Cultural differences to be aware of while traveling to Greece

[redsoxdw_]

Travelling is always tricky when you're unaware of the small cultural differences of each new place that you're visiting. I think it's pretty important to take note so that you don't offend others and get yourself in a sticky situations. Here is my advice

1. Definitely don't open your hand and show your palm. Be extra careful when you're giving high-fives or trying to show "stop" with your hand. This is considered very disrespectful in Greece.
2. Be extremely polite and always greet others when you enter or exit a place, including stores and restaurants. Greeks think it's very rude when you don't say hello.
3. Always offer to pay for others when you are sharing a meal or a coffee. This is common courtesy in Greece.

If you can think of any more, please leave them in the thread!

 

[Sandyrigo]

Tipping is usually around 5%.

 

[k_tsoukalas]

When tipping I usually use cash, and I handle tips by rounding up. So if my bill was 47 Euro, I would give 50 and tell them to keep the change.

I never knew about showing your palm! Thanks for sharing that one, I'll be careful.

 

[ellinasgolfer0320]

The most important meal of the day is lunch (eaten around 2), following that from 2:00-3:00 you need to be quiet. People take this period seriously and will not be happy if you're too noisy. I have heard stories of people having the cops called on them for not being quiet.

 

[greggd12]

The most important meal of the day is lunch (eaten around 2), following that from 2:00-3:00 you need to be quiet. People take this period seriously and will not be happy if you're too noisy. I have heard stories of people having the cops called on them for not being quiet.

This is an excellent point! And very important for people to remind their children about. Thank you for sharing, most people tend to forget.