GREECE

GREETINGS

Man greeting Man
-shake hands when greeting one another and maintain direct eye contact
-Hugs and light pats on the back and shoulder are common between good friends and family.
-Some men may share a kiss on each cheek as well

Woman greeting Woman
-A kiss on each cheek is common if two women know each other. 
-A light handshake is the norm if they are meeting for the first time. 

Man greeting Woman
-At a first meeting a warm handshake will suffice and is sometimes combined with slight touches on the arms and/or elbows. 
-Friends and family usually share a kiss on each cheek. 

COMMUNICATION STYLE

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• They tend to speak quite loudly and with a lot of emotion. 
• Prefer standing close to one another while talking. This distance becomes greater when interacting with strangers and less when interacting with friends and family.
• Considered rude to back up or away from someone while they are speaking. 

PERSONAL SPACE & TOUCHING

• There is a fair amount of touching between men and men, and women and women and men and women while conversing. 
• Public displays of affection are quite common between genders.

EYE CONTACT

• Direct eye contact is expected and appreciated.  It is viewed as a sign of interest and respect towards the speaker.

VIEWS OF TIME & GENDER ISSUES

• In most business situations, being punctual is appreciated.
• Work opportunities for women are varied and available yet earnings are generally lower.

GESTURES & TABOOS

• Putting your thumb in between your middle and index finger while making a fist is an obscene gesture.

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• Thumbs up means all is OK.  Thumbs down, however, is usually considered a rude gesture. 

• People beckon one another by extending an arm and making a scratching motion with their fingers.  

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• Yes" and "no" are usually indicated by nodding the head (only once) downwards for yes and upwards for no.

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• The "moutza", consists of extending all five fingers, palm out, towards a person in a forward motion.  The closer the hand is to the other person's face the more offensive it's considered.

BUSINESS

DRESS CODES

• For men: dark or medium colored suits with shirts and ties.
• For women: stylish yet classic business suits or dresses and blouses.  Most women are made-up and usually wear heels and hoes.  Accessories are worn and somewhat revealing clothing is generally acceptable.

TITLES

• Titles are very important and it is best to address people directly by using their professional title or Mr., Mrs., or Miss, followed by the surname.
• You should always wait to be invited to use first names before doing so yourself.

BUSINESS CARDS

• There is no specific ritual surrounding the giving of business cards although it is advisable to treat the card with respect.

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