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Cameron McLeish

Cameron McLeish

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English expat in Greece

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Registration: 17 July 2024

Articles written by Cameron McLeish

Relocating to Greece
Relocating to Greece

Moving to a new destination is complex. It requires plenty of research and thorough planning on your behalf — and still, you need to be prepared for the unexpected and challenges along the way. Choosing professional and skilled moving companies and shippers will go a long way toward ensuring that your goods will arrive safely in Greece. Just bear in mind that it might be optimal to buy the bulk of your things from scratch in Greece rather than to transport your belongings, so you'll need to weigh up your options carefully.

28 May 2023
The healthcare system in Greece
The healthcare system in Greece

The country where Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, was born, has a long way to go toward becoming a medical pioneer again. Although the standard of the Greek healthcare system is generally good, the financial crisis has damaged its effectiveness and capacity. Despite this, Greece doesn't have a shortage of good doctors. Yet, healthcare only amounts to 2.8% of its GDP, contributing to a lack of resources, cuts in essential hospital personnel and long wait times, and a lack of availability for some drugs. 

21 May 2023
Childcare and family activities in Greece
Childcare and family activities in Greece

Greece is a very child-friendly country. At least, that's what Greeks like to think. The reality is that although people are inherently friendly towards children, the societal structures make it hard for parents to get by without help from an extensive network of family and friends or without resorting to getting a nanny or private childcare. Also, the adoption procedure in Greece is an exhausting and time-consuming one that can take five years to complete.

21 May 2023
Accommodation in Greece
Accommodation in Greece

If everything you've heard about Greece and its financial situation has you slightly disheartened, worry not: you are unlikely to encounter any problems finding accommodation in Greece. Even with a spike in rental and property prices, Greece remains a significantly cheaper place for expats. Chances are you'll be able to find a reasonably priced apartment even in the center of Athens or in some of the traditionally “posh and expensive” suburbs. As for the pricing in the rest of the country? Even more affordable if you avoid the extremely “touristy” islands like Mykonos or Santorini.

21 May 2023
Traveling around Greece
Traveling around Greece

When considering transportation in Greece, first, you need to consider where you are. Although most cities (even the biggest ones) are relatively easy to walk in, in the islands, the villages and the more remote areas, your fastest option might be booking a flight or hopping on a ferry.  

21 May 2023
The tax system in Greece
The tax system in Greece

With the Greek taxation system constantly changing to accommodate the ever-evolving economic recovery measures, it's probably a good idea to not try and file taxes on your own. Most Greeks don't, either: although the online tax-filing system only recently became available to everyone, the majority of the population still hires an accountant to take care of things. Find one who can walk you through the technicalities, and read below for some of the key things you need to know.

21 May 2023
Study in Greece
Study in Greece

If you're thinking of studying in Greece, you'll certainly be in good company — after all, how many people can claim they studied on the same grounds where Socrates, Plato and Aristotle used to teach? Greece has a celebrated past as the home of philosophers, thinkers, and historians, especially considering its universities being ranked as among the best in the Southeast European region in the last few years. 

21 May 2023
How to drive in Greece
How to drive in Greece

Driving in Greece is not for the faint of heart. Apart from the logistics of converting your driving license or having to sit the test to be issued a new one, there's also the very real issue of reckless driving. Although the roads are quite good and the scenic views in more remote areas make for enjoyable driving, the way people drive in the cities and villages may come as a shock at first. To be safe, you will need to learn to drive defensively.

21 May 2023
Phones and Internet in Greece
Phones and Internet in Greece

The telecommunications sector in Greece is one of the very few sectors (housing being the other one) where the financial crisis actually did some good; with increasing demand for better services at better prices, you can now enjoy a wide range of telephone and internet service packages, which combine TV, landlines and mobile phones.

21 May 2023
Setting up a business in Greece
Setting up a business in Greece

Starting your own company or being self-employed in Greece is not easy for non-locals, let alone for non-EU citizens. To become self-employed, you must have already had a residence permit in Greece for one year before you apply and a formal business plan (in Greek, approved by the Ministry of Interior Affairs). In some instances, you will need to prove you have a certain amount of capital to start your business and invest in Greece. However, provided you follow the right processes and have the correct documents, it is possible to set up a business in Greece as an expat successfully. 

15 May 2023
Importing a car or buying a car in Greece
Importing a car or buying a car in Greece

Importing a car to Greece can be a complex process that requires proper documentation and adherence to regulations. Whether you're bringing in a vehicle temporarily or permanently, there are certain procedures and documents that you'll need to follow and present to the Greek customs authorities. In this article, we will take a look at the steps involved in importing a car into Greece, including the required documents, fees, and taxes. We'll also cover the options for buying a car in Greece and the necessary documents needed for the transfer of ownership.

15 May 2023
Leisure activities in Greece
Leisure activities in Greece

Greece has a rich culture and gastronomy scene, along with drinking, as well as plenty of things to see and learn, but also activities for those who seek a thrill or want to breathe in that mountain air. Even today, Greece still reels from the economic crisis but is slowly on the mend; luckily, with Tourism and its services being ever-present, this has been something to help drive Greece's economic recovery. They also do it so well. Greeks are hospitable, and there is so much to discover in terms of leisure, with rugged and unspoiled mountain regions, mouth-watering food and drinks, and exciting places to visit or simply relax at. We'll explore the state of leisure in Greece in this article.  

14 May 2023
Working as a digital nomad in Greece
Working as a digital nomad in Greece

Located on the southernmost tip of the Balkan peninsula, Greece boasts a beautiful coastline and small resort islands in the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Ionian Seas. The country is one of the world's top travel destinations and a popular spot among digital nomads.

14 May 2023
Banking in Greece
Banking in Greece

It is possible to open a bank account as an expatriate in Greece, but a residence permit is needed. Having a Greek bank account is especially important for expats intending to live and work in Greece in order to pay bills and be paid by their employers. Despite the positive signs with the economy and financial sectors in general, it is recommended that you should keep your bank account in your home country, at least as a fail-safe.

14 May 2023
Diversity and Inclusion in Greece
Diversity and Inclusion in Greece

Diversity and inclusion are becoming increasingly important topics worldwide, and Greece is no exception. Despite being a country with a long history of cultural diversity, there are still challenges to be addressed when it comes to promoting a more inclusive society. In this article, we'll explore the current state of diversity and inclusion in Greece and look at some of the efforts being made to create a more accepting and equitable society for all.

08 May 2023
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