Greece: Public Behaviour

From ExecutivePlanet.com

Public Behaviour

There is physical contact between men and women. In fact, there is often close contact among people of the same gender as well. Greeks will often reach out and touch someone when speaking to them. When meeting, a kiss on both cheeks is common.

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Given the outgoing nature of the Greeks, public interactions are often more demonstrative than foreigners may be used to. Conversations are often held at a high volume – which may or may not indicate anger. The Greeks will often make gestures by inclining their heads such as tilting their heads upwards to indicate “no” for example.

The OK sign is considered obscene in Greece and should be avoided. The open hand facing outward – the hand signal that is often used for “stop” in the US - is also considered offensive and should also be avoided.