Differences in mentality

Differences in mentality between Greeks and Germans

The Mediterranean country of Greece is known for its hospitality. The friendly mentality of the locals often gives travelers a lot of pleasure, but it can occasionally be stressful for Germans due to the strongly pronounced composure. Who gets involved in the peculiarities of the country, can explore the country in the context of a relaxed stay with a hire car.

Don’t rush
In the hire car offices in Greece, the traveler is met with a friendly service, which is characterized by a great serenity. Those on holiday should take inspiration from this. This saves a lot of stress and promotes relaxation. Upon entering the shop, the customer is greeted in a friendly manner, but this does not mean that he will be served immediately. Usually, the tasks that were initially started are finished first until it is the traveler’s turn. This is not a sign of a lack of respect, but is a hallmark of the culture. A local would not have fared any differently than the foreign tourist. Once it is the customer’s turn, he is often greeted again. This time the greeting is by handshake. The Greek hugs that are so well known are reserved only for friends and family. With a friendly smile, the documents for the rental vehicle are brought out and the most important conditions are explained to the customer. The staff in the rental offices in tourist regions usually speaks at least English and occasionally German. As a popular holiday country, it is excellently prepared for tourists. With great calmness, the documents are filled out and the hire car key is handed over. German travellers are sometimes surprised how slowly the Greek service staff moves. This should not be met with impatience or hecticness, as this behaviour is an expression of Greek serenity. That time is seen more as a means to an end can also be seen in the lack of punctuality. Greeks are not only unpunctual in their private life, but also in the business life, delays are the rule. The hire car office will open a little later, especially after holidays, and agreed appointments will have a larger time window. Therefore, all planning with the hire car should be provided with a little extra time so that there is no annoyance over delays. This handling of the time has also advantages, since usually regarding a somewhat late return of the rented vehicle a larger Kulanz is given than in Germany.

Sympathetic and curious
Greeks are clearly more sociable than Germans, which can express itself also in the service. They are happy to talk to the customer if there is time. They are not afraid to ask the interlocutor questions. This is supposed to express interest in the other person, which is why it is not considered impolite. If this does not suit you, you are welcome to ask questions in a friendly manner yourself. However, political discussions should not be held in the hire car agency, as opinions are passionately held by the Greeks. Furthermore, the employees of the hire car centre should not be asked too deep questions about the ancient history of Greece. Although they are happy about the interest, they are often not very well informed about details. In addition, there are different terms in German and Greek for certain aspects of Greek history, so sometimes the answers can be more confusing. Furthermore, it should be noted that the service staff always wants to be friendly. Therefore, they will have an answer to every question. But it is not sure if this answer is always correct. With this behaviour also small wishes and remarks of the customer are met. He will always hear that everything is done to fulfill his wish. This is also not a lie, but is occasionally forgotten. Should this happen, the customer must not react irritably. There was no malicious intent behind the behavior of the service personnel. It is therefore better to emphasize the request with polite inquiries. Furthermore, it is important to remember that in Greece a nod of the head means “no” and a shake of the head means “yes”. Forming a circle with thumb and index finger as a symbol of OK, is an obscene gesture in this Mediterranean country and must be avoided.