Greece is a world-renowned vacation paradise. In Athens, one can discover the brilliant culture of ancient Greece; on Mount Olympus, one can discover the Olympic spirit; and along the Aegean Sea, one can discover beautiful and romantic moments. After the 250,000 Euro property investment immigration policy was introduced, it opened a new door for wealthy Chinese people who yearn for life in Greece. However, before immigrating to Greece, understanding the local shopping tax refund system and customs and taboos can make your Greece immigration life even better.
Greece Shopping Tax Refund
In Greece, tourists from non-EU countries who spend more than 40,000 Greek Drachmas or 120 Euros in the same store and take the purchased items out of the country within 3 months are entitled to tax-free benefits. When shopping at stores displaying the "Tax-Free Shopping" logo, if the total consumption exceeds the minimum limit, you can obtain a "Tax-Free Shopping Cheque." After passing through customs at the airport, you can apply for a tax refund at the tax refund customs office.
If you are traveling through several EU countries, you can process the tax refund together when leaving the last country, though a handling fee will be charged for processing the refund. In addition, for travelers entering Greece from EU countries, the quantity of tax-free goods that can be brought into Greece must not exceed the following regulations: Tobacco products—200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars; or 250 grams of tobacco. Alcohol products—1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol, or 2 liters of spirits under 22% alcohol, or 2 liters of sparkling or fortified wine, or 2 liters of still wine. Coffee—500 grams of coffee or 200 grams of coffee extract. Tea—100 grams or 40 grams of tea extract, etc. Perfume—50 grams of perfume or 0.25 liters of toilet water.
Note: Only persons aged 17 or older may bring tax-free tobacco and alcoholic beverages into the country, and coffee must be carried by persons aged 15 or older.
Greek Customs and Taboos
1. Greeks pay great attention to neatness in dress, especially the middle-aged and elderly, who are particular about dressing in a dignified and elegant manner. In formal social occasions, men usually wear dark suits with ties or bow ties.
2. Greeks have elegant manners and many conventions. They do not use gestures of waving or beckoning, as they consider this a contemptuous act; the closer the hand is to the other person's face, the more insulting it is. They also believe that staring at others for a long time is a sign of ill intent. Sneezing in public and wiping one's nose with a handkerchief are also things they strictly avoid.
3. Generally speaking, Greeks greet guests with a handshake in social situations. When Greeks meet others on the road, even if they are strangers, they will greet them to show friendliness. If the road is narrow, they always let the other person pass first, especially foreigners.
4. Greeks mainly eat flour-based foods, but also eat rice. They like to eat beef and lamb, and commonly consumed vegetables include tomatoes and potatoes. Dinner for Greeks starts very late; in the city of Athens, dinner usually does not begin until after 10 o'clock. They like to drink Turkish coffee and are fond of alcohol, drinking at both lunch and dinner, often until they are slightly tipsy.
5. The best months for business activities in Greece are from September to May of the following year. It is not advisable to visit around Christmas. When meeting, local business people will usually offer you a cup of thick coffee, which should not be refused. Greeks have an outgoing and hospitable personality; they speak with excitement, but have no malicious intent. If the other party is talking incessantly, it is best to listen respectfully.
6. Greeks avoid the number 13 and Friday, believing they are unlucky. They do not like the color black, nor do they like cats, especially black cats. When visiting a Greek home, avoid over-praising a specific item.