Greece business travel information

Doing business in Greece

Greece’s proximity to other countries in southeastern Europe, and the traditional trade connections of Greek business people with these neighboring countries, offer a variety of additional opportunities for businesses with Greek partners.

The Greek market has its peculiarities, especially when it comes to procurement and government tenders. Lack of familiarity with regulations and government agencies can lead to frustration and delays in contract negotiations. Therefore, a competent local representative is invaluable.

A company that is not willing to travel to Greece to establish an agent, distributor, or partnership relationship, is generally regarded as not ready for the Greek market regardless of the company’s success in other foreign markets.

Compagnies considering investing in Greece should review the relevant regulations with legal, tax and other business experts in order to avoid potential problems. The Hellenic Center for Investment (ELKE), the Greek national investment agency, is able to provide initial assistance in dealing with government institutions.

Product tip: There are also nice looking laptop bags on the market! A laptop bag doesn’t have to be a dull conservative black bag. There are lot’s of great looking bags on the market these days. Special laptop bags with the protection that is needed for your laptop but also with nice designs in models and materials.

In case of emergencies

Before you go on your business trip to , Greece you should always get a travel insurance with a complete coverage.

Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.

The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.

Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.

In most hospitals is always an English speaking doctor on call.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

If your are planning a business trip to Greece it is a good idea to know at least a little about the culture and etiquette in Greece. Use these business etiquette tips as a guideline only. There are too many social, personal and business nuances in Greece to be considered. There is no uniform approach possible for all occasions.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.

• Communication:
  Use formal names, professional and academic titles.
  A good business relation is the key to success in Greece.Greek are not direct, they prefer subtlety to directness.
  Never interrupt somebody.
  Dress formal and conservative.
  


• Meetings and negotiations:
  When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
  Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
  Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
  Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
  Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
  A very long time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
  Agenda’s are not strictly followed and a meeting can take much longer then planned.
  The first appointments are more socially oriented, Greeks would like to know you a bit better at first.
  Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
  Follow up a meeting with a letter with all agreements outlined.
  


• Table manners:
  If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
  Wait until you are appointed a seat.
  Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
  Return a toast from your host later at the meal.
  Put a napkin on your lap.
  Food can be shared from plates.
  Ask small portions seconds are expected. Eat not too much but finish your plate.
  Keep your hands above the table when eating.
  After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
  Thank your host at the end of the meal.
  

Some phrases in Greek

Greek is an independent branch of the Indo-European family of languages, is the language of the Greeks. Native to the southern Balkans, it has the longest documented history of any Indo-European language, spanning 34 centuries of written records.[8] In its ancient form, it is the language of classical ancient Greek literature and the New Testament of the Christian Bible.

English	Greek	Pronounciation
Good morning	Kalimera	kah-lee-MEHR-rah
Good afternoon / evening	Kalispera	kah-lees-PEH-rah
Good night	Kalinikta	kah-lee-NEEK-tah
Goodbye	kherete	KHE-reh-tay
Hello	Yassou	YAH-su
How are you?	Ti kanis?	tee-KAH-nis
Well / good	Poli kala	po-LEE kah-LAH
You’re welcome / please	Parakalo	pah-rah-kah-LOH
Thank you	Efkharisto	eff-kah-rees-TOH
Sorry	Signomi	seegh-NO-mee
Yes	Ne	neh
No	Ohi	OH-hee
What’s your name?	Pos se lene?	POHS seh LEH-neh
My name is	Me lene	meh LEH-neh
Do you speak English?	Milas Anglika?	mee-LAHS Ang-lee-KAH?
I don’t understand	Den Katalaveno	then kah-tah-lag-VEH-no
Can you help me?	Borite na me?	boh-REE-teh nah me
What time is it?	Ti ora ine?	tee OH-rah EE-neh
Where is?	Pou ine?	POO EE-neh
I want	Thelo	THEH-loh
How much is it?	Poso kani	poh-soh KAH-nee
Bill (check)	logarism	loh-gah-rees-MOH
Left	Aristera	ah-rees-teh-RAH
Right	Dexia	thek-see-AH
Open	Aniktos	ah-neek-TOHS
Closed	Klistos	klees-TOHS