Biggest Culture Shocks Americans Would Experience in Europe
Everywhere in the world has its own unique way of doing things, with America and Europe having huge differences. From walkable cities to the difference in legal drinking age, there are so many things to get used to when traveling from the States to Europe. Here are 15 of the biggest culture shocks that Americans would experience in Europe!
Walkable Cities

Compared to the United States, the European continent offers some very walkable cities. These include the likes of Dubrovnik (Croatia), Liverpool (England), and Venice (Italy). The concept of traveling around on foot, rather than having to use public transport will be strange to many Americans.
Differences in Tipping Culture
The tipping culture is very different in Europe. Unlike the United States, European countries offer staff a paid living wage, so they don’t have to rely on tips. As such, tipping is considered a bonus rather than a necessity. An average tip in Europe is 5%-10%, while Americans often tip between 15%-20% in the United States.
The Drinking Age (and Drinking Culture)
The minimum legal drinking age in the United States is 21. Those heading to Europe will get a big culture shock, as the minimum drinking age for most European countries is 18 years old. Some countries in Europe, have a legal drinking age as young as 16. Drinking culture is also very different in Europe compared to the United States.
Service at Pubs and Restaurants
In some pubs and restaurants, especially in England, you’ll need to find your own table and order your food/drinks at the bar. Many Americans just can’t get their head around this. Typically in the States, you’ll wait at the entrance and then will taken to a table by your server.
No Gun Culture
In the United States, it’s an individual’s right to possess a firearm. As such, you’ll find gun shops all over America, and people can carry a concealed handgun in public. In the majority of European countries, there are very strict gun laws in place so that just isn’t the case.
Casual Nudity
Compared to the United States, casual nudity is the norm in Europe. Here, you’ll find plenty of nudist beaches, as well as porn magazines which often shocks American citizens. In some cities (including Amsterdam) there are also Red Light Districts, where prostitution is legal.
Paid Vacation Leave
One thing American citizens just can’t get their heads around is paid vacation time! In Europe, you have a certain amount of paid leave available to take each year. It has to be a minimum of 4 weeks, but many companies offer more. In America, companies typically offer unpaid vacation leave.
Paying to use the Restroom
Something else that Americans will notice, is that in many European countries, you need to pay to use public restrooms. This is especially the case in the United Kingdom, where prices range from 20 pence (0.25 cents) to £1 ($1.20). Some public restrooms only accept change, while others have card machines.
Late Dinner Times
Another big culture shock is the time in which Europeans eat. Compared to the United States, where a typical dinner time is between 5 pm – 6 pm, many Europeans dine much later. In Europe, people tend to eat dinner between 7 pm – 10 pm, sometimes even later.
Toilet Paper Can’t Be Flushed In Some Countries
American citizens heading to Europe may be surprised by the fact that you still can’t flush toilet paper down the toilet in some countries. Destinations such as Greece, Macedonia, and Bulgaria, don’t have a strong enough sewage system, so pipes can easily get blocked by flushing toilet paper.
Lack of Health Insurance
Health insurance is a necessity in the United States, with medical care being very expensive. In Europe, many countries offer their residents free healthcare. Travelers who require medical care while on holiday in Europe, can simply pay for it without having insurance too. Of course, this can be pricey!
Siestas
American citizens will be confused by the notion of a ‘Siesta’ in Spain. It’s a huge part of Spanish culture and essentially means taking a midday rest or nap. Due to this, you’ll find that many businesses in Spain are closed for a few hours in the afternoon.
Tax is Included in Price Tags
Another huge difference is that the tax is included in the price tag of products in Europe. This means that the price depicted on the tag is what you’ll actually pay. In the United States, tax isn’t included in the price tag, so you’ll pay more when you reach the till.
Many People Don’t Drive
The fact that many people don’t have to drive in Europe, may come as a huge culture shock to Americans. Those in large cities such as London or Paris, can easily get around on public transport so there’s no need to have a driving license. Public transport also tends to be very affordable and reliable.
Smoking is still Popular
Unlike the States, smoking is still very popular across Europe. Although strict regulations are in place in many European countries, some destinations allow people to smoke in outdoor restaurant terraces and bars. This may come as a shock to American citizens, although some establishments do have specific designated smoking areas.
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.