- Rajat Bhatnagar
It is really good to speak and hear Hindi from time to time. With InterNations I got to know compatriots in Athens and Thessaloniki.
Find friends, feel at home in Athens
Moving to a new country is always an adventure, and Athens is no exception. Adjusting to life here takes time, especially when home is as far away as India.
While life in Athens has its differences, finding a sense of belonging is possible thanks to the city’s growing Indian community. Let us help make your transition smoother, with tips on handling the twists and turns of settling in, practical Q&As, and ways to connect with the Indian community in Athens. Because sometimes, what you need most is a friendly face to share a chat and chai with on a quiet weekend.
Why you'll love InterNations in Athens
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
Why Indians move abroad (& how they like it)
Every year, we publish Expat Insider, one of the biggest global surveys about life abroad and ask expats about various aspects of their life. Learn what motivated our Indian members to move abroad, what keeps them there, as well as what they struggle with or miss about home.
The pros & cons of living in Athens
No place is absolutely perfect. There’s always the good, the bad and the ugly. Find out what our Indian members love about Athens but also the challenges they face.
Pros:
Welcoming locals: Athenians are warm and easygoing, helping Indian expats feel at home right from the start. Their openness makes those first few months a little easier when everything still feels new.
Active social scene: Athens is full of energy. In popular spots like Syntagma and Monastiraki squares, you’ll find people enjoying the sun or chatting with friends. The suburbs offer more green space and a relaxed, upscale feel.
Access to familiar flavors: There’s a good selection of Indian restaurants, like Indian Masala, Pink Elephant, Indian Chef, and Mirch. Finding spices is essential for many, and while grocery stores carry a range, you’ll find even more at shops in the city center on Evripidou Street or at places like East Asian Store.
Affordable lifestyle: Compared to many European capitals, Athens is relatively affordable, making it an easier choice for Indian families or young professionals looking to settle in comfortably.
Cons:
Language barrier: Daily life often requires some understanding of Greek. Product labels and information are mainly written in Greek, so learning some basics can help you figure out everyday tasks.
Complex bureaucracy: Be prepared for long waits and detailed paperwork when dealing with official matters. These offices can require multiple visits to complete even simple tasks. English is also not commonly spoken, which can add to the challenge.
Limited career opportunities: Greece’s economy might be on a growth trend again following the devastating debt crise (2010–2018), but expats are still not happy with their personal career prospects. In fact, they ranked the local job market in Athens second to last in 2023.
Meet Indian expats at our events in Athens
When you live abroad, one of the most important parts of your life is your social circle, your network, your support system. In other words, friends! In fact, the lack of a support network is often cited as the top reason for expat struggles. So, let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.
Our expat events bring together a mix of Indians and other internationals who have come to Athens for all kinds of reasons. Each event is designed to help you settle in, answer questions about life in Athens, introduce you to some local favorites, and, best of all, connect you with people who may just become your new friends. So why not join InterNations? We’re here to welcome you and help you start off on the right foot.
Want to meet other Indians at our events?
All your questions about Athens, answered
Athens offers many welcoming places and experiences. The Krishna Temple Athens, open only on Sundays, provides a peaceful space for worship and cultural connection. Indian restaurants like Jaipur Palace and NaanStop Indian Cuisine do more than satisfy cravings, they create moments to share stories with fellow Indians over familiar flavors.
To meet more Indians — as well as other internationals in the city — and expand your social circle, you can also join InterNations. Our events help you make friends from India as well as all over the globe, share experiences, and find support on your expat journey.
Indians in Athens often live in neighborhoods where they can connect and feel at home.
Tavros, Kallithea, and Neos Kosmos are known for affordable housing, convenient public transportation, and a close-knit community. Cultural centers and temples provide gathering places for celebrating and preserving Indian traditions.
Piraeus is home to the Greek Indian Cultural and Welfare Association, supporting professional growth and social connections for the Indian Greek community.
Syntagma and Monastiraki are central areas ideal for those who enjoy proximity to historical landmarks and public spaces.
Chalandri is a quieter, family-friendly suburb with a peaceful atmosphere and plenty of amenities.
Living in Athens without speaking Greek is manageable. English is widely spoken in tourist areas like the Acropolis, Plaka, and Monastiraki Square, as well as in major business spots like Marousi (the business district), and among younger Greeks.
Daily life can still have its challenges, though. When ordering souvlaki or getting a taxi, you might face language barriers with older locals or in more residential neighborhoods. Learning a few basic Greek phrases like kalimera (good morning) and efharisto (thank you) goes a long way. Locals really appreciate the effort, and it helps break the ice.
Greek people are generally warm and helpful, they often go out of their way to assist, even with a language gap. You’ll find shopkeepers using Google Translate or calling over an English-speaking colleague to help you out. If you’re planning to stay long-term, learning some Greek would still make things easier, especially for dealing with public services or building deeper friendships.
But for the basics? You should be fine with just English, especially in Athens. For your convenience, we’ve also collected some services that cater to English speakers (these services are not affiliated with or endorsed by InterNations):
General practitioner (GP) |
Comprehensive primary care services |
Dentist |
Rated 5-stars by most English-speaking patients, Dental smiles offers a variety of dental treatments |
Urgent Care |
Conveniently located in the city center of Athens, with English-speaking physicians available 24/7 |
Immigration assistance |
Various services like assistance with finding accommodation, settling-in services, etc. |
Tax advisor |
Tax services, accounting, VAT, payroll, etc. |
Instant interpreting service | DayInterpreting Expert interpreting services like conferences, distance interpreting medical interpretation, translation & more |
Meet other Indians in Athens
Our Global Partners
Find friends to pursue your hobbies & passions with
So, how can you get started? Joining one of our many InterNations groups focused on hobbies and interests is a great way to feel at home. These smaller groups let you enjoy your favorite activities while connecting with other expats. They meet at least once a month, bringing people together to share what they love, with a variety of options to keep things interesting.
If you enjoy the arts, our Athens Arts and Culture Group organizes gallery visits and live performances, including evenings at the National Opera in Athens. Food lovers can join the Food-Wine-Cocktail Group, and if you prefer staying active, the Great Outdoors and Indoors Group is just for you. Each group provides a welcoming space to do what you enjoy, meet new people, and make the most of your time here.
Find other Indians to share your hobbies with
Enjoy the international experience with InterNations
We’re not just active in Athens, but across 420 cities worldwide! Check out our Indian community in Thessaloniki, for example.
When you’re in the mood for a nice night out while traveling further abroad, you’re always welcome to join in on events and activities in any of our communities: Browse all InterNations Communities worldwide.
- Rajat Bhatnagar
It is really good to speak and hear Hindi from time to time. With InterNations I got to know compatriots in Athens and Thessaloniki.
- Amelie Barreau
InterNations members are really helpful and provided us with valuable tips about the international schools in Athens.
