Business

• Men should dress in dark conservative suits. Women should also wear suits, but a dark dress is fine.
• There is no formal ritual for exchanging business cards. Have one side of your business cards translated into Greek, and present this side to the person you are meeting.
• Close relationships are extremely important to business, as many Greeks prefer to conduct business with people they already trust.
• Never do something that can be interpreted as challenging the integrity of a business colleague. It is not appropriate to publicly question someone’s statements.
• Appointments are necessary and are usually made one to two weeks before the meeting.
• Many people eat lunch in between 1 and 3 so it may be difficult to schedule a meeting during that time.
  

Dining

• Punctuality is not important; arriving 30 minutes late is normal.
• Dress well, as it shows respect toward the hosts.
• Offer to help with either preparation or clean up.
• Compliment the house and the meal while dining. Expect a lot of conversation throughout the meal.
• Wait to sit until the host seats you. You should also wait to begin eating until the host takes the first bite.
• The host will make the first toast, but it is expected that you return the toast later in the meal. The common toast is “to your health.”
• Accepting “seconds” compliments the host, but be sure to finish all the food on your plate.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are normally reciprocated. Gifts should not be too generous as it may put a burden on the recipient; they will feel the need to give you an equal gift later.
• When invited to a meal in a home, bring a small gift.
• Flowers should be sent prior to the actual event.
• Gifts should be wrapped, and they will be opened immediately.

Greeting

• Meet people with a firm handshake and direct eye contact.
• People who know each other well may give a kiss on the cheek. Men may slap each other on the arm or shoulder.