12 Most Surprising Culture Shocks for Americans Visiting Europe
Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.
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
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
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.
Read also: European Cities You Must Visit
Everything is Old
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
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.
Read also: Historic Castles in Europe
World War Scarring
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
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
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
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.
Read also: Interesting Unique Places to Visit in Europe
No Air Con
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
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.
Read also: European Capitals of Cool
Smokers Everywhere
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
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.
Read also: Top Wellness Retreats in Europe
All-Day Drinking
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
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
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
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
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
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.
Read also: Top Foodie Destinations in Europe
Sparkling Water
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
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.
Read also: Top European Street Food Spots
No Ice
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
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.
Read also: Best Coffee Culture Scenes in Europe
Slow Food
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
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.
Read also: Scenic Rural Europe
Europe
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
City Trips
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Follow Us
Travel Planning Resources
Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
