🇬🇷map Greece [Safety]

Government and Political Stability

Greece is a parliamentary republic with regular, competitive elections and an active opposition, and power transitions have been orderly in recent years. The political scene can be lively—public demonstrations do occur, especially around economic reforms, labor issues, or university policies—but they are typically announced in advance and concentrated in central Athens and Thessaloniki. Institutions function broadly in line with EU norms, and the judiciary is independent, though cases can move slowly. Corruption has declined compared with the past decade, but bureaucracy can still be frustrating; using reputable local advisers helps expats navigate permits, taxes, and business filings more smoothly.

Economic Stability

After a difficult debt crisis in the 2010s, Greece’s economy has been growing again, aided by tourism, shipping, and EU investment. Inflation has eased from its recent peaks, and the euro provides currency stability for everyday transactions. For expatriates, the job market is strongest in tourism, tech services, logistics, and renewables, with Athens and Thessaloniki as the main hubs; remote workers find a growing ecosystem of coworking spaces and decent broadband in urban areas. Banks are generally stable and modernized, and digital payments are widely accepted, though carrying a backup card and some cash is still practical in smaller islands and villages.

Crime and Personal Safety

Greece is considered a relatively safe country with lower violent crime than many European peers, but petty theft can be an issue in crowded places. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are the most common problems, particularly on metro lines in Athens, at major monuments, and during ferry embarkations. Neighborhoods can change block by block; central Athens is generally fine, but stay alert around busy squares late at night and avoid poorly lit side streets. Police response is professional but may be stretched during big events; keeping valuables secured, using hotel safes, and wearing a cross-body bag with zippers go a long way.

Regional Security Issues

Greece is a NATO and EU member with generally stable borders, though it has periodic tensions with Turkey over airspace and maritime claims in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. These disputes rarely affect daily life for residents, but they can lead to rhetorical spikes or short-lived military posturing. The country is also on a migration route, so you may see NGO operations and police presence on certain islands and at border areas; this is more of a humanitarian and administrative issue than a direct safety concern for expats. Cross-border travel to neighboring EU countries is straightforward; for non-EU borders, check local notices for any temporary controls.

Terrorism and Civil Unrest

The terrorism threat is generally low, with no recent large-scale incidents affecting daily routines in tourist or business districts. Civil unrest is more common than terrorism, usually in the form of demonstrations, strikes, or marches tied to national anniversaries, university reforms, or labor disputes. Protests are often peaceful but can disrupt traffic and public transport, and occasionally some groups may clash with police in contained areas. If you hear about planned demonstrations, it’s easy to sidestep them by avoiding the immediate area and allowing extra time for commutes.

Natural Disasters and Environmental Risks

Greece sits on a seismically active zone, so mild earthquakes are not uncommon; buildings in major cities are generally constructed with this in mind. Wildfires are a recurring summer risk, especially during heatwaves and high winds, and authorities may order evacuations on short notice—air quality can dip in affected regions. Winter storms can disrupt island ferries, and summer meltemi winds may affect smaller boat schedules, so always check transport updates close to departure. Keep an emergency plan with contacts, a small go-bag, and a charged power bank, particularly if you live near forested areas or on the islands.

Health and Medical Security

Healthcare combines public and private services; in urban centers like Athens and Thessaloniki, private hospitals and clinics offer faster access, multilingual staff, and strong emergency care. Europeans with an EHIC/GHIC card can access public services, but many expats and digital nomads opt for private insurance to reduce wait times and broaden provider choice. Pharmacies are plentiful and well stocked, and water quality is generally good on the mainland; on some islands, locals prefer bottled water due to taste or infrastructure quirks. For emergencies, dial 112; it’s the EU-wide number connecting you to police, fire, and medical assistance.

Travel Advisories and Regulations

As an EU and Schengen member, Greece follows standard Schengen entry rules; check your visa requirements and ensure your passport has adequate validity and blank pages before arrival. Some governments issue routine advisories noting petty crime and occasional protests in city centers, along with seasonal wildfire and earthquake guidance; these are practical cautions rather than reasons to avoid travel. It’s smart to register with your embassy if you’re staying long-term, especially in wildfire season or if you live on a remote island. Local laws are straightforward: drug offenses are taken seriously, protected archaeological sites are off-limits for removal of artifacts, and drones have restrictions near historical monuments and airports.

Practical Safety Tips

Adopt everyday urban habits: keep phones and wallets secure, split cards and cash, and be cautious with open bags on public transport. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are reliable in big cities; on islands, use licensed taxis, reputable car rentals, and verify ferry changes via official apps or port authorities. Watch for common scams like overpriced bar tabs, unofficial “guides” near tourist sites, or rental damages—take photos before and after you rent cars or scooters. Save key numbers (112 for emergencies, embassy contacts, insurer hotline), enable roaming or eSIM data for maps and alerts, and consider travel or expat insurance that covers medical care, evacuation for wildfires, and scooter or boat rentals if you’ll use them.

Franz
Franz is a German technical writer and business consultant from Munich, with over 15 years of experience in international corporate relocations and German business culture. Having worked for major German multinational corporations including BMW and Siemens, Franz has extensive experience facilitating the relocation of international talent to Germany and helping German professionals navigate complex assignments abroad.