A lot of useful clear and transparent information without the shenanigans like some other UA-camrs from there . Greece needs more people like you. Thanks and earned a sub.
Thanks for the video, from 1 to 10 I will rate it 11 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂. Since I am thinking to make the big move but I was always worried about doctors and services in the hospitals. I really appreciate for the details and the way you described the different items in your list.
I lived in Athens for 2 years from 1992, a very different time in Greece. People had money then. I loved my time there, loved the people, food and the nightlife. Enjoyed your video, thank you.
Good information, thanks. I REALLY appreciate that you give acknowledgment & compassion up front to Greeks who struggle with living costs. So many UA-camrs just giggle about how they're getting over and it's so cheap, insensitive at best.
I am retired and living in Greece for almost 10 years and your costs match pretty much what I pay. You are absolutely correct about health care available here, it is accessible, affordable and first class. What I will say that if, like me, you cannot afford a new car, the used cars are very expensive compared to the UK. Nobody I have spoken to can explain this as, as you say new car prices are compatible to UK.I found your video very interesting, well done.
In Catalonia the cause of high used car prices are two fold, firstly people keep a car until it stops. No sense of ego applies. Secondly no corporate car market. I love it nobody judge's you on your car or house, just how you are in the community
A few reasons used cars are expensive in Greece compared to the UK. 1. Greeks, for reasons of cost of replacement do not change their car as often so the market is in short supply. 2, Corporate and lease fleets are much smaller, with the same effect as above 3. To compensate for the above lots of used cards are imports where the middlemen work on high profit margins. They can do that because of the 2 factors above. 4. Demand for used cars is high because of high cost of ownership. It is a supply and demand issue which starts with the high cost of ownership for new cars compared to the median income.
@@razisn Importation is not at all easy even from another EU country. The middle men are in my experience not to be given full trust. In conclusion do it yourself and take your time to jump through the loops or settle for an older car and enjoy the freedom of Braille parking without guilt!
I believe there are 2 reasons. The 1st one is that car leasing is not popular at all and therefore that brings the prices of used cars up a lot. The 2nd reason is that in the UK the cars are right hand drive which means they are only relevant to the UK and cannot be sold to other countries. Low demand lowers the prices.
Brave to move from your own country. I certainly would be terrified. Now retired and I moved to South Wales a few years before retiring. Had some problems as my Private pension collapsed and lost most of it. Well the move went ahead and was the best decision ever made. 20 years on ,I am even more glad i moved to Wales after visiting family back in Kent where it is Hell. Traffic has quadrupled and thousands of New houses being built. Was pleased to get back to Wales and that was stop start all the way with excess traffic. Thanks for all the info in Greece. Sounds as if you did the right thing.
@@kennethausten it kind of happened organically for us to be honest, so perhaps we just evolved into it, working overseas for many years first and then having to move back to Europe we had 2 choices, UK where I am from, or Greece where the wife grew up, so just sort of happened really. I know what you mean though. One of my little pleasures is driving a coastal road here to the shops and listening to the UK traffic news…..!
Great video. Thanks for the insight Andrew. We really appreciate the time and effort and information you provide for us foreigners. Greetings for Melbourne Australia.
I live in Nafplio too. My wife and I are online teachers. We live on about 2.200-2.400EUR combined, we pay 620 for rent (70sqm fully furnished), 37 for internet, around 150 for electricity (averaged because in the summer it is more expensive) and about 300 a month on groceries. If you rent a place, the tenant pays the agent's fee, which is not the case in other countries, and if it's furnished the owner might ask for 2month deposit upfront, so keep that in mind.
By far, best and accurate info I have come across about living in Greece as a foreigner. Your narration style and ability to breakdown everything wants me to know more! 👍
@@GreeceExplored do you have an email I can send you a DM? We purchased a home near Corinth last year and I would love to ask you some questions offline
@@ABM-c8t productdevelopmentsYT@gmail.com. if you go to the ...more section at the top of my YT page it is also available there :) look forward to hearing from you.
I live virtually free in UK because I live full time in my SUV and explore all across UK and Europe. Water is obviously free. Power is free via Solar or via the built-in alternator charger. So basically it's just the cost of food & beer per month. (Obviously the main cost is fuel & vehicle maintenance...but I'd have those extra costs even if I mortgaged a house or paid rent...so in reality they don't count).
I had an inflamed appendix in Crete and spent 6 days of my 10 day holiday in hospital in Chania. THE STAFF WAS FANTASTIC! Excellent skills, good decisions. Conditions in the hospital not so, with pigeons walking into the ward, the floor broken bare concrete.
@@RobWhittlestone but they care. That's what matters. Today, here in Greece I had an eye test. The first after 5 years. It took 2o mins. The optician said he could give me new reading glasses which is what I thought I needed but he said no. I don't need to change what I've got. OK. I will keep my old glasses. When I tried to pay he said no. There's no charge. Imagine that in uk. .
@@kathywilliams9672 Hi Kathy - yes, they DO care! I wasn't denigrating the staff at all! In my experience, several spoke good English too. My feeble attempts at speaking Greek were also appreciated. I grew up loving Greek-speaking people, I was born in Cyprus. But the funding of the hospital I was in did leave room for improvement, that was my point. All the best, Rob in Switzerland. PS. My first text above was accidentally posted without the rest of what I wanted to say and my customary sign-off.
Get private insurance for about $3000 a year and go to private hospitals. Problem solved. However, as a foreigner....you may have restrictions from your insurance company.
@@tedmarakas2626 Hi Ted - I have Swiss private insurance but did not then have all the options for travel. I have improved on that since. All the best, Rob in Switzerland
If you avoid the city centres or popular tourist areas then Greece can be quite cheap. A single person could live comfortably on 1500 Euros a month. 2500 for a couple.
Excellent video with good information! I think it was a very good idea to explain the situation of the Greek people's economic difficulties before going into the advantages of a foreigner with a good and stable income retiring there. Thousands of Greeks have gone elsewhere for quite a few years now, in order to be in the situation this man is later in life. I have been living in Thessalonica for a few years now, after I came to help care for a sick grandson. What is said here about living costs is exactly what I have experienced. Greece is affordable for me as a 76-year-old grandmother with a limited pension. It also makes a big difference if one is married to a Greek or has relatives here. They can help you out. I have EU and US citizenship. I only beg to differ as far as healthcare goes. I broke my shoulder and was taken with an ambulance to the hospital. The hospital was old and dirty. The one and only xray machine looked like one that I saw 50 years ago in Austria! Even doctor's and dentist's office have dirty sinks and very unhygienic conditions. This is the only country that I have lived in which I have continually been refused service, ignored at counter's, spat upon and have been over charged and underchanged on a daily basis! The neighbor's electricity bill was put onto mine. I paid that for 3 years. When I first came here the bank told me I had to have $10,000 for them to give me a bank account. The NBG charged horrifically horrendously high exchange fees, and recently would not let me make a deposit there! I realize that the islands and places like Nafplio are totally different experiences, where Greek people are used to tourists and foreigners. Thessalonica is quite hostile to foreigners in general, and the people here are absolutely religiously intolerant. I am wondering what St. Paul would have said to that! I often wanted to move elsewhere in Greece to a place which is more like what this man is experiencing, but my daughter and Greek son-in-law didn't want that. If you can find a place where people are open to foreigners, you can have a good life here. Greece can be a wonderful place, under the right circumstances.
@@gailkarrer6041 Thank you, I am sorry to hear of your experiences health wise. I do agree, that for serious issues the system is, antiquated, the staff are fantastic but some of the hospitals very underinvested. I do think that private health care is essential in Greece for serious matters, and again my experience of private in Greece is world class, but I appreciate for many this is not an option. I haven’t any useful experience of living in northern Greece, but I do find Athens and the Peloponnese to be very welcoming, though as you say, having a Greek wife, family and some local contacts, knowledge helps a lot!
Great video Andrew, useful info and zero waste of time. It would be interesting to understand how an income from overseas is getting (or not) taxed in Greece.
written the outline of a video, but I am trying to get my Greek accountant to participate - maybe an interview, as I am not an expert. if she wont, then I will at least have her advise! but may be several months before I publish it...
If you stay for more than 183 days per year in Greece you are considered a tax resident of Greece and required by law to file for and pay taxes in Greece for your worldwide income. There are favorable provisions for pensioners (7% rate annually for 10 years etc.) and other categories of people, but you certainly need to abide with the tax residency regulations stated above. If you do not, you are breaking the law and this could have consequences as in every country.
@@GreeceExplored What I have found on other channels is, when professional (Accountants, Attorneys, Real Estate agents, Immigration facilitators, etc...) people come onto your channel and you interview them, those people grow their business in a big way. Many people want to move to other places but are intimidated by the lack of knowledge and/or the process. Your referral by way of an interview on your channel will help everyone...the professional, the people wanting those services and for you if you have an arrangement with those vendors. Everybody wants a referral from someone that has actually used these people and their services. It helps to reassure people. It's a win/win! In time you have them back again, that way your viewers will begin to know them and trust will come quickly.
The minimum wage in Greece is not 830 Euros, but something like 705 after taxes. The major reasons most of us are able to live decently is a second job and the support of our families. The effects will get dramatically apparent progressively.
I agree, it is challenging. To try to offer fair comparison, both my figures quoted were before tax. The tax burdens and costs in both countries are different, and I was trying for an apples to apples comparison. That minimum wage in the UK is also challenging, given different costs and burdens.
@@GreeceExplored Just check the Average and Median income numbers in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) terms, The numbers are published by various organisations including in the CIA Factbook.
Thank you for the kind comment. I am just a guy with a Hobby who is trying to improve my videos and make content of value - so your comment is really appreciated! thank you!
Another great video man. Thank you. Nevertheless, its time to make one video from Thessaloniki and compare with Athens and Halkidiki with Peloponnesos. Good luck.
@@GreeceExploredsince you ask, I will appreciate if you can make a video about the cost to rent or to purchase a condo in Glyfada. It will also be nice if you would be able to figure out approximately the distance of the condo to the beach ⛱️ with the cost of the condo. I know I did asked alot.Thank you anyways.
@@billiosi7448 I have a video covering the Property Prices in the Peloponnese and Athens (and the current market trends and driving factors) in 4 weeks, inc. some detail on Glyfada properties and prices, though not rental. If popular I will do some followups. It is not cheap there....
What a well rsearched video profesionally presented by a very articlate presenter. So much knowledge, thank you. Will see if I can find more videos, even though I am not looking to leave Qld where I am retired.
@GreeceExplored I'm looking forward to it! I will be there in April to finalize golden visa procedures. I usually stay with Vivian at Castle Views Studios. I love your videos so much! I miss it all! My house is on Sparti Street...
@@francesthomas9814 Spartis Street? I know it if it is the one I run up into the Olive Groves, I then also run past Castle Studios. Drop me a line when you arrive, We will be around and can grab a coffee!
Very useful information indeed - thank you! I am planning on retiring to Greece in a year or so. Although costs are relatively affordable in a European context, very conscious of, as you point out - the cost of living for Greek people. Would that it wasn’t so difficult for the inhabitants of this lovely country.
Good morning Andrew , a great video,very helpful, is it possible to do a video about renting in Greece long term and any pitfalls involved,, keep up with your videos Andrew ,have a great weekend ✨✨
I will try, I have filmed a video about prices here including rental, but will only publish thet in 4 weeks I think, will look at doing a more in depth look.
Yuo didn't mention vet bills. I've lived in Greece with a dog for10 years and vet bills are very affordable. We don't need insurance because vets don't overcharge like they do in uk. To neutered my female dog cost 90 euros. We care for homeless cats and the cost to neuter them is 60 for female 50 for male. Antibiotics are about 5 euros. Flea and tick tablets for my dog is about 30 euros for 3 months. Vets here will never put a healthy animal to sleep. A very sick elderly animal cost a friend 30 euros. No charges for an appointment. So if anyone is wanting to live here with pets, no need to worry about costs.
Thanks for that info! My main worry about going over are my pets! Actually, we would be there already with our motor home if we didn’t have so many! Nice to know about the vet bills!
@@Stellairam your pets will be well treated by any vet. There are plenty of them everywhere so you have nothing to worry about. I looked at uk vet charges recently and I was truly shocked. Such a rip off. Per insurance is too much too. Here its a different story.
@@kathywilliams9672I live in Spain and it is also a rip off over here. And with all the new animal laws and all that, it is getting more and more difficult. You are so lucky to be living over there!!
Absolutely spot on information. The best thing of it all are the poeple . And the west doesn't understand how much better the social aspect is for your life and children. Low to Absolutely nothing in taxes, commodities, great quality grown food and affortable everything .
Great video. Subscribed. I lived in Athens for 2 years (about 10 years ago) and found the supermarkets very expensive compared to the UK, with a huge amount of "cartel like" price fixing on most products (even in Lidl), which i found very frustrating. Toiletries were something twice as expensive or more.
We find shopping comparable to the UK to be honest, food wise, I think electricals are generally a lot more expensive, and I do wonder about a cartel there. I have been in Greece now for the last 4 years, and had family here for almost 30, many many things I prefer, Greece feels positive (largely) at the moment.
Thank you, really appreciated. let me know if there is anything you would like me to try to cover! Thinking up topics I can actually talk about with knowledge is my biggest challenge!
Yes, coming up with topics would be a challenge. I’m not sure if you have covered this previously but how easy/difficult is it to obtain a Greek driver’s license? Would it be worth it for a three month stay? Cheers!
Your costs are surprisingly similar to what I pay in the UK. Car insurance is much higher, healthcare via the NHS is of course much cheaper. Council Tax is much higher than your property tax but I have a freehold property so have no service fees. I pay less for energy (I do have solar). My wife and I are retired and we travel a lot so we were in Athens last year. The food is fantastic. Thanks for the video.
I think the issue with the NHS now is access, I know, it can take weeks to see a gp, where as here you can skip that (or see one tomorrow if you want) and go straight to a consultant tomorrow for virtually no money. All properties in Greece, including apartments are Freehold, but of course they have to be maintained, and in a community a monthly contribution is the easiest way to manage it! Really glad you enjoyed Athens and yes, I agree, the food is great too!
@@GreeceExplored I hear from many others the NHS is not in a good way but I have been lucky so far. I moved area in 2019 and was lucky to get signed on to an NHS dentist in 2021. I know a lot of expats think it is terrible in the UK these days, that is not my experience.
@@SimonEllwood My daughter is in the UK, 7 weeks to see a GP for what they determined to be a none-urgent appointment, then told her she needed vitamin shots as had deficiency (after waiting 7 weeks) but not available on the NHS so she had to go private anyway.... could have had pills instead but doc said they were useless... but cheap...
Dude, when everybody around the world was eating berries, the Greeks had cholesterol problems.....LOL, hahahaha All nonsense aside, the food in Greece and Turkey is absolutely the BEST and cannot be debated. Italy and Lebanon are great also but the Lamb chops, tomatoes, olive oil, feta cheese, olives, figs, fish.......man.......it is everywhere, especially good in small villages. I usually gain about 20lbs in 20 days and then I come to this NYC liberal toilet bowl and lose it in 10 days. I've been to so many expensive restaurants here in NYC, the best of all, BULL$HIT !!!!. Go to a small Greek village and eat with the locals. THAT"S FOOD !!!!!
Great info Andrew. Thank you. Suggestion. Would love to see what your money actually gets you in terms of residential property in say Kalamata and other places of your choosing. Renting/Buying and perhaps even how hard/easy it is to buy land and commission a builder etc. Might be asking too much. Just an idea. Thanks once again.
Thanks for the suggestions, I have recorded a video on Greek property prices in Athens and the Peloponnese, though not Kalamata. I will publish it in 4 weeks. I will do a followup if popular. I am thinking about doing a video on the challenges of self build in Greece, I know a freindly Greek American who has done this, and want to interview him about the process and challenges. I am also going to be renovating an apartment in Athens next year and plan to do some videos on that.
Good coverage on the costs looking at the background where youre walking theres graffiti defacing so many buildings ..... Looks like many southern Italian cities. Im sure many Greek familes are struggling after the collapse last time I visited I saw lots of shops closed down. Here in Italy a large proportion of the Italian population earn about 800 Euros month, in the South more so.
I'm listening to all this while living in the US where you need at least $3500 a month just to survive if you are only renting a room, not even a separate apartment, and I am thinking, "What am I doing here?" I am definitely retiring abroad.
Interesting what you say about Greece,i live in Italy some of the year i find some things cost more and others abit less.The Italian lifestyle is better than the Uk.If you keep to a budget things are ok i find and treat yourself sometimes.Property is cheaper than Uk and public transport is a fair price where i stay when in Italy.Finding work could be a problem but i do contract work back in the Uk if need money sometimes.
Great video thank you and Yes - I would love for you to explain how you managed to retire and how you have the affordability to also retire in Greece, much appreciated 🙏🙏🙏☺️
€100/mo for electricity is brutal.🥶 I live in Saigon,Vietnam. Rent 1bed: $290 Include water, electric, maintenance. Transport (motorbike) $40/mo. Food $300/$350. Entrtainment $100-$150. Tot $950/mo. Teacher salary $1000. Life is good.
I lived in HCMC for 10 years. Xi Riverview, was 300 USD a month for electric. Owned a motorbike and the teachers I knew who didn’t work in an international school really struggled. Used to shop in Annan every week, and had a good life, my family still lives there, and I visit every year, it is getting really expensive now, especially Thao D. My daughter is actually there at the moment, 1000 to have a good life in HCMc is a struggle.
Nice Video. Im thinking where to retire to. I tried many times to understand where u stay but could never understand it. Can u tell me please. Thanks and Happy New Year.
Paralio Astros, I actually have a video on it - 'My Home- Paralio Astros Beach Resort. We do also have a small place in Athens though, it is the subject of my next video.
Loving your content. I agree, the health care system in Greece is excellent and the price for medication is so much cheaper than the UK. I was over in Greece earlier this year and I needed some meds from the pharmacy. It cost me just under 2 euros. In the UK, I'd need a prescription for what I got over the counter in Greece and it would cost me a good ten pounds just for one item. I'm curious to what you and your Wife do for employment. If you could do a video regrading that, it would be great.
Thank you, really appreciate it, I am trying to improve. My wife and I are basically retired, but my next video (Friday) is titled, 'What I do in Greece, and Why I make videos', so may answer some questions. It is difficult to earn in Greece unless you have some form of external work. Digital Nomad etc.
1000 euros / month for 2 adults with no solar water heater and an owned house is realistic. PS: Andrew looks like you're quite popular with Nafplio's youth 😁
I can't help but chuckle when people talk about their property tax bills. Here in New York, we’re shelling out around $13,000 annually-just for property taxes! Some folks assume that includes the mortgage and insurance, but nope, that’s strictly the tax bill.
@@GreeceExplored Yeah mate, it's insane. I'm currently in Greece for another week then back to Malta (no yearly taxes!). Been looking at areas to live in and came upon your channel. Keep it up!
@@sexerri Thanks! You can’t really go wrong with the Peloponnese I think, and I always recommend people look seriously at Kalamata, a fantastic town all year around.
We live in the US and Greece is on our list as a place to retire. It's important to review the minimum passive income requirements to obtain a visa. I believe it is approximately $3,500 USD and passive income will not include income from investments. It must be income that is guaranteed. Most US retirees will not meet that from Social Security alone, so you must consider how to generate and prove additional passive income...such as an annuity. I should also mention, this income requirement is per-person unless you are married. In this case, the spouse would require less passive income.
Great layout and thank you for the detailed presentation. Surprised by the amount of heating oil you used last year to heat your home. Did you say 60 liters? ONLY 60 liters?
Thank you, I hope it was useful. and yes, 60l, we really had no winter here last year, and our apartment was built in 2009 and is well insulated. looking outside, I am not sure we will have any winter here this year either, the weather is changing her, becoming almost tropical.
Nafplio is a great place to live, I grew up there. It's as beautiful as an island but with all the mod cons of the mainland. Tourism can be a pain, and drive prices up, but hey, what place is perfect?
Minimum wage is less than 2600 euro pm. Min wage in UK is £11.75 p.h. so someone working 40 pw = £1880/ p.m. or 2260 euro p.m. Net would be £1647 or 1976 Euro.
ok, lots of things that I would like to go through but what I most want to bring attention is the "i can call a doctor and visit tomorrow and it will cost 40-50 euros" see the thing is that as an employee Greece , you should NOT have to pay those 40-50 euros because this money for healthcare is being withhold every month from our salaries and freelancers have to pay for it. Whether you want it or not. Ant the free doctors might take from 2-4 weeks up to 4 months for an appointment. What you say is visit a "private" doctor which money is extra to the ones already withhold for my public healthcare but can't use/have in a decent timely manner.
In the UK it is no different and actually worse. Most EU countries and the UK use income tax to pay for national healthcare and you will wait 2 months to see a GP doctor if you are lucky, and then be even luckier if you get the help and support you need. To go to a private doctor in the UK will be typically 200 euros for 30 minutes. Greece has good value healthcare, great well trained medical staff and doctors and is accessible. If I want a blood test in the UK I have to go to the doctor first, here every large village has a good micro centre. Greece is better than so many people think for so many things.
@@GreeceExplored once you start visiting more specialized doctors the 50 euros become 80 or 100 and maybe 120. But even if that was not the case what is the minimum wage and average in UK and what is in Greece. Compare the two and you will see that it is balanced out. My issue is with the must pay and cannot go to a private insurance , which I have to go either way if I need to able to have access to healthcare. So I am getting robbed. Plus if you have a surgery you have to give the doctor money under the table. Our system only works in case of emergencies , that they HAVE to take you in no matter what.
No, and it is a hard language to learn, but I do think an effort to learn it when here is appreciated and helpful. Most people under 40 speak reasonable English. I think you do need to know someone who can speak and read Greek and support you with documentation and process, though most is online nowadays, perhaps an accountant who speak English.
Hello, you're dead right...I live on Evia island and I'm from Switzerland... I'm retired... good life...good food in Greece and happy to be here...because I LOVE this country...
Great informative video. Just a question. As my wife and I are not retired yet but are thinking of spending a month in Greece to I suppose sample the life. Just wanted approx advice on how easy that would be to say rent for a month? Keep up the videos V informative. I love the ancient greek history as well. 🤓👍
If you are staying in one place it should be relatively easy, either with a small 'guesthouse' or AirBNB, especially off season. I was in Koroni earlier this week and there are some Germans there doing exactly that now, it is cheaper off season too! Good luck with your travels!
I am renting a large apartment at the moment for €500 per month on Kalymnos next to Kos. You should get an apartment for less than €1000 in the high season.
Thank you, Andrew! Please explain how did you manage to spent 60l of heating oil for winter? Even in south of Greece night temperature is about +8 and to have +21 inside of badly insulated house (that is the rule here) we have to spend much more!
Modern apartment in a locals occupied block, well insulated, when empty never drops below about 15c, when we are there, is largely passively heated. we are lucky. just needs a boost when it is cold and cloudy.
@@GreeceExploredsure you are lucky, we did not find anything like this on Halkidiki. It seems we will burn not less 2000l this winter for 220m2 house, plus AC, plus firewood. And we started heating in the mid of Nov.
Greece is literally expensive, i dont know why people say it's not focusing on low prices due to deflation. U actually have 1.8ish euros per litre gas prices while the salaries range from 700-1000 (expensive car taxes aswell). Super markets are expensive too. How do people survive in such conditions? They immigrate simply. Oh and 40+% tax rates if you make 35K+ annualy with shitty public sector services (higher than scandinavia lol). It's a shithole, only worth it if you are a nomad in an island during summer (which have gotten expensive aswell)
It depends whenever you come from, for Europe it is really one of the less costly options, though I agree some things are expensive and compared to average local salaries, as you point out, cost of living is high.
LOL, local supermarket but it is madness right now, especially here!! Probably all being sold overseas.... though I have seen some early harvests round here.
Maybe, though most people in Greece ignore electrical and have solar water heaters, which is pretty essential here and likely reduces annual bills by 50 or 60%. Most water in Greece is electrically heated otherwise.
Great video. How did you get AMKA? Is it because of the UK connection? We are Canadian. Even though I filed taxes in Greece, KEP say I'm not eligible as we never paid into it as an employee of a Greek company.
The changed the rules in April so if you have residency, and pay taxes in Greece you are entitled to an AMKA, you may not get much for it, but is important to have, I got a free flu jab with it for example, but little else, but admin wise, having an AMKA is important.
Great video, just subscribed, thanks for the helpful info! If we lived in Athens and didn't have a car but wanted to occasionally rent a car and drive in other countries in Europe, any idea how to get car insurance if it isn't on the person but the car?
Thanks for the sub!! I am afraid I don't know. I have heard that you are not allowed to drive a Greek hire car to other countries, but I am not sure if that is common with all hire car companies, and I may be wrong. Sorry I cannot be more help.
Car Insurance works the same in Spain, Germany, Poland and other EU countries - UK & Ireland are the only once where you need to insure the driver and not the car… which is a pain in the a….🤪
HI, thank you for giving us so much info! I am a student planning to study abroad in Europe and I want to go to Greece, I also plan to move there permanently. I have many questions. Would it be okay if I emailed you?
50 meg is per second. Thats a very fast connection. You have 50 meg download but a very slow upload. So always check the upload speed if you are working online 😬
A lot of useful clear and transparent information without the shenanigans like some other UA-camrs from there . Greece needs more people like you. Thanks and earned a sub.
Much appreciated and thank you!! I hope I don't disappoint.
Thanks for the video, from 1 to 10 I will rate it 11 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂. Since I am thinking to make the big move but I was always worried about doctors and services in the hospitals. I really appreciate for the details and the way you described the different items in your list.
I lived in Athens for 2 years from 1992, a very different time in Greece. People had money then. I loved my time there, loved the people, food and the nightlife. Enjoyed your video, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed. Things are definitely improving here, it actually feels pretty vibrant, but remains tough for the younger generation in particular.
No they didn't.they had a currency worn out due to inflation and and interest rates at 15% or above.also were on the brink of collapse.
Good information, thanks. I REALLY appreciate that you give acknowledgment & compassion up front to Greeks who struggle with living costs. So many UA-camrs just giggle about how they're getting over and it's so cheap, insensitive at best.
My wife's family is Greek, and I have very first hand experience of the realities, so to be honest I often feel, awkward about making these videos.
I am retired and living in Greece for almost 10 years and your costs match pretty much what I pay. You are absolutely correct about health care available here, it is accessible, affordable and first class. What I will say that if, like me, you cannot afford a new car, the used cars are very expensive compared to the UK. Nobody I have spoken to can explain this as, as you say new car prices are compatible to UK.I found your video very interesting, well done.
In Catalonia the cause of high used car prices are two fold, firstly people keep a car until it stops. No sense of ego applies.
Secondly no corporate car market.
I love it nobody judge's you on your car or house, just how you are in the community
Thank you for the confirmation, I was worried I was way off compared to others!! Completely agree re. the Healthcare too.
A few reasons used cars are expensive in Greece compared to the UK. 1. Greeks, for reasons of cost of replacement do not change their car as often so the market is in short supply. 2, Corporate and lease fleets are much smaller, with the same effect as above 3. To compensate for the above lots of used cards are imports where the middlemen work on high profit margins. They can do that because of the 2 factors above. 4. Demand for used cars is high because of high cost of ownership. It is a supply and demand issue which starts with the high cost of ownership for new cars compared to the median income.
@@razisn Importation is not at all easy even from another EU country.
The middle men are in my experience not to be given full trust. In conclusion do it yourself and take your time to jump through the loops or settle for an older car and enjoy the freedom of Braille parking without guilt!
I believe there are 2 reasons. The 1st one is that car leasing is not popular at all and therefore that brings the prices of used cars up a lot. The 2nd reason is that in the UK the cars are right hand drive which means they are only relevant to the UK and cannot be sold to other countries. Low demand lowers the prices.
Excellent description, well spoken. Greece is a magical country, I loved the people and FOOD!!
I agree, the culture and food here is fantastic.
Brave to move from your own country. I certainly would be terrified. Now retired and I moved to South Wales a few years before retiring. Had some problems as my Private pension collapsed and lost most of it. Well the move went ahead and was the best decision ever made. 20 years on ,I am even more glad i moved to Wales after visiting family back in Kent where it is Hell. Traffic has quadrupled and thousands of New houses being built. Was pleased to get back to Wales and that was stop start all the way with excess traffic. Thanks for all the info in Greece. Sounds as if you did the right thing.
@@kennethausten it kind of happened organically for us to be honest, so perhaps we just evolved into it, working overseas for many years first and then having to move back to Europe we had 2 choices, UK where I am from, or Greece where the wife grew up, so just sort of happened really. I know what you mean though. One of my little pleasures is driving a coastal road here to the shops and listening to the UK traffic news…..!
Very fluently delivered! And comprehensive.
Thank you!!
Well said again Andrew and impressed you haven't tripped while filming, thats skill on greek roads.
Thank you, the kids would have loved it too!
If you can drive in Greece and Turkey then you can drive anywhere.
So many teenagers in the background, looking at him like he was nuts....
i am becoming a digital nomad and moving to greece. 🇬🇷 thank you for this
Good luck, is a good place to live if you go with the flow - no point in getting stressed here!
Great video. Thanks for the insight Andrew. We really appreciate the time and effort and information you provide for us foreigners. Greetings for Melbourne Australia.
I enjoy making the videos, the challenge is thinking up topics people may be interested in!! Let me know if you want me to cover anything.
4.85k subscribers. Last time i checked you had around 870. I remember saying that you should have way more subs. Nice.
Thanks, slow but steady!!! Lovely to have you back to!
I live in Nafplio too. My wife and I are online teachers. We live on about 2.200-2.400EUR combined, we pay 620 for rent (70sqm fully furnished), 37 for internet, around 150 for electricity (averaged because in the summer it is more expensive) and about 300 a month on groceries. If you rent a place, the tenant pays the agent's fee, which is not the case in other countries, and if it's furnished the owner might ask for 2month deposit upfront, so keep that in mind.
Thanks for your costs, it is a good place to live!
By far, best and accurate info I have come across about living in Greece as a foreigner. Your narration style and ability to breakdown everything wants me to know more! 👍
That is very kind of you, thank you!!
@@GreeceExplored do you have an email I can send you a DM? We purchased a home near Corinth last year and I would love to ask you some questions offline
@@ABM-c8t productdevelopmentsYT@gmail.com. if you go to the ...more section at the top of my YT page it is also available there :) look forward to hearing from you.
I live virtually free in UK because I live full time in my SUV and explore all across UK and Europe. Water is obviously free. Power is free via Solar or via the built-in alternator charger. So basically it's just the cost of food & beer per month.
(Obviously the main cost is fuel & vehicle maintenance...but I'd have those extra costs even if I mortgaged a house or paid rent...so in reality they don't count).
Van life videos are one of my fav watch on YT at the moment, I really fancy giving it a go, but the wife is not interested!!
Some of the looks you get from people while filming and walking are priceless 🫠😂
Yes, I think every School kid in Greece was there that day!
One of the best, detailed and practical videos on moving to and living in a foreign country on UA-cam. No one does these kinds of vids like the Brits.
Very Kind!
I had an inflamed appendix in Crete and spent 6 days of my 10 day holiday in hospital in Chania. THE STAFF WAS FANTASTIC! Excellent skills, good decisions. Conditions in the hospital not so, with pigeons walking into the ward, the floor broken bare concrete.
@@RobWhittlestone but they care. That's what matters. Today, here in Greece I had an eye test. The first after 5 years. It took 2o mins. The optician said he could give me new reading glasses which is what I thought I needed but he said no. I don't need to change what I've got. OK. I will keep my old glasses. When I tried to pay he said no. There's no charge. Imagine that in uk.
.
@@kathywilliams9672 Hi Kathy - yes, they DO care! I wasn't denigrating the staff at all! In my experience, several spoke good English too. My feeble attempts at speaking Greek were also appreciated.
I grew up loving Greek-speaking people, I was born in Cyprus. But the funding of the hospital I was in did leave room for improvement, that was my point. All the best, Rob in Switzerland. PS. My first text above was accidentally posted without the rest of what I wanted to say and my customary sign-off.
Get private insurance for about $3000 a year and go to private hospitals. Problem solved. However, as a foreigner....you may have restrictions from your insurance company.
@@tedmarakas2626 Hi Ted - I have Swiss private insurance but did not then have all the options for travel. I have improved on that since. All the best, Rob in Switzerland
rubbish
Excellent Andrew, no mucking about point for point and no repeating of any of it!
Thanks Frank!!
If you avoid the city centres or popular tourist areas then Greece can be quite cheap. A single person could live comfortably on 1500 Euros a month. 2500 for a couple.
Excellent video with good information! I think it was a very good idea to explain the situation of the Greek people's economic difficulties before going into the advantages of a foreigner with a good and stable income retiring there. Thousands of Greeks have gone elsewhere for quite a few years now, in order to be in the situation this man is later in life. I have been living in Thessalonica for a few years now, after I came to help care for a sick grandson. What is said here about living costs is exactly what I have experienced. Greece is affordable for me as a 76-year-old grandmother with a limited pension. It also makes a big difference if one is married to a Greek or has relatives here. They can help you out. I have EU and US citizenship. I only beg to differ as far as healthcare goes. I broke my shoulder and was taken with an ambulance to the hospital. The hospital was old and dirty. The one and only xray machine looked like one that I saw 50 years ago in Austria! Even doctor's and dentist's office have dirty sinks and very unhygienic conditions. This is the only country that I have lived in which I have continually been refused service, ignored at counter's, spat upon and have been over charged and underchanged on a daily basis! The neighbor's electricity bill was put onto mine. I paid that for 3 years. When I first came here the bank told me I had to have $10,000 for them to give me a bank account. The NBG charged horrifically horrendously high exchange fees, and recently would not let me make a deposit there! I realize that the islands and places like Nafplio are totally different experiences, where Greek people are used to tourists and foreigners. Thessalonica is quite hostile to foreigners in general, and the people here are absolutely religiously intolerant. I am wondering what St. Paul would have said to that! I often wanted to move elsewhere in Greece to a place which is more like what this man is experiencing, but my daughter and Greek son-in-law didn't want that. If you can find a place where people are open to foreigners, you can have a good life here. Greece can be a wonderful place, under the right circumstances.
@@gailkarrer6041 Thank you, I am sorry to hear of your experiences health wise. I do agree, that for serious issues the system is, antiquated, the staff are fantastic but some of the hospitals very underinvested. I do think that private health care is essential in Greece for serious matters, and again my experience of private in Greece is world class, but I appreciate for many this is not an option. I haven’t any useful experience of living in northern Greece, but I do find Athens and the Peloponnese to be very welcoming, though as you say, having a Greek wife, family and some local contacts, knowledge helps a lot!
I’m Greek living in the U.K. since 17 years old. I’m now 31. Everything you mentioned is spot on! Hope you’re enjoying Greece buddy
I do, and thank you for commenting!!! your opinion is valuable.
Moving to kefalonia next year with my husband so excited, going to live in his mums granny flat ,-)
Good luck, it is a beautiful island!
Great video Andrew, useful info and zero waste of time. It would be interesting to understand how an income from overseas is getting (or not) taxed in Greece.
written the outline of a video, but I am trying to get my Greek accountant to participate - maybe an interview, as I am not an expert. if she wont, then I will at least have her advise! but may be several months before I publish it...
Thanks by the way!!
Retire to Greece with 7% flat tax rate for 10 years.
If you stay for more than 183 days per year in Greece you are considered a tax resident of Greece and required by law to file for and pay taxes in Greece for your worldwide income. There are favorable provisions for pensioners (7% rate annually for 10 years etc.) and other categories of people, but you certainly need to abide with the tax residency regulations stated above. If you do not, you are breaking the law and this could have consequences as in every country.
@@GreeceExplored What I have found on other channels is, when professional (Accountants, Attorneys, Real Estate agents, Immigration facilitators, etc...) people come onto your channel and you interview them, those people grow their business in a big way. Many people want to move to other places but are intimidated by the lack of knowledge and/or the process. Your referral by way of an interview on your channel will help everyone...the professional, the people wanting those services and for you if you have an arrangement with those vendors. Everybody wants a referral from someone that has actually used these people and their services. It helps to reassure people. It's a win/win! In time you have them back again, that way your viewers will begin to know them and trust will come quickly.
The minimum wage in Greece is not 830 Euros, but something like 705 after taxes. The major reasons most of us are able to live decently is a second job and the support of our families. The effects will get dramatically apparent progressively.
I agree, it is challenging. To try to offer fair comparison, both my figures quoted were before tax. The tax burdens and costs in both countries are different, and I was trying for an apples to apples comparison. That minimum wage in the UK is also challenging, given different costs and burdens.
@@GreeceExplored Just check the Average and Median income numbers in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) terms, The numbers are published by various organisations including in the CIA Factbook.
I spend twice that much in a week. Oh well, I am Greek - American
great explanation thank you!
Very much information.
Thanks a lot for your support for everybody.
All without marketing or something.
Thank you for the kind comment. I am just a guy with a Hobby who is trying to improve my videos and make content of value - so your comment is really appreciated! thank you!
I would move to Crete in a heartbeat if I were retiring. Lovely place, great people and even better food!
Agreed, like the whole of Greece, amazing culture, people food and weather. The best of Europe.
You're making me want to retire and relocate to Greece early.
Trust me, it is probably the best place to live in Europe, as long as you can go with the flow!!
Very helpful and wonderfully broken down. Thank you very much.
Thank you, glad if it has been useful.
Your absolutely correct, I watched your whole video, your right ! I live in Athens❤❤❤
Thank you for the affirmation! My next video is about an older Athens property - hope it is interesting to you!
Another great video man. Thank you. Nevertheless, its time to make one video from Thessaloniki and compare with Athens and Halkidiki with Peloponnesos. Good luck.
I have to get up there at some point!
it’s one of the best videos of cost of living in Greece…
Very good info
Thank you 🙏🏻
Thank you, That means a lot to me, really does.
If there is anything else you would like me to cover, please let me know!
@@GreeceExploredsince you ask, I will appreciate if you can make a video about the cost to rent or to purchase a condo in Glyfada. It will also be nice if you would be able to figure out approximately the distance of the condo to the beach ⛱️ with the cost of the condo. I know I did asked alot.Thank you anyways.
@@billiosi7448 I have a video covering the Property Prices in the Peloponnese and Athens (and the current market trends and driving factors) in 4 weeks, inc. some detail on Glyfada properties and prices, though not rental. If popular I will do some followups. It is not cheap there....
Very useful and informative video. Thanks
Thank you - Glad if it was useful!
What a well rsearched video profesionally presented by a very articlate presenter. So much knowledge, thank you. Will see if I can find more videos, even though I am not looking to leave Qld where I am retired.
That is very kind of you, thank you! I do tour videos to,if you plan to visit on holidays!!
Nafplio in the background. Beautiful!
One of the best tourist towns in Greece, perhaps the best.
You speak really well, thanks for sharing
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
How exciting to see this video! I just bought a house in Paralio Astros! 😊
Welcome, I will no doubt see you about!
@GreeceExplored I'm looking forward to it! I will be there in April to finalize golden visa procedures. I usually stay with Vivian at Castle Views Studios. I love your videos so much! I miss it all! My house is on Sparti Street...
@@francesthomas9814 Spartis Street? I know it if it is the one I run up into the Olive Groves, I then also run past Castle Studios. Drop me a line when you arrive, We will be around and can grab a coffee!
Very useful information indeed - thank you! I am planning on retiring to Greece in a year or so. Although costs are relatively affordable in a European context, very conscious of, as you point out - the cost of living for Greek people. Would that it wasn’t so difficult for the inhabitants of this lovely country.
Good morning Andrew , a great video,very helpful, is it possible to do a video about renting in Greece long term and any pitfalls involved,, keep up with your videos Andrew ,have a great weekend ✨✨
Oh yeah I would love that too.
Brilliant information, thanks Andrew this is really helpful xx
I will try, I have filmed a video about prices here including rental, but will only publish thet in 4 weeks I think, will look at doing a more in depth look.
@@Stellairam Thank you!! I have a property video I will publish in about 4 weeks, and I will look at doing one specifically on rentals.
@@GreeceExploredthanks Andrew!
Yuo didn't mention vet bills. I've lived in Greece with a dog for10 years and vet bills are very affordable. We don't need insurance because vets don't overcharge like they do in uk. To neutered my female dog cost 90 euros. We care for homeless cats and the cost to neuter them is 60 for female 50 for male. Antibiotics are about 5 euros. Flea and tick tablets for my dog is about 30 euros for 3 months. Vets here will never put a healthy animal to sleep. A very sick elderly animal cost a friend 30 euros. No charges for an appointment. So if anyone is wanting to live here with pets, no need to worry about costs.
Thank you, really valuable information to add. I unfortunately am allergic to animal saliva, so pets are not a great option, or expertise for me!!
Thanks for that info! My main worry about going over are my pets! Actually, we would be there already with our motor home if we didn’t have so many!
Nice to know about the vet bills!
@@Stellairam your pets will be well treated by any vet. There are plenty of them everywhere so you have nothing to worry about. I looked at uk vet charges recently and I was truly shocked. Such a rip off. Per insurance is too much too. Here its a different story.
@@kathywilliams9672I live in Spain and it is also a rip off over here. And with all the new animal laws and all that, it is getting more and more difficult. You are so lucky to be living over there!!
@@Stellairam yes I am truly lucky to be here. Never a day goes by when I don't appreciate it. I will never leave.
Absolutely spot on information. The best thing of it all are the poeple . And the west doesn't understand how much better the social aspect is for your life and children.
Low to Absolutely nothing in taxes, commodities, great quality grown food and affortable everything .
Great video. Subscribed. I lived in Athens for 2 years (about 10 years ago) and found the supermarkets very expensive compared to the UK, with a huge amount of "cartel like" price fixing on most products (even in Lidl), which i found very frustrating. Toiletries were something twice as expensive or more.
We find shopping comparable to the UK to be honest, food wise, I think electricals are generally a lot more expensive, and I do wonder about a cartel there. I have been in Greece now for the last 4 years, and had family here for almost 30, many many things I prefer, Greece feels positive (largely) at the moment.
Thank you Andrew for another very informative video. Lots of tips I would never have thought about. Have saved it for future reference. 😊
Thank you, really appreciated. let me know if there is anything you would like me to try to cover! Thinking up topics I can actually talk about with knowledge is my biggest challenge!
Yes, coming up with topics would be a challenge. I’m not sure if you have covered this previously but how easy/difficult is it to obtain a Greek driver’s license? Would it be worth it for a three month stay? Cheers!
Great job ! Thank you.
17:29 super true. UK gp route to be seen is a joke! Good content btw:) You got a new subscriber.
Thank you - It is a shame, difficult in the UK to get healthcare at the moment.
Your costs are surprisingly similar to what I pay in the UK. Car insurance is much higher, healthcare via the NHS is of course much cheaper.
Council Tax is much higher than your property tax but I have a freehold property so have no service fees.
I pay less for energy (I do have solar).
My wife and I are retired and we travel a lot so we were in Athens last year. The food is fantastic.
Thanks for the video.
I think the issue with the NHS now is access, I know, it can take weeks to see a gp, where as here you can skip that (or see one tomorrow if you want) and go straight to a consultant tomorrow for virtually no money.
All properties in Greece, including apartments are Freehold, but of course they have to be maintained, and in a community a monthly contribution is the easiest way to manage it!
Really glad you enjoyed Athens and yes, I agree, the food is great too!
@@GreeceExplored I hear from many others the NHS is not in a good way but I have been lucky so far. I moved area in 2019 and was lucky to get signed on to an NHS dentist in 2021. I know a lot of expats think it is terrible in the UK these days, that is not my experience.
@@SimonEllwood My daughter is in the UK, 7 weeks to see a GP for what they determined to be a none-urgent appointment, then told her she needed vitamin shots as had deficiency (after waiting 7 weeks) but not available on the NHS so she had to go private anyway.... could have had pills instead but doc said they were useless... but cheap...
@@GreeceExplored There are indeed massive waiting list especially since COVID and the recent strikes.
Dude, when everybody around the world was eating berries, the Greeks had cholesterol problems.....LOL, hahahaha
All nonsense aside, the food in Greece and Turkey is absolutely the BEST and cannot be debated. Italy and Lebanon are great also but the Lamb chops, tomatoes, olive oil, feta cheese, olives, figs, fish.......man.......it is everywhere, especially good in small villages. I usually gain about 20lbs in 20 days and then I come to this NYC liberal toilet bowl and lose it in 10 days.
I've been to so many expensive restaurants here in NYC, the best of all, BULL$HIT !!!!. Go to a small Greek village and eat with the locals. THAT"S FOOD !!!!!
Very informative! Thank you 😁🙏 I’m going to watch more of your videos as my partner & I are planning to move to Crete in the near future😉
I hope my other videos are useful too! More to come, and good luck with your move!
ευχαριστώ πολύ 😁!
Lovely clear video.
you, I really appreciate your comment and feedback! I hope it was interesting.
Great info Andrew. Thank you. Suggestion. Would love to see what your money actually gets you in terms of residential property in say Kalamata and other places of your choosing. Renting/Buying and perhaps even how hard/easy it is to buy land and commission a builder etc. Might be asking too much. Just an idea. Thanks once again.
Thanks for the suggestions, I have recorded a video on Greek property prices in Athens and the Peloponnese, though not Kalamata. I will publish it in 4 weeks. I will do a followup if popular. I am thinking about doing a video on the challenges of self build in Greece, I know a freindly Greek American who has done this, and want to interview him about the process and challenges. I am also going to be renovating an apartment in Athens next year and plan to do some videos on that.
@@GreeceExplored All of that is interesting to me. Brilliant. Fingers crossed others might think the same.
Good coverage on the costs looking at the background where youre walking theres graffiti defacing so many buildings ..... Looks like many southern Italian cities. Im sure many Greek familes are struggling after the collapse last time I visited I saw lots of shops closed down. Here in Italy a large proportion of the Italian population earn about 800 Euros month, in the South more so.
Nafplio, it used to be a Venetian city, a long time ago...
I'm listening to all this while living in the US where you need at least $3500 a month just to survive if you are only renting a room, not even a separate apartment, and I am thinking, "What am I doing here?" I am definitely retiring abroad.
I believe the US is expensive... The trick is to have somewhere else to go with a lower cost of living when you can.
Virtually , your videos have been intriguing and frankly speaking very vital and helpful.
Thank you, always appreciate positive feedback, I hope they remain useful!
Great video which part of Greece is best place and value thanks keep up the good work 😊
Personally I think the Peloponnese , all the benefits and beauty of the islands areound the coastline, with the benefit of easy access to athens
Very informative, Thank you.
@@robertbateson7755 Thank you!
Interesting what you say about Greece,i live in Italy some of the year i find some things cost more and others abit less.The Italian lifestyle is better than the Uk.If you keep to a budget things are ok i find and treat yourself sometimes.Property is cheaper than Uk and public transport is a fair price where i stay when in Italy.Finding work could be a problem but i do contract work back in the Uk if need money sometimes.
I think it is very similar here, and as you say, remote work is possible too, should you wish to do it.
Very informative sounds good👍
Great video thank you and Yes - I would love for you to explain how you managed to retire and how you have the affordability to also retire in Greece, much appreciated 🙏🙏🙏☺️
I will do this, I am still thinking about how to structure the video.
@ that would be amazing 🤩 I realise it takes a lot of work and organising to put content up, so thank you 🙏☺️
@@indigomoon9436 I do it because I enjoy the process and challenge. It is my hobby but appreciated - thank you.
Excellent thank you I’ve subscribed
Appreciate it - thank you! Next vid is a Hike and some 'facts' about Greece and the Greeks..... following that a look at some property prices
Great video. Very detailed information. Sad to see so much graffiti as you're walking around.
Nafplio is one of the cleaner places too. I don't understand why the kids do this when their families rely on visitors!
€100/mo for electricity is brutal.🥶 I live in Saigon,Vietnam. Rent 1bed: $290 Include water, electric, maintenance. Transport (motorbike) $40/mo. Food $300/$350. Entrtainment $100-$150. Tot $950/mo. Teacher salary $1000. Life is good.
I lived in HCMC for 10 years. Xi Riverview, was 300 USD a month for electric. Owned a motorbike and the teachers I knew who didn’t work in an international school really struggled. Used to shop in Annan every week, and had a good life, my family still lives there, and I visit every year, it is getting really expensive now, especially Thao D. My daughter is actually there at the moment, 1000 to have a good life in HCMc is a struggle.
in fact the very first 4 or 5 vids on my Channel are in HCMC
Nice Video. Im thinking where to retire to. I tried many times to understand where u stay but could never understand it. Can u tell me please. Thanks and Happy New Year.
Paralio Astros, I actually have a video on it - 'My Home- Paralio Astros Beach Resort. We do also have a small place in Athens though, it is the subject of my next video.
Loving your content. I agree, the health care system in Greece is excellent and the price for medication is so much cheaper than the UK. I was over in Greece earlier this year and I needed some meds from the pharmacy. It cost me just under 2 euros. In the UK, I'd need a prescription for what I got over the counter in Greece and it would cost me a good ten pounds just for one item. I'm curious to what you and your Wife do for employment. If you could do a video regrading that, it would be great.
Thank you, really appreciate it, I am trying to improve. My wife and I are basically retired, but my next video (Friday) is titled, 'What I do in Greece, and Why I make videos', so may answer some questions. It is difficult to earn in Greece unless you have some form of external work. Digital Nomad etc.
Starlink a good choice in Greece. Cheaper than Australia per month for Starlink.
Thank you, will check it out
1000 euros / month for 2 adults with no solar water heater and an owned house is realistic.
PS: Andrew looks like you're quite popular with Nafplio's youth 😁
Thanks for the agreement! and yes, the kids were out in force that morning and enjoyed having me trying to film...
A bit on the cheap side but possible as you own home
Excellent and very useful. Thank you
Appreciated, thank you.
I can't help but chuckle when people talk about their property tax bills. Here in New York, we’re shelling out around $13,000 annually-just for property taxes! Some folks assume that includes the mortgage and insurance, but nope, that’s strictly the tax bill.
That is mad, and I thought property taxes in the UK were high!
@@GreeceExplored Yeah mate, it's insane. I'm currently in Greece for another week then back to Malta (no yearly taxes!). Been looking at areas to live in and came upon your channel. Keep it up!
@@sexerri Thanks! You can’t really go wrong with the Peloponnese I think, and I always recommend people look seriously at Kalamata, a fantastic town all year around.
We live in the US and Greece is on our list as a place to retire. It's important to review the minimum passive income requirements to obtain a visa. I believe it is approximately $3,500 USD and passive income will not include income from investments. It must be income that is guaranteed. Most US retirees will not meet that from Social Security alone, so you must consider how to generate and prove additional passive income...such as an annuity. I should also mention, this income requirement is per-person unless you are married. In this case, the spouse would require less passive income.
Agreed. I have a video on exactly that actually, the process and other visa options
Great video……
Thank you!
Buy starling, it's 40 euro a month in greece. Once you pay 300 to start with. You will get much better internet
I will have a look, I am not sure it is available to us here though, thanks!!!
My daughter lives in Crete and she has Starlink 40 Euro per month 130 down load and 20 - 30 upload very good service.
Excellent video. You should be picked up by a tv channel.
Great layout and thank you for the detailed presentation.
Surprised by the amount of heating oil you used last year to heat your home. Did you say 60 liters? ONLY 60 liters?
Thank you, I hope it was useful. and yes, 60l, we really had no winter here last year, and our apartment was built in 2009 and is well insulated. looking outside, I am not sure we will have any winter here this year either, the weather is changing her, becoming almost tropical.
Nafplio is a great place to live, I grew up there. It's as beautiful as an island but with all the mod cons of the mainland. Tourism can be a pain, and drive prices up, but hey, what place is perfect?
I agree, it is well worth a visit for a couple of nights
Minimum wage is less than 2600 euro pm. Min wage in UK is £11.75 p.h. so someone working 40 pw = £1880/ p.m. or 2260 euro p.m.
Net would be £1647 or 1976 Euro.
Thanks. Doesn’t change the point I was making though. You are correct. I was approximating, from the top of my head, (and in the ball park).
can you do a video about athens apartments & flats???
Potentially yes, anything in particular you would like to know? or focus on?
Great video, thank you.
You mentioned to add to comment. How did you manage an early retirement ? Cheers, Mark
Thanks, appreciated. I have recorded a vid, probably publish Dec 27th. No magic formula though, just hard work really, and a dream.
@ thank you Andrew. I’ll head there now.
@@markberry5408 I meant I will publish it 27th December, 2024!! sorry for not being clear.
@ thanks Andrew, I’ve just been searching your back catalogue and going a little barmy 😂
ok, lots of things that I would like to go through but what I most want to bring attention is the
"i can call a doctor and visit tomorrow and it will cost 40-50 euros"
see the thing is that as an employee Greece , you should NOT have to pay those 40-50 euros because this money for healthcare is being withhold every month from our salaries and freelancers have to pay for it. Whether you want it or not. Ant the free doctors might take from 2-4 weeks up to 4 months for an appointment.
What you say is visit a "private" doctor which money is extra to the ones already withhold for my public healthcare but can't use/have in a decent timely manner.
In the UK it is no different and actually worse. Most EU countries and the UK use income tax to pay for national healthcare and you will wait 2 months to see a GP doctor if you are lucky, and then be even luckier if you get the help and support you need. To go to a private doctor in the UK will be typically 200 euros for 30 minutes. Greece has good value healthcare, great well trained medical staff and doctors and is accessible. If I want a blood test in the UK I have to go to the doctor first, here every large village has a good micro centre. Greece is better than so many people think for so many things.
@@GreeceExplored once you start visiting more specialized doctors the 50 euros become 80 or 100 and maybe 120.
But even if that was not the case what is the minimum wage and average in UK and what is in Greece. Compare the two and you will see that it is balanced out.
My issue is with the must pay and cannot go to a private insurance , which I have to go either way if I need to able to have access to healthcare. So I am getting robbed.
Plus if you have a surgery you have to give the doctor money under the table.
Our system only works in case of emergencies , that they HAVE to take you in no matter what.
Hello, I’m interested in how you achieved FIRE (financial independence, retire early).
I have a video on it ( no magic formula though), - How I retired at 48.
Such great information. Thank you. Is it difficult to live in Greece if you only speak English?
No, and it is a hard language to learn, but I do think an effort to learn it when here is appreciated and helpful. Most people under 40 speak reasonable English. I think you do need to know someone who can speak and read Greek and support you with documentation and process, though most is online nowadays, perhaps an accountant who speak English.
Wonderful video, great information. Was curious was the total cost per person or for you and your lovely wife?
Thank you! Essential costs for us both combined!
@ thank you for the clarification, I thought so, but wanted to make sure. Thank you again for such great work!
Thank you
Hello, you're dead right...I live on Evia island and I'm from Switzerland... I'm retired... good life...good food in Greece and happy to be here...because I LOVE this country...
It is beautiful, something about the regular sunshine and the pace of life for me! Evia is beautiful too.
Great informative video. Just a question. As my wife and I are not retired yet but are thinking of spending a month in Greece to I suppose sample the life. Just wanted approx advice on how easy that would be to say rent for a month?
Keep up the videos V informative. I love the ancient greek history as well. 🤓👍
If you are staying in one place it should be relatively easy, either with a small 'guesthouse' or AirBNB, especially off season. I was in Koroni earlier this week and there are some Germans there doing exactly that now, it is cheaper off season too! Good luck with your travels!
I am renting a large apartment at the moment for €500 per month on Kalymnos next to Kos. You should get an apartment for less than €1000 in the high season.
@@lawrencehawgood7929 Good advice for people, thanks!
Minimum wage England is ❤ £11.44 per hour, typically monthly working hours 160. So works out at approx €2100 :) ;)
Agreed, I was incorrect, but then many will get additional benefits, which are not available here…. Child, etc.
I would love to live there. I pay $2,500 in rent for a 2 bedroom house in the country in Arizona, U.S.
That is a lot, but you are in the US!
Thank you, Andrew! Please explain how did you manage to spent 60l of heating oil for winter? Even in south of Greece night temperature is about +8 and to have +21 inside of badly insulated house (that is the rule here) we have to spend much more!
Modern apartment in a locals occupied block, well insulated, when empty never drops below about 15c, when we are there, is largely passively heated. we are lucky. just needs a boost when it is cold and cloudy.
@@GreeceExploredsure you are lucky, we did not find anything like this on Halkidiki. It seems we will burn not less 2000l this winter for 220m2 house, plus AC, plus firewood. And we started heating in the mid of Nov.
@@Paul117-k9r well, a big house up north is different to an apartment down south, a lot warmer in the Peloponnese I think!
@@GreeceExplored sure, but it much milder in summer and much greener all the year, so Greece provides options :)
Greece is literally expensive, i dont know why people say it's not focusing on low prices due to deflation.
U actually have 1.8ish euros per litre gas prices while the salaries range from 700-1000 (expensive car taxes aswell). Super markets are expensive too.
How do people survive in such conditions? They immigrate simply. Oh and 40+% tax rates if you make 35K+ annualy with shitty public sector services (higher than scandinavia lol).
It's a shithole, only worth it if you are a nomad in an island during summer (which have gotten expensive aswell)
It depends whenever you come from, for Europe it is really one of the less costly options, though I agree some things are expensive and compared to average local salaries, as you point out, cost of living is high.
Shithole ! You are so eloquent you probably come from where people believe they are the happiest in the world, how Greek immigrants you have there?
Where did you buy olive oil so cheap? I noticed the grocery store olive oil in greece is more expensive then even in canada.
LOL, local supermarket but it is madness right now, especially here!! Probably all being sold overseas.... though I have seen some early harvests round here.
Woops i mis heard 3/4 of litte for 13 euros is excessive. I thought you said 3 litres@GreeceExplored
Where and what the flat look like Ole chap?
Is 50 square meters 450 square feet?
I have a video on my Home, Paralio Astros, our apartment is larger but 50m is about 538 sq feet.
What about using starlink for your internet ?
I am looking at it, to move it about.
Please explain how you’ve retired so early and how you’re doing with the Greek language.
I have a video about it actually, my last video, (How I retired at 48) and my Greek is progressing
Is air conditioning an option with solar power?
Maybe, though most people in Greece ignore electrical and have solar water heaters, which is pretty essential here and likely reduces annual bills by 50 or 60%. Most water in Greece is electrically heated otherwise.
Andrew, great video. My question is you do not look over 60 at all?! 😊
Early to mid 50s mate.
Great video. How did you get AMKA? Is it because of the UK connection? We are Canadian. Even though I filed taxes in Greece, KEP say I'm not eligible as we never paid into it as an employee of a Greek company.
The changed the rules in April so if you have residency, and pay taxes in Greece you are entitled to an AMKA, you may not get much for it, but is important to have, I got a free flu jab with it for example, but little else, but admin wise, having an AMKA is important.
The high levels of youth unemployment in southern Europe seems apparent in your walk about.
Most of the people in the vid are school kids, It seemed every school in Greece was visiting Nafplio that day!
Solid video.
My experience so far - food expensive, rent expensive, gas expensive, second hand cars super expensive. Warm people, sunny all the time.
I was in Nafplio that day, with most of the Greek school population I think!
Thanks for the comment to!
Great video. How much does it cost to lease a Toyota Prius for 2-3 years? And car insurance?
I have no idea I am afraid mate.
Wonderful video.
What do you mean nobody text's anymore??? And no phone call either??? How do you talk to each other? lol
Glad you enjoyed!!!!! I meant people use WhatsApp, Viber, Zalo, all internet rather than text and calls.
Great video, just subscribed, thanks for the helpful info! If we lived in Athens and didn't have a car but wanted to occasionally rent a car and drive in other countries in Europe, any idea how to get car insurance if it isn't on the person but the car?
Thanks for the sub!! I am afraid I don't know. I have heard that you are not allowed to drive a Greek hire car to other countries, but I am not sure if that is common with all hire car companies, and I may be wrong. Sorry I cannot be more help.
Car Insurance works the same in Spain, Germany, Poland and other EU countries - UK & Ireland are the only once where you need to insure the driver and not the car… which is a pain in the a….🤪
I agree, it is not an ideal approach…..
HI, thank you for giving us so much info! I am a student planning to study abroad in Europe and I want to go to Greece, I also plan to move there permanently. I have many questions. Would it be okay if I emailed you?
Sure if you wish to, I can't promise to answer them all though!
Retired !Good god your about 30 what did you do win the lottery .
Kind but I am mid 50s mate. Keep up with comments like that though, I like a lot!
Wow. You look a similar age to me (mid thirties). Not sure whether to be depressed or whether you just look insanely youthful for your age !
@@domtaylor2271 I am sure that is not really true, but thank you - Sunglasses and a hat help.....
50 meg is per second. Thats a very fast connection. You have 50 meg download but a very slow upload. So always check the upload speed if you are working online 😬
No, mega bits, not bytes, 5 mega bytes down, 600kb up.