Culture Shock in Europe: 12 American Perceptions of European Etiquette 2024

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Europe is a tourist hotspot, with many Americans visiting its beautiful cities in huge flocks every year. However, many don’t realize how different the people and norms there are. Awareness of preconceived notions and perceptions is imperative to better acclimate to the new environment.

1. Europeans Are Snobby

Culture Shock in Europe: 12 American Perceptions of European Etiquette Europeans Are Snobby — © Vladimirs Koskins / Adobe Stock

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Many Americans find that when they visit European cities, the people try to one-up them at every corner. Many report feeling like natives constantly bashing their healthcare system and politics and claiming that their country is much better than the US.

This leads to resentment and miscommunication, as people on the other spectrum also express similar feelings.

2. Paying for Public Restrooms

Culture Shock in Europe: 12 American Perceptions of European Etiquette Paying for Public Restrooms — © Sandris / Adobe Stock

When traveling across Europe, you won’t find many public washrooms; however, when you do, there’s usually a fee of 1-2 euros. This is unusual for Americans, but one person stated they didn’t mind paying for it because the toilets were hygienic and clean, so it was worth the extra money.

3. Lack of Automatic Vehicles

Driving a manual car in Europe is very common, so you’ll need a completely different license than the one you have for automatic vehicles. Automatics are primarily available in high-end and premium car models, so either you pay a hefty sum for them, or you’ll eventually have to learn to use manual gears and the clutch.

4. Countries Are a Lot Bigger Than They Look

American Perceptions of European Etiquette Countries Are a Lot Bigger Than They Look — © Mumemories / Adobe Stock

A general perception about European countries is that they’re small, with narrow streets and jam-packed cities. While Americans know that Europe isn’t the size of a football field, they tend to believe that Europe will be much smaller when coming from massive states like California, New York, or Texas.

5. Driving Habits

Culture Shock in Europe: 12 American Perceptions of European Etiquette Driving Habits — © AlexQ / Adobe Stock

As you step inside the continent, you’ll notice a shift in the temperament of the drivers here. Many Americans find that it’s easier driving on the roads of Europe than back home because there are less aggressive drivers, and people don’t randomly decide to switch lanes suddenly. One user also said that fewer people are hogging the left lane, and everyone tends to follow the traffic rules down to the T.

6. Everyone Speaks English

Culture Shock in Europe: 12 American Perceptions of European Etiquette Everyone Speaks English — © Elnur / Adobe Stock

Unlike the States, people in Europe don’t always know English or want to speak It even if they do. To promote their own individual languages and cultures, they often encourage tourists to learn some basic phrases for communication. You can even use Google Translate to aid you while traveling.

7. Different Accents

Culture Shock in Europe: 12 American Perceptions of European Etiquette Different Accents — © Bartek / Adobe Stock

In places like the UK, people have a very different accent than what Americans are used to. Even if they’re speaking English, you might not understand what they’re saying because it sounds very different than what you’re used to. The perception that visiting English-speaking countries means you won’t have a communication barrier doesn’t always hold.

8. Clothing

Since the US is so massive, many people think everyone dresses the same way. However, if you visit Europe, you’ll find that shorts are uncommon for those over 30. People don’t wear athletic clothing when not partaking in physical activity, so the general attire is much more formal.

9. Marketplace Timings

Culture Shock in Europe: 12 American Perceptions of European Etiquette Marketplace Timings — © Lukas Bast / Adobe Stock

Many Americans find it incredibly shocking that several stores are not open on Sundays to give workers a much-needed rest. Store hours are much shorter than in North America, and restaurants even close for a few hours during the afternoon to provide their servers with a better quality of life.

10. Movie Ratings

In America, people are used to different regulations when it comes to cinema. When a movie is rated R, kids are not allowed to watch it. However, in Europe, kids can watch some of the films that would be R-rated in the US due to nudity. But, when it comes to violence, cinemas in Europe don’t let children watch those movies even if they’re rated a G.

11. Healthcare

Culture Shock in Europe: 12 American Perceptions of European Etiquette Healthcare — © Rawf8 / Adobe Stock

Unlike the States, most European places offer free public healthcare or don’t cost a kidney. One person reported getting injured while traveling and was afraid of the enormous medical bill the hospital would charge. However, he ended up paying nothing, which was a huge surprise.

12. Paying for Drinking Water

Culture Shock in Europe: 12 American Perceptions of European Etiquette Paying for Drinking Water — © skif / Adobe Stock

People in the states are used to drinking tap water, so most places offer free water instead of bottled water. Many Americans find it shocking to pay extra cash to get water with their meal because they’re not accustomed to it. So, before you go chugging water, remember it will cost you a couple of euros.