Athens City Guide - Business Etiquette

The working day in Athens is fairly flexible. In general, offices are open Monday to Friday 0830-1630, although shops and banks may have different hours - smaller organisations still close for a siesta in the afternoon during summer. Punctuality is expected for meetings, although a Greek host may keep a business visitor waiting for a short time. It is usual to shake hands to greet a business contact but embracing and kissing colleagues is not uncommon, although not upon first acquaintance. Business cards are exchanged after introductions have been made. Business attire is relatively formal - men are expected to wear suits and ties and women should wear suits. More casual wear is sometimes acceptable during the summer but local businesspeople tend to dress conservatively.

Hospitality is an important part of Greek culture and visiting businesspeople may well be taken to lunch. Greeks do not drink excessively but they will appreciate it if foreigners show enthusiasm to sample Greek wines and spirits. Almost everyone smokes, so visitors should not be surprised by endless offers of cigarettes. Gifts from abroad are well received but not expected, unless a visitor is invited to a colleague's home, in which case a gift of wine, sweets or flowers is usual.