Here are some things to be aware of when sending a gift to Athens or to any city or village in Greece:
BUSINESS GIFT GIVING IN GREECE
- Never say or do anything that can be construed as challenging the honour or integrity of a business colleague
- Greeks do not like people who are pretentious or standoffish.
- Although business is relaxed, it is also serious. Acting informal before a relationship has developed is considered discourteous
- Have printed material available in both English and Greek. So if you want to send a business gift (chocolate biscuits, wine or fruit basket, it’s recommended to add a card in Greek
- Companies are hierarchical. Greeks respect age and position
- Forming a personal relationship is critical. Sending a business gift to Greece can be a good idea to develop a successful business relationship. Office gifts like a bottle of wine, biscuits or gourmet basket will surely be appreciated.
PERSONAL GIFT GIVING IN GREECE
- In general, Greeks exchange gifts with family and friends for ‘name days’ (birth date of the saint after whom they are named) and Christmas. Greek will always appreciate fruit and chocolates or a good bottle of Bordeaux wine.
- Some Greeks celebrate birthdays, but in general, celebrating name days is more likely
- Gifts need not be expensive. Since gifts are generally reciprocated, giving something of great value could put a burden on the recipient since they would feel obligated to give you something of equivalent value
- A floral arrangement may be sent in advance of the actual event.
- Gifts are usually opened when received.
Links to helpful sites About Greece:
Holiday dates in Greece
http://www.worldofchristmas.net/christmas-world/greece.html
http://www.sfakia-crete.com/sfakia-crete/greeknamedays.html
Taxes and Customs to Send a Gift to Greece
http://www.fedex.com/us/international/irc/profiles/irc_bg_profile.html?gtmcc=us
Greek Personal White Pages for Addresses & Postal Codes
http://www.hellasyellow.gr/
http://www.grecian.net/postcodes_e/