12 Most Surprising Culture Shocks for Americans Visiting Europe
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Common life features in Europe can be a real culture shock for the uninitiated American. From how historic everything is to drying laundry, a lack of ice, and the smoking, drinking, and dining habits of Europeans, things can be different from what you’re used to. Here are 12 things to look out for during your next trip.
Paying To Pee
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In busy places like London train stations and seaside resorts, paying for the toilet isn’t uncommon, particularly in England. Entry gates are coin-operated, so it’s a good idea to carry some small change in case you get caught short. Opinions are divided regarding whether the cash generated actually results in cleaner, better-maintained facilities.
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Everything is Old
For Americans, one of the biggest culture shocks when visiting Europe is how old everything is. A building in the US only needs to have been around a few hundred years to be considered old, but in European cities, medieval old towns are fairly commonplace. Even some businesses predate when Christopher Columbus landed in the Americas in the late 15th century.
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World War Scarring
Many cities across Europe still bear the scars of the World Wars, particularly World War II. There are burnt-out churches in England, for example, in places like Plymouth and Liverpool, and they’re an integral part of the cityscape. Anti-tank hedgehogs are also common in towns across the Czech Republic and Germany.
Read also: European Destinations for History Buffs
Drying Laundry
While Americans are used to drying their clothes in machines, that’s not the case in many European homes. Drying laundry outside on a washing line in summer is common practice, and in winter, hanging clothes on indoor airers is. Though this may initially seem strange to Americans, the benefits can include fewer wrinkles and lower fuel bills.
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No Air Con
The fact that many buildings in Europe are so old might explain why dryers are not the only ones that are lacking. Air conditioning isn’t the norm here, though it is often a feature of new builds. The other reason air con isn’t so common is that in many countries – such as the UK and Scandinavian nations – there aren’t enough hot days per year to justify the expense of installation.
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Smokers Everywhere
Lots of Europeans smoke, and this can be a real culture shock for people from the States. While countries like the UK have strict anti-smoking laws for public places, outdoor cafe tables across the continent are popular among smokers. To give you some idea, around a third of the French population are smokers.
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All-Day Drinking
Sipping a beer or even a chilled glass of sparkling wine before noon isn’t really frowned upon in Europe, as it might be in the US. In fact, all-day drinking can be the norm in many places, especially popular destinations for stag (bachelor) and hen (bachelorette) parties, so if you fancy a mid-morning pick-me-up while in Europe, don’t expect anyone even to raise an eyebrow.
Read also: European Small Towns for the Wine Connoisseur
Silent Strangers
The open friendliness that comes naturally to people from America and Australia is somewhat lacking in certain European countries. Take a ride on the tube in London, for example, and you’ll see that talking to strangers isn’t the done thing. Make sure you take a book along if you want to look like a local.
Read also: Cities in Europe for Solo Traveling
Expensive Soda
Soft drinks are way more expensive in Europe than in America. Not only that, but free refills aren’t the norm, though restaurants in the UK are beginning to embrace the concept. Unless specified, assume you’ll pay to top up your glass each time. Countries like France and the UK also charge higher taxes on sugar-laden drinks.
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Sparkling Water
Though many European countries have clean tap water with a pleasant taste, many residents opt for bottled sparkling water instead. And even, in the case of brands like Evian, still mineral water. The truth is that many Europeans would rather pay for fizzy or mineral-rich water than drink still water that comes for free.
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No Ice
While American hotels often have an ice machine on every floor, frozen water cubes aren’t such a thing in Europe. Even in cafes and bars, sometimes drinks are served only lightly chilled, which can be less refreshing on a stifling summer’s day in Barcelona, Berlin, or Paris. The upside is that drinks end up less diluted, which can enhance the flavor.
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Slow Food
While North America is famed for fast food, it’s a different story in Europe. Many people here may linger for hours over a meal, particularly in places like Spain, France, and Italy. Dinner is also eaten far later in some European countries than even Brits are used to. So, if you’re meeting someone for lunch or dinner, don’t schedule anything else for at least a couple of hours afterward.
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