Living in Greece for the Dutch: 6 Things you Need to Know

What is it Like to Live in Greece?

The cost of living in Greece is fairly affordable. In Greece, telephone and internet subscriptions are fairly cheap. Clothing can also be found at very good prices. There are also many beautiful houses for sale and rent in Greece at lower prices than in other areas of Europe.

Your monthly housing costs are generally a lot lower than in the Netherlands. The food, of course, is a highlight for Dutch visitors and expats living in Greece. Athina notes that in the Greek islands, when you compare a meal in Greece to a meal in the Netherlands, “Greek food wins.” She added a quick note: “But the sweets are better in the Netherlands.”

For a complete analysis of the cost of living in Greece, click here.

Where Do I Buy Groceries in Greece?

Groceries cost about the same as in the Netherlands. In general, Greek cities have small vendors in addition to supermarkets, as well as local farmers markets. In general, the fruit and vegetables in Greece are very tasty and fresh when local. Meat and dairy costs about the same, but this of course depends on the specific type of store and the area of Greece. For example, for Athina and Vincent on Karpathos, dairy (especially their favorite Greek yogurt) is more expensive in Karpathos than in the Netherlands.

Generally, the cost of groceries compared to the average income in Greece is higher. The supermarkets in Greece generally don’t have as broad a selection as in the Netherlands, but you can find basics like cheeses and meats in many varieties in Greece. Athina commented that, “If you're looking for some Dutch food choices, you can order from https://www.dutchexpatshop.com.”

Among local Dutch specialty stores in Crete, the most popular items in the winter are sausage and sauerkraut, pea soup, and other Dutch winter specialties. In the summer, frozen Dutch snacks are the most popular. Of course, stroopwafels are a top-selling item, but mostly among the Greeks.

Can I Shop Online in Greece?

In Greece, more and more people are starting to shop online, so it’s improving its speed in Greece. However, online shopping will generally be faster in the Netherlands. Athina notes that “IKEA and big clothing brands such as H&M or Asos, for example, will deliver in Greece. Skroutz is another option, and it's a little like Bol.com. Most islands don't have street names, so packages don't come to your house, and you may need to go to an office to pick them up.”

What are the Healthcare Options if I Buy a House in Greece?

Living in Greece as an expat, you have the option of either public or private insurance. If you pay contributions to public healthcare insurance and have a social security number in Greece (also known as an “AFM” or ΑΦΜ), you can access the public system. It’s also worth noting that you don’t need a referral from a general practitioner to visit a specialist.

Private insurance is also available, and is sometimes preferred for Dutch citizens in Greece because waiting times are lower. For this, you will need an “AMKA” number from the local citizen services office (KEP). Private insurance can be more comprehensive than the public option, and the price depends on your age and country of residence.

Overall, healthcare in Greece is twice cheaper than in most places in the EU. A standard checkup with a family doctor will likely cost 40 Euros. Antibiotic prescription usually costs around 7 Euros for a week’s supply.