Do you seat yourself in Greece?

You survey the restaurant and locate an empty table. There is no host or hostess so you have to take care of yourself. You walk over to the table and occupy it. If there are more of you than there are chairs, get two or three adjoining tables and put them together.

Do you sit yourself in Greece?

Don't take a seat until you are told where to sit. Don't touch your plate until the host begins eating. No elbows on the table and no hands below the table.

What is the etiquette in Greece?

Shake hands with everyone present--men, women and children--at a business or social meeting. Shake hands again when leaving. Good friends are most likely to embrace and kiss. Greeks are very demonstrative and affectionate.

How to not be rude in Greece?

Don't thrust the palm of your hand in front of someone's face, it is considered a very rude gesture, so don't attempt to do this even jokingly! Don't repeat the “bad words” without knowing exactly what they mean, especially the one starting with "M" and ending with an "A"!

Is tipping expected in Greece?

There is not a strong tradition of tipping in Greece, particularly among the locals, but it's become expected that tourists leave a small tip while travelling through the country. In restaurants it's common to leave a cash tip for whoever is looking after you – 10–15 per cent is standard.

Greek Listening Practice - Choosing a Seat on a Flight in Greece

Do you tip in Greece 2023?

There is not a strong tradition of tipping in Greece, particularly among the locals, but it's become expected that tourists leave a small tip while travelling through the country. In restaurants it's common to leave a cash tip for whoever is looking after you – 10–15 per cent is standard.

Is it rude to finish your plate in Greece?

It is best to eat everything on your plate to show your host provided sufficiently and you enjoyed the food. To indicate you are finished eating, place your napkin on the table. If the host gives a toast, it can be a good gesture to return the toast at a later point in the meal.

Is it rude to wear shorts in Greece?

It is acceptable to wear shorts, whether you are a woman or a man. However, NEVER (and I do mean NEVER) wear shorts if you want to visit a church or monastery. Also, if you plan to do a walking tour of Athens, ditch the shorts and opt for a dress – if you are a woman – or a pair of long pants – if you are a man.

How English friendly is Greece?

Although the official language in Greece and Athens is Greek, English is also widely spoken, so you shouldn't experience any problems when visiting the city. English is very widely spoken in Greece, especially in the most touristy parts of the city.

How do you show respect in Greece?

How do you greet in Greece?

General rules of thumb: Greetings

You would say 'kalimera' (good morning) up until 12:00pm, from here onwards 'yia sas' (hello) will be the standard greeting. You will hear 'kalispera' (good afternoon/evening) from late afternoon right through to the end of the day.

Is it rude to not eat all your food in Greece?

Greek Etiquette Tips. Expect to eat a lot in Greece! Not only will you be expected to eat everything off your plate, but you should also compliment the chef by asking for seconds – even if you're stuffed!

What time do Greeks eat dinner?

Most Greeks will eat dinner around 9 to 10 pm. If they have had a substantial lunch then they will eat something lighter for dinner such as fruit with yogurt, a sandwich, salad or a small amount of leftovers from lunch.

Do people wear jeans in Greece?

I think you've been misinformed there. Greeks wear jeans just as much as anywhere else. Normal rules apply - dress up for smart restaurants & churches etc, I'd say.

Do you have to cover your knees in Greece?

The Greek dress code is generally casual and relaxed, but it's important to respect certain cultural norms, particularly when visiting religious sites. In religious sites, you will want to be sure your knees and shoulders are covered. Yes, it's traditional, but better to either not enter or be respectful.

Can you not use toilet paper in Greece?

You can't flush toilet paper in Greece because the sewage pipes are much narrower than elsewhere in the world (2 inches in diameter vs. 4 inches in the U.S.!), and toilet paper can cause them to clog.

Can you wear black in Greece?

Today, Greeks find black versatile. As all dark colors, it complements mediterranean complexions well. It also doesn't get dirty easily, a plus in a city where smog soon turns whites grimy. Besides, as I always say, black goes with every color, especially black.

Can I wear tank tops in Greece?

Essential tops

A few lightweight blouses and tank tops are a must for a trip to Greece. Wardrobe staples like this cargo shirt from Zara and linen button-down from Everlane are versatile and can be easily dressed up or down.

What are do's and don'ts in Greece?

Don't wear hot pants or crop tops if you're planning on visiting any churches or monasteries. Some things are better left to the imagination. If you must wear hot pants, save them for a trip to the beach. And stay away from high heels, especially when visiting our slippery, sensitive marble ruins.

What is a rude gesture in Greece?

The worst gesture you can make in Greece is the 'moutza' which is holding up your hand like a 'stop' sign and showing the full open palm of your hand with your fingers spread out. It's the equivalent of giving two fingers in Ireland or the UK or one finger in the United States.

What foods to avoid in Greece?

*Avoid fried things such as meatballs, small fish, fries-not because they are fried but because many of these restaurants pre-fry these foods and then just warm them up, as a result you will be eating mushy and not crispy food. Also do not order moussaka. I know this will disappoint some people but really it is true.

What does yamas mean in Greek?

To say cheers in Greek, you say " Yamas" which is. short for "Stin Yeia Mas" which means to our health. Cheers!

Does yamas mean thanks?

There you have it, you just learnt two words in one! Efharisto (Ευχαριστώ) – Thank you. Yamas (Στην υγειά μας!) – Cheers! Signomi (Συγνώμη) – Excuse me.