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While Europe is huge, flourishing with unique cultures, customs, and history, it's not THAT different from country to country. And even though things like direct staring or no air conditioning are not the status quo in all of Europe, residents from neighboring countries would probably not raise their eyebrows upon hearing about them.
That is not the case for people from other continents. What might be second nature and not worth ever questioning for a European, might sound wild and unique to someone from the US. One Reddit user wanted to learn "What is something weird about Europe that Europeans don't realize is weird?" and over 26k users shared "unwritten rules" and "know-how" that most Europeans seem to share.
These stories and tips that Bored Panda picked out might help anyone who hasn't had the chance to visit any of the 50 sovereign states to avoid the initial shock and be more aware of the "do's and don'ts." And, as Europe is vast and all of the countries have their own quirks, they might surprise and come in handy for some of the estimated 743.5 million Europeans as well.
We also reached out to A & S, a digital creator duo who travel the world to share their experiences and tell their stories. The duo have visited over 100 places in Europe. Scroll down to get their insights and some travel tips for your next trip!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Weird at first but I appreciate and wish for it. It might be just a Germany thing but from what I’ve been told German Walmart failed because the North American style of customer service was very unliked. From the greeter at the door to clerks asking if you need help unprompted. German shoppers just want to shop and go home as undisturbed as possible
The first country in Europe that A & S visited was Croatia. "It was such an exciting and adventurous first day, or in this case, night. We had been a bit tired from traveling for 24 hours. When we finally arrived in Split, Croatia, our driver wasn't able to drop us off close to our apartment because of its location, which we understood," the creator told Bored Panda. "Most people would feel disheartened getting around on their own the first time they arrive in a new city, but what you must do is shift your mindset to be positive. Think to yourself, what good can come from this?"
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#2
You drive five hours in the US: you’re basically still in the same place.
You drive five hours in Europe: everyone’s talking funny and the cheese is different.
"For us, it was being able to explore Split while trying to find our apartment, which was located inside of the Palace walls in the heart of Old Town. This was something to be happy about! There is such an indescribable feeling from the summer warmth and sea breeze while walking through the alleyways of Old Town at night. We also learned that Split has a bit of everything when it comes to evening entertainment and attractions, from a lively restaurant and bar scene to clubs. Then the next morning we woke up early and explored. It was incredible seeing the beaches and islands! Overall, it was a very special and positive first impression of Europe."
#3
Not Europe-specific, but EU-specific. I find it baffling that most of my peers have never thought about how easy it is to just move to a completely different country, with little to no knowledge of the language and culture, and still be welcomed. You're just **allowed** to move to another country, and they can't say no (for the most part). You don't even need to ask them first. You can decide you want to study elsewhere and they'd be like “yeah, sure”. Personally I find this phenomenal, given how the rest of the world works.
#4
My only experiences in Europe so far have been touring there in a punk band. The thing that blew my mind was how often - almost always! - the venues we were playing were literal state-sponsored squats. Like the tire factory or whatever in town would go belly up and a bunch of punks and anarchists would move in and the local government would just be like "hey, they cleaned up all this broken glass and now there's a whole new crop of people keeping this community alive. Tell you what, let's give them free utilities." On more than one occasion we played a free show and got a check from some government office.
This would never, ever, ever, ever, in a million years, take place in the United States.
Since the travelers have been to so many countries, we asked which European countries differ the most from each other. "Countries such as France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, England, Netherlands, etc., differ most from countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Malta, etc. The former countries are much more direct and have a faster-paced lifestyle, whereas the latter countries tend to be more relaxed and have a more laid-back lifestyle. In Spain, we learned the phrase, 'No pasa nada.' The Balkans are also very unique as it was the crossroads between East and West," shared the duo.
#5
Everything is historical. You could be walking down a street and the wall to your left is older than the USA. You will also find random hills in otherwise flat landscapes that were created from rubble from a previous war.
#6
Finnish people are silent, small talk doesn't exist. Their personal space larger than COVID-19 social distancing rules, and it's considered normal. Don't speak unless spoken to, and don't invade other people's personal space - it's seen as a sign of a respect.
Those Finns, who haven't been to abroad or haven't met too many foreigners, don't often even recognize this behaviour being unusual in the global scale.
LinkTheHylian 2 years ago
Is this why you're supposed to be the happiest country in the world, Finland? Because this is my kind of vibe.
We also asked if they had any advice for people who are unsure about traveling. "We understand that traveling can be daunting for first-time travelers, especially if traveling solo. Many people feel this way. I spent New Year’s Eve night in a Burger King in Florence. We had a flight to Porto canceled 1 hour before takeoff. But what we have found is that when people put in the effort and research ahead for their travels/holiday, it results in a much better and more pleasant experience," shared the creator.
#7
I'm an American doing my lil europe tour right now, currently in Paris. I've been staying in major cities with visits to the country side.
Your trees, especially in your cities, are f*****g massive. It feels like I'm walking through an arboretum sometimes. The trees always get me..the insane architecture too, but the trees man
#8
How incredibly inconsequential it is to cross country borders. Cycled through France - Belgium - Netherlands and there is barely even a sign.
#9
The UK has 30 accents per square mile and if a large man calls you duck in Stoke … that’s okay
LinkTheHylian 2 years ago
Fun fact: When Marvel released "Ant-Man", the Geordies were asking "Where's Dec-Man?".
"That's why we create and share travel-related content on social media. It's an empowering way to inspire people to travel. You can create your own memories." They also pointed out that traveling is not as expensive as it seems. "Did you know that accommodation for one month in Springfield, Oregon, is more expensive than in Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Rome, or Venice? Did you know you can find accommodation for under 30€ a night in Vienna, Prague, and Budapest that isn't a hostel? Did you know that in some places in Madrid, a beer is 1.50€ at a restaurant? The point being, traveling is attainable and isn't some lifestyle where you need to be super wealthy."
#10
Almost everything in Europe is old, and nobody treats the old buildings as though they're anything special. You go to someone's house, and their house is 700 years old. And all the cottages in the village are that old. You see things like buildings that were ancient Roman colosseums that were turned into medieval palaces that were turned into modern shopping malls or office buildings. Around where I am, it's rare for a building to be more than 100 years old, and most of them are registered, protected historical sites that can't be altered without a permit.
#11
In Germany, the idea that you can rent an apartment and you have to BUY the kitchen separately. Otherwise you get an apartment with no kitchen.
Like wtf. It's like selling a jacket but saying you gotta pay extra for the sleeves.
Caro 2 years ago
Yes, we like to buy our own kitchen. We want to chose the color, the arrangement, the style, the appliances ourselves. And, if possible, we want to take our kitchen with us when moving , because we have bought it and it's ours. Of course we would sell it to the new renter if it doesn't fit into our new flat. And of course we would buy the former renters or accept the owners kitchen, if it is not to old and used or from the high end range. Or if we can't afford to buy our own kitchen. But in general, yes, we are not very much into the second hand or used thing. If we can afford, we prefer to have our own things.
#12
France's border with the Netherlands is in the Caribbean
We also asked if they think there's anything Europeans could learn from Americans. "We think Europeans can learn from other parts of the world to be more accepting. In the USA, we have a lot of variety in our friend groups. In Europe, most friend groups are the same friend groups from childhood. We just wish there was more of an effort to try to understand other identities and have an open mind to connecting with other cultures."
#13
Australian here. Casually just visiting a whole different country with a different language and culture for the weekend.
#14
A reverse statement: It was in Japan 2018 when I learned that taxes included in price tags is a European thing.
We wanted to buy something, the first time we asked why we have to pay more than the number on the price tag, they explained taxes aren't included.
Like... what is this witchery?
I’ve Seen Things 2 years ago (edited)
Taxes are included in the tag price in Australia/New Zealand too *antipodean quote* “Just tell me what I am effing paying and it better be the damn total”
#15
Paying to go to the bathroom. It’s absolutely wild that you have to pay money to use the toilet.
A & S also wanted to point out their own privilege as an American and how not everyone has the same opportunities. "We are US citizens, which means we are privileged enough to be able to travel visa-free to 185 countries and territories. Though it's important to note, a few countries require a visa on arrival and typically implement strict requirements such as a certain length of time—30, 60, 90, or 180 days, etc."
#16
Europe contains the highest concentration of officially Christian states (nations with official state religion/church) and the lowest per capita percentage of people who actually "practice Christianity" in ‘Christendom' - which is to say, nominally claim to be Christian - probably a lower percentage actually believe.
#17
As a Canadian I took a trip to Europe in highschool for a week. 3 days in London England, 3 days in Paris France, 2 days in Madrid Spain and 1 day in Toledo Spain. One thing that really stood out is how different begging for money by the homeless/poor works. Here people will stand in traffic with signs telling a sob story for cash or will come up to your car window or even in person on the street getting in your face trying to get money from you. Almost every beggar I saw in Europe would just sit still on the ground holding a cup out not saying a word to anyone or getting in anyones business. They would just sit there and wait for someone to come to them and toss some money their way. It gave me a lot of respect for them as I was so used to people literally making your life almost feel threatened here when they are begging for money on the streets while these people in Europe just sat or stood in place holding a hand out in silence and just hope for help without any aggression or confrontation
#18
No mesh screens in windows in the UK, at least. In canada we have screens in most home windows to keep flies out
Sasy 2 years ago
was there an abundance of flies though ? Just because a window is open does not mean you are going to have a swarm come in. In Australia we have a fly issue in summer, but I can have a screen on the balcony door and nothing on the bathroom window, and yet the only fly that will enter will be the one that randomly enters when I open the front door. Flies are just tricky.
#19
I'm from Finland and one European thing that all Finnish people hate is cheek kisses when greeting. Its mostly southern european thing but still. There is this saying in Finland that goes "Everyone has their own safety coffee cup" meaning the closest distance someone should get to you should not be closer than your coffee cup when you're holding it.
sofacushionfort 2 years ago
Japan: “please don’t put your spitty lips on my cheek, your dirty hand in mine, or your dirty shoes on my floor.”
#20
As an American who has spent 1 week in Italy, and only 5 weeks outside the Southern U.S., this probably says more about us, but yalls roads are so damn small, and yall drive bats**t crazy though an 8 foot wide street with 20 people on the side. Hell, most vehicles where Im from couldnt fit in there.
Becky Samuel 2 years ago
Yeah, we know how wide and how long our cars are. Your vehicles are ridiculously oversized and killing the planet.
#21
Norwegians don't close their curtains when it gets dark.
#22
Eurovision Song Contest 📺
Trond Øien 2 years ago
We think it's weird too. It's sort of the whole point of it in a way :D
#23
Germans stare a LOT. Like they will just gaze at you unflinchingly. An American will wait until you can’t see them doing it.
#24
the absolute lack of air conditioning even at 40°, german transport gets sticky and stinky quite fast and nobody seems to care, many people even shut the windows to avoid the "annoying breeze"
#25
Italians will pay for garbage taxes, then throw the garbage on the streets, only to pay other taxes for garbage cleaning and collection. Then the collected garbage gets sold at cost-free to Germans, who burn the garbage and turn it into electricity, which gets sold back to italians (not for free).
Любка Карова 2 years ago
Burning the garbage is not free and it also makes the air really bad.
#27
It’s always baffled me just like how normal it is to just, go to another country. Like for me it’s such a big deal and to go to literally any country but one it’s a long plane flight. Europeans can just drive an hour right into another country for a day trip.
Also the fact that my country is bigger than all of Europe also baffles me.
Gustav Gallifrey 2 years ago
Australians have to go to another continent if they want to go to another country.
#28
Coins being a useful form of currency.
I was walking around with a huge quantity of coins clinking about, and had no idea how to organize and carry them on my person. I bought my first *coin pouch*. the Czech Republic and their hefty medieval coins was a wild learning curve.
Sofie Andersson 2 years ago
That doesn´t sound european to me. We pay with cards mostly and Sweden is a cashless society. Some countries might still use cash a lot though compare to other countries, like germany for example.
#29
Whenever I visit Europe one thing that stands out is the smoking. It’s wayyyy more popular and accepted there than in the US. And also personal space. AND WTF IS UP WITH THE SHOWERS. Every hotel I’ve stayed at in Europe had some weird a*s shower.
#30
Why the f**k. Does everything close so early
What do you think ?
mandy the capibara 2 years ago
I enjoyed the input of what foreigners find weird about Europe, thanks! I find it regrettable that some of the commenters turned it into unnessecary adversity. you don't have to respond to every observation with an unprovoked dig towards the USA. Shouting "yeah but you americans..." Just makes us seen like sore losers, let's not do that! I love being European, but like the US, Europe has its quirks and flaws too. And seeing how other people perceive our cultures is quite fun, and at best, you learn what might be improved.
Auntriarch 2 years ago
Yes this was a much more informative and balanced post than usual
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mandy the capibara 2 years ago
I enjoyed the input of what foreigners find weird about Europe, thanks! I find it regrettable that some of the commenters turned it into unnessecary adversity. you don't have to respond to every observation with an unprovoked dig towards the USA. Shouting "yeah but you americans..." Just makes us seen like sore losers, let's not do that! I love being European, but like the US, Europe has its quirks and flaws too. And seeing how other people perceive our cultures is quite fun, and at best, you learn what might be improved.
Auntriarch 2 years ago
Yes this was a much more informative and balanced post than usual
Load More Replies... 
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