Americans are explorative, traveling to new places to see and experience new cultures. But with everything explorative, some rules should be in place. And some things are avoided when you’re traveling to a European country.
Assuming Everyone Speaks English
This is supposed to be basic knowledge for anyone who travels, but Americans have some kind of cultural arrogance about them. Don’t always expect that everyone would speak english. Learn their language or go with a translator if you need to.
Oversharing Personal Information
Americans can be quite expressive with their thoughts and emotions, sharing how they feel. However, Europeans are reserved and feel their personal space is being invaded when a person shares too much personal information. An American in Europe would have to know when and what to share.
Tipping Excessively
If you’re born and bred in America, you probably think tipping is the norm everywhere. No, it isn’t. Europeans are not known for tipping after a service. And when you, as an American, tip too much, it comes across to them as strange and cautious behavior.
Expecting Large Portions at Servings
Europeans don’t eat as many large food portions at restaurants as Americans. So, Americans in Europe shouldn’t be surprised or feel cheated when the portion served to them at a restaurant is smaller than what they’re used to.
Talking Too Loudly in Public
Americans can be quite loquacious when they want to. Europeans, on the other hand, like some quiet. Americans would have to be careful not to be too loud and talk too much in public when in Europe. They’ll be perceived as uncouth and uncivilized.
You Might Pay for Bottled Water
While tap water is served free in America, they aren’t in some European countries. You’ll have to pay for water after you’ve paid for your meal.
Don’t Touch Food in The Market Without Permission
In America, you can touch food in the farmers’ market or even at grocery stores without permission. It isn’t permissible in Europe. In the market, ask the seller if it’s okay to touch the food else you might be embarrassed.
Not Respecting Historic Sites and Monuments
This is common knowledge for anyone traveling to a new country and culture. Americans are liberal and don’t always value culture and religion. That’s not so in Europe. Culture and religion are highly respected and revered parts of their lives. Also are historic sites and monuments. Disrespecting them is unacceptable!
Ignoring Train Etiquette
There are some trains with a quiet and somber atmosphere. When in such trains, talking is at the barest minimum. Respect the etiquette and act accordingly.
Assuming All of Europe is The Same
Your experience in one European country will surely vary from what you’ll see in another. The belief that Europeans are homogenous in their culture is not only bad cultural thinking but terrible travel knowledge ammunition. Always prepare for different cultures and how you’ll adapt to them.
Avoiding Eating Local Cuisines
Yes, not everyone is explorative, but one of the things you should do as an American in Europe is try their local cuisines. It endears you to the community and helps you know the people better and faster.
Discussing Politics With No Caution
Politics is a major part of European culture. They revere their political discussions and the nuanced histories behind them. Don’t go there discussing politics without restraint and a good understanding of the nuances and histories involved.
Ignoring Appropriate Dressing On Religious Sites
Europeans are heavily religious and respect their religion immensely. When going to a religious site, know the dress code and dress appropriately. Failure to do it would be termed disrespectful, and you might be chased out of the site.
Not Taking European Electrical Adapters
Travel adapters are super important when travelling from America to Europe because the electrical outlets are different in Europe.
Assuming All Restaurants Take Credit Cards
Some restaurants in Europe only deal in cash. So when travelling to any place, confirm whether they accept credit cards or not. Or if you can confirm it, go with enough cash to pay with should the restaurant not accept credit cards.
Assuming All Stores Are Open on Sundays
In Europe, some stores don’t open on weekends. And some that do are not operational 24 hours of the day.
Not Being Aware of Pickpockets
Like every country in the world where criminals are, be careful of pickpockets in crowded European places.
Understanding the Weather Season Before Travelling
When travelling to Europe, know what season they’re in and the type of clothing required for the season. The European weather seasons may be the same with America but the degrees might differ.
Expecting to See Large SUVs
Most European roads are narrower than what’s obtainable in America. They use smaller cars and are more conservative in their outlook on life.
Forgetting to Validate Your Parking
While parking validations and the penalty for defaulting are somewhat loose in America, they’re stringent and obeyed to the letter in Europe. Ensure you validate your parking before parking else you’ll be heavily fined.
Not Carrying Identifications at all Times
Because you’re in a new place, you need to have your means of identification all the time. You might not be harassed by anyone, but for your safety, have your means of identification always.
Not Using the Pedestrian Crossing
Some countries in Europe, England for example, are heavy on pedestrians using the pedestrian crossing. The traffic rules and regulations are strictly enforced in some of the countries. An American would have to avoid jaywalking else they might be arrested.
Expecting Similar Customer Service as is Obtained in America
There are no defined rules to these things, but customer service and customer satisfaction differ from place to place depending on the culture of the people. What’s great customer service in Europe might not count as great customer service in America. For example, never asking for tipping is normal customer service in Europe but is often termed great customer service in America. Likewise, offering free tap water is normal customer service in America but not in Europe.
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