Everything’s ready for your vacation to Greece: The suitcases are packed, reservations have been made and tickets are tucked in your pocket. All the ingredients are there to give you a wonderful holiday on one – or more- of the beautiful Greek islands, during which you will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the famous Greek hospitality.

You will find that Greeks are very friendly and open-minded people. However, it is still important to learn about their customs in order to “blend in” and experience the Greek culture as more than just a tourist. Here are some useful tips for your trip to Greece.

– When meeting people, shake everyone’s hand. It is also acceptable to exchange kisses and hugs with people you are familiar with, especially women.

– If you get an invitation to a person’s house, you are not expected to be punctual. 5-30 minutes late is normal and you should also bring a small gift, like flowers or wine.

– During discussions, it is common to ask personal questions about marriage, jobs, etc. even if the relationship is not that close. You will also discover that Greeks are standing closer to each other while talking than in other countries.

– Smoking is much more acceptable in Greece than in other countries. However, you should check if smoking is permitted when you visit different establishments.

– Greeks do not say sorry or thank you as often as people in other countries. It does not mean they are rude. They just don’t think it is necessary in certain occasions.

– You will find that in Greek restaurants the majority of the staff does speak some English. When tipping check to see if the service charge is already included. In that case leave some change for the waiter.

-Do join in with Greek dances, it is always appreciated! Don’t worry about dance steps, just hop on the floor and have a great time!