane schedules will be adhered to for the most part, but showing up late to a party or social function is quite common.

Gender Roles

• Work opportunities for women are varied and available yet earnings are generally lower.

Taboos

• The American “OK” sign is usually considered an obscene gesture.
• The "moutza", consists of extending all five fingers, palm out, towards a person in a forward motion. The closer the hand is to the other person's face the more offensive it's considered. Similar to the American "talk to hand" gesture.

Law & Order

• There is no legal drinking age, but the minimum purchase age is 17 and is not heavily enforced.
• Penalties for possession, acquisition, and trafficking of drugs are severe and include fine and mandatory lengthy imprisonment in local jails.

Dress

• Most Greeks value being well dressed and nicely groomed.
• For men: dark or medium colored suits with shirts and ties.
• For women: stylish yet classic business suits or dresses and blouses. Most women are made-up and usually wear heels and hoes. Accessories are worn and somewhat revealing clothing is generally acceptable.
• Jeans and less casual attire is usually not appropriate.

Titles & Business Cards

• Titles are very important and it is best to address people directly by using their professional title or Mr., Mrs., or Miss, followed by the surname.
• Sometimes people will use a title like, Mr., Mrs., or Miss, followed by a person’s first name.
• You should always wait to be invited to use first names before doing so yourself.
• There is no specific ritual surrounding the giving of business cards although it is advisable to treat the card with respect.

Meetings

• Arriving on time for a meeting is important even though you may have to wait.
• There is usually some amount of small talk before getting down to business.
• It is best to allow your host to begin and end the business discussion.
• It is considered acceptable to interrupt someone who is speaking.
• Building and establishing the personal relationship tends to be the focus of initial meetings.
• Agendas are made but do not tend to be followed closely.

Negotiations

• Greeks can become animated when negotiating, be sure to not mistake this for aggression.
• Decisions are usually made from the top down and can take sometime.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are not generally exchanged at initial business meetings.
• When invited over for dinner or a drink you should always bring a gift. Gifts should not be too expensive, sweets/pastries or flowers are a good way to go.
• Gifts are usually wrapped and tend to be opened when received.