Greek politeness is grammar plus titles, not only tone. The εσείς / εσύ split is the first social filter newcomers feel at a counter: Learn Greek.
When should you stay formal?
Start with εσείς, παρακαλώ and κύριε / κυρία plus surname at AADE desks, KEP, clinics, banks and with landlords: Bureaucracy without Greek and Greek at the clinic. Work emails to unknown managers stay formal until someone signs with a first name: Greek for work.
English may open the door in tourist zones, but the Greek formality rule still applies when you switch languages mid-sentence: English in Greece.
When does informal feel natural?
Friends, sports teams and many young coworking circles move to εσύ fast: Making friends. Name-day chats often stay warm but still use respectful titles with older relatives’ friends: Name-day culture. If unsure, stay formal one beat longer; Greeks will invite the switch.
Common misconceptions
Assuming tourist English removes the need for εσείς fails at municipal desks.
Assuming startups never use titles also fails when you email a ministry or landlord.
Summary
Default to formal Greek with strangers and officials, then follow the other person’s lead into εσύ. That one switch prevents more awkwardness than perfect accent work.
Sources
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