Greece
Business meetings are formal with suit and tie expected. Greek business people are astute bargainers. Success in business dealings depends on a combination of patience and quick judgment. Greeks are warm and cordial in their personal relationships. A wealth of good restaurants and places of entertainment makes it easy for a business visitor to reciprocate the courtesies shown.
Greek is spoken by 96 percent of the people and is used for all business and official purposes. Language is not a major barrier to foreign business visitors since a relatively high percentage of local officials and business people speak English or French.
Government office hours are 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday from October to May. The hours change May through September to 7:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Private sector office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (with one hour for lunch). Manufacturing establishments operate from 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Banking business hours are 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Serious crimes involving personal injury relatively uncommon in Greece. Armed violence and random assaults are rare. Only very recently have narcotics and related offences become a public concern. This gradually emerging problem receives dramatic media attention, but few facts and figures are available for a serious assessment. Athens and other major cities in Greece are relatively safer in terms of violent crime than similar sized cities. Tourist areas are generally safe day and night, although pickpockets as well as snatch-and-run thefts appear to be on the increase. Normal precautions will minimize the risk of victimization. Police report a significant increase in burglaries of unoccupied houses and apartments, and thefts from parked vehicles with valuables left in view. Police link this increase in property offenses with a substantial increase in illegal immigration since 1991. Burglars and thieves are invariably looking for small high value items, particularly jewelry.
Olympics Note:
Accommodation in Athens during the 2004 Olympics (August 13-29) will be scarce and should be booked as early as possible. Hotel reservations can be made through the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (Filoxenia). Filoxenia is managing the many private apartments, villas and houses being rented out by locals (website: www.filoxenia2004.com).
Elsewhere, modern and comfortable accommodations can be found in most areas that a foreign traveler is likely to visit. Growing tourist travel makes advance hotel reservations advisable, particularly during late spring and summer. Prices for accommodations compare favorably with those in other Western European countries.
Telephone IDD service is available throughout the mainland and islands. The country code is 30, followed by (1) for Athens, (31) for Thessaloniki, (81) for Heraklion and (661) for Corfu. The outgoing international code is 00. Main post offices and large hotels have fax facilities. GSM 900 and 1800 cellular networks exist. Coverage is good around the major towns on the mainland and on many islands. Main operators include Cosmote, Stet Hellas, and Vodafone
Electricity is at 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round 2-pin plugs are used.
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.
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Restaurant and taverna food tends to be very simple, rarely involving sauces but with full use of local olive oil and charcoal grills. All restaurants have a standard menu which includes the availability and price of each dish. A good proportion of the restaurants will serve international dishes. Hours are normally 1200-1500 for lunch and 2000-2400 for dinner.Opening hours vary according to the region and local laws. Waiter service is usual.National specialties
• Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves).
• Moussaka (aubergine casserole with minced
lamb, cinnamon, red wine and olive oil).
• Kebabs and avgolemono (chicken broth with rice, eggs, salt and lemon juice).
• Taramasalata (a dip made from fish roe, bread, onion, olive oil and lemon juice).
• Squid (kalamari) or octopus.
• Keftedes (hot spicy meatballs).
• Tzatziki (a dip made from yogurt, olive oil, garlic, shredded cucumber and dill).
• Salads ( feta cheese, tomato, cucumber and fresh olive oil).
• Gigantes (large white beans).
• Kolokithakia (small boiled courgette with oil and lemon).
• Baklavas (filo pastry filled with almonds and topped with honey, vanilla and sugar).
• Loukoumades (honey-drenched pastry puffs). National drinks
• Retsina wine (made with pine-needle resin).
• Ouzo (an aniseed-based clear spirit to which water is added).
• Local brandy (sharp and fiery).
• Greek coffee (thick and strong, and sugared according to taste).
• Greek beer is a light Pilsner type. Tipping:
12 to 15 per cent is usual.Nightlife
This is centered in main towns and resorts with concerts and discos. Athens offers many local tavernas, particularly in the Plaka area, and ouzeris (typical Greek bars). Regular concerts and evening shows are also held at the Odeion of Herodes in Attica. Nightclubs featuring Greek bouzouki music are extremely popular. There are some casinos in Greece, such as the Mount Parnes Casino in Athens, the Corfu Casino in Corfu and the Casino at the Grand Hotel Astir in Rhodes.
