“Romania is not what we expected” – the family that gave up Germany and wants to live in Greece. What advice did he get?

A young Romanian family with one child, recently returned from Germany to Romania, expressed their disappointment and were looking for alternatives: “It is not what we expected here and we are thinking of moving to Greece”. What answers did the young people receive?

Athens, one of the most beautiful cities. PHOTO: Shutterstock

A simple question posted on the Romanians in Greece Facebook group triggered an avalanche of radically different responses, emotions and perspectives. A young Romanian family with one child, recently returned from Germany to Romania, expressed their disappointment and looked for alternatives:

“It's not what we expected here and we are thinking of moving to Greece to live. Is it worth it? how is life How are prices, rents, work, home equity?”

The answers were not long in coming, and the emerging picture is far from black and white.

For some, Greece is a beautiful but economically tough country. Denisa Florin Popa realistically warns:

“There are jobs, the money is low, but the demands are high. The rent has exploded – for a two-bedroom apartment you pay between 450 and 650 euros. The salary is almost 900 euros, if you find a serious company.”

“No one talks about quality of life”

About credits and the medical system, the tone becomes even more reserved:

“Home loan…very difficult. Medical system? You have money, you have health.”

On the other hand, there are voices that draw attention that the discussion should not be reduced only to money. Andreea Roșca notices an imbalance in the comments:

“I see you're all down, but nobody's talking about the quality of life. Greece is a great country. As long as you've got two hands and two legs, you can get by anywhere.”

The same idea is supported by Neculai Norocel, who shifts the focus to lifestyle:

“It's better than in Romania. You live near the sea, fresh fruit, healthy food. Greece is not on the list of food experiments.”

For some, personal experience clearly tips the scales. Viorela Doditoiu says directly:

“I work 4 hours a day, I earn 800 euros. If I worked more, I would make 2000. It's better than in Romania.”

And Ionuț Scarlii completes:

“No one works for 900 euros anymore. I've been here for 28 years.”

But there are also stark warnings. Laury Ione writes bluntly:

“Don't make the mistake of coming here! This is not Germany! Rents are very high, wages very low.”

And Ιασμίνα Τσιομπάνου confirms the feeling of crisis: “If you're not already established, it's not worth it. Many leave here.”

“It's a sad country”

A sensitive point remains the comparison with Germany. The anonymous participant explains why the family does not want to return:

“Germany is not so rosy. Lots of bureaucracy, cold, racist people. Everything has become more expensive, wages have stayed the same. It's a sad country.”

In contrast, Neagu Mariana sees things pragmatically: “I miss Greece, but when I think about the health and education system in Germany, I miss it.”

For families with children, education matters enormously. Maria Răcaru Toma points out a major advantage: “Kindergarten, school, high school, college – all are state-run and free.”

And Adriana Elena adds:

“The child will not feel burdened. The education system is very good.”

Some choose Greece precisely for safety and pace. Adina Petrescu says clearly: “For safety, Greece is one of those countries where you can walk down the street without looking back.”

“In Greece you work to live, you don't live to work”

On the same note, Nailsforyoum Maria sums up the local philosophy:

“In Greece you work to live, you don't live to work.”

Perhaps the most balanced conclusion comes from Anghelina Marinela:

“Opinions are subjective. It depends on what standards each person has. The important thing is to be healthy, the rest is taken care of.”

The discussion does not offer a unique answer, but rather a faithful mirror of reality: Greece is not Germany, neither is Romania. It is a country of contrasts – lower wages, but warmer life; less order but more soul; less financial security, but more joy in living.

For those thinking of taking the plunge, perhaps the best advice remains this: “Test the ground, come, see, live here for a while.”

Because, as many who have chosen Greece say, it is not a decision about money, but about life.