Last updated: 22 Mar 2012
Doing business
Business culture
Business tips
Greece is quite conservative, and visitors should avoid being ostentatious in their dress or behaviour.
Conservatism includes strong religious ties and beliefs, especially in rural and other traditional areas, and visitors should never comment on religious matters, or identify themselves as atheist, when dealing with traditional people. That said, most business people in Athens and the other major cities are very modern, and this is much less of an issue in such situations.
Discussion of politics is best avoided, especially over sensitive issues such as relations with Turkey, the Cyprus issue, or the politics of the former-Yugoslavia. This is especially true in a business context, as in social situations Greeks may often raise such issues.
Greeks tend to respect the elderly and experienced – young business people may experience small problems in being treated with the same seriousness as older people, and respect should always be given to the elderly and people in senior positions.
Links and resources
Government, business and trade
Athens Chamber of Commerce – www.acci.gr
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs – www.mfa.gr
Hellenic-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – www.hacci.com.au
Invest in Greece – www.investingreece.gov.gr
News and media
Athens News – www.athensnews.gr/
Kathimerini – www.ekathimerini.com
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Bilateral agreements
Australia has social security agreements with several countries that address the issue of 'double super coverage' for employees sent to work overseas. To take advantage of these agreements, Australian employers sending employees overseas to work must apply to the Tax Office for a Certificate of coverage.
For more details, please visit the Australian Taxation Office website.