Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating daily life, understanding local customs, and finding essential services. For expats relocating to Greece, having the right tools and resources at your fingertips can make all the difference. From banking and healthcare to language learning and social networking, here’s a comprehensive list of apps and resources that will help you settle into your new life in Greece seamlessly.
1. Essential Apps for Everyday Life
a. Banking and Finance
- Revolut / Wise (formerly TransferWise):
These apps are perfect for managing international money transfers, currency exchanges, and budgeting. They offer low fees and real-time exchange rates, making them ideal for expats who need to handle finances across borders. - Alpha Bank / Piraeus Bank Mobile Apps:
If you open an account with a Greek bank, their mobile apps allow you to manage your finances locally, pay bills, and transfer money within Greece. - Taxheaven.gr:
A valuable resource for understanding Greek tax laws and obligations. It provides detailed information on how taxes work for residents and non-residents.
b. Transportation
- Moovit:
This app is a lifesaver for navigating public transportation in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. It provides real-time updates on buses, metros, and trams, helping you plan your journeys efficiently. - Bolt / Uber:
Ride-hailing services like Bolt and Uber are widely available in major Greek cities. They’re convenient for getting around, especially if you don’t have a car or prefer not to drive. - Google Maps / Waze:
Both apps are indispensable for driving directions, traffic updates, and discovering nearby amenities such as restaurants, pharmacies, and gas stations.
c. Language Learning
- Duolingo / Babbel:
While many Greeks speak English, learning basic Greek phrases can go a long way in building rapport with locals. Duolingo offers gamified lessons, while Babbel focuses on conversational skills. - Pimsleur:
This audio-based app is excellent for improving pronunciation and listening comprehension. It’s particularly useful for mastering everyday Greek conversations. - GreekPod101:
Designed specifically for learning Greek, this app offers structured lessons, cultural insights, and podcasts tailored to different proficiency levels.
2. Healthcare and Wellbeing
a. Finding Doctors and Pharmacies
- Doctor Anywhere / Doctolib:
These platforms connect you with healthcare professionals in Greece. You can book appointments, consult doctors online, and access medical records digitally. - iatrikoiprofites.gr:
A Greek website where you can search for doctors by specialty and location. It includes reviews from other patients, helping you find trusted healthcare providers. - Pharmacy Finder (Farmakeio):
Use this app to locate the nearest pharmacy, including those open 24/7. It’s especially helpful during emergencies or late-night needs.
b. Mental Health Support
- BetterHelp / Talkspace:
Online therapy platforms that connect you with licensed therapists via text, video, or phone calls. These services are great for expats who may feel isolated or stressed during their transition. - Mindfulness Apps (Headspace / Calm):
Practicing mindfulness can ease the stress of adapting to a new environment. These apps offer guided meditations, sleep stories, and relaxation techniques.
3. Housing and Utilities
a. Renting and Buying Property
- Spitogatos:
One of the most popular real estate websites in Greece, Spitogatos lists properties for rent and sale across the country. It’s user-friendly and includes filters for price, location, and property type. - HomeAway / Airbnb:
If you’re looking for temporary accommodation before committing to a long-term lease, these platforms provide flexible options. - Spotahome:
Specifically designed for expats, Spotahome verifies listings and offers virtual tours, saving you time and effort when searching for housing.
b. Utility Management
- MyCosmote / Vodafone Greece Apps:
If you subscribe to a Greek telecom provider, their apps let you manage your mobile and internet plans, track usage, and pay bills online. - PPC (Public Power Corporation) App:
Manage your electricity account, monitor consumption, and report issues through this official app.
4. Social Networking and Community Building
a. Expat Forums and Groups
- InterNations:
A global network for expats, InterNations organizes events and provides forums where you can connect with fellow expats in Greece. It’s a fantastic way to build friendships and seek advice. - Facebook Groups:
Join groups like “Expats in Greece” or “Living in Athens” to ask questions, share experiences, and stay updated on community happenings. - Meetup:
Find local meetups based on your interests, whether it’s hiking, photography, or wine tasting. Meetup is a great platform for meeting like-minded people.
b. Cultural Integration
- Culture Trip:
This app and website highlight unique cultural experiences in Greece, from hidden gems to must-see attractions. It’s perfect for immersing yourself in Greek traditions and history. - Greece Is:
A digital magazine offering articles on Greek culture, food, travel, and lifestyle. It’s an excellent resource for staying informed about what’s happening in the country.
5. Legal and Administrative Resources
a. Visa and Residency Assistance
- Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website:
The official portal provides detailed information on visa requirements, residency permits, and citizenship processes for foreigners. - Expat.com Greece Forum:
A dedicated space for discussing legal matters, sharing tips, and seeking guidance on bureaucratic procedures.
b. Tax and Legal Advice
- Eurofast Global:
A consultancy firm specializing in cross-border taxation, immigration, and business setup services for expats in Greece. - Lawyers in Greece Directory:
An online directory listing English-speaking lawyers who can assist with contracts, property purchases, and other legal matters.
6. Food Delivery and Groceries
a. Meal Delivery
- e-food / Deliveras:
These are Greece’s leading food delivery apps, offering a wide range of cuisines from local tavernas to international chains. - Wolt:
Another reliable option for ordering meals, groceries, and even pet supplies.
b. Grocery Shopping
- Sklavenitis e-shop / AB Vasilopoulos Online:
Major supermarket chains in Greece now offer online shopping with home delivery or click-and-collect options. - MarketAll:
A platform aggregating products from multiple stores, allowing you to compare prices and shop conveniently.
7. Travel and Exploration
a. Domestic Travel
- Ferryhopper:
Book ferry tickets to Greek islands easily through this app. It compares prices and schedules from various operators. - Omio:
Plan train and bus journeys within Greece using Omio, which integrates multiple transport providers into one platform.
b. Outdoor Adventures
- Komoot:
Ideal for cyclists and hikers, Komoot offers detailed maps and route suggestions for exploring Greece’s natural beauty. - AllTrails:
Discover hiking trails across Greece, complete with reviews, photos, and difficulty ratings.
8. Emergency Services
- 112 (Europe-wide Emergency Number):
For immediate assistance in case of emergencies, dial 112. It connects you to police, ambulance, or fire services. - Find My Kids / Life360:
Keep track of family members’ locations and ensure everyone’s safety, especially in unfamiliar areas.
