1. Charging for Water at Restaurants
In much of Europe, if you ask for water at a restaurant, don’t expect a free glass from the tap, Dylan Hofer from Food Republic warns. Instead, you’ll likely be given bottled water—still or sparkling—and it’ll cost you. Many Americans, used to endless refills at no extra charge, are baffled when the bill arrives. Some places do offer tap water, but you have to specifically ask (and maybe even endure a judgey glance from your waiter).
Even more confusing, in some countries like France and Germany, tap water is safe to drink but not the norm at restaurants. Meanwhile, in places like Italy, even locals mostly drink bottled water, believing it tastes better. The concept of “complimentary” anything is less common in European restaurants, where margins are tighter and dining is seen as an experience, not a race to the bottom price-wise. If you’re an American who automatically expects free water, brace yourself for a cultural adjustment.
2. No Smiling at Strangers
In the U.S., smiling at a stranger is just a polite way to acknowledge their existence, Olga Khazan from The Atlantic explains. But in many European countries, particularly in Eastern and Northern Europe, a random smile can be met with suspicion or confusion. In places like Germany, Russia, or Finland, people don’t smile unless they actually mean it—so your friendly grin might make you look unhinged. It’s not that Europeans are rude; they just see excessive smiling as fake or unnecessary.
Americans often feel out of place when their cheery expressions aren’t reciprocated. A grin on the subway in Prague or Stockholm might even make people think you’re up to something. Instead, Europeans rely more on neutral expressions and reserve their smiles for genuine interactions. If you’re traveling and want to blend in, save your smiles for when there’s an actual reason to use them.
3. Paying to Use Public Restrooms
In most of the U.S., public restrooms are just that—public and free. But in Europe, finding a free toilet is a rare luxury, and you’ll usually have to pay a small fee to use one, even in train stations or shopping centers, according to Andrea Sachs from The Washington Post. The idea is that the money helps keep facilities clean, but to an American, the concept of paying just to relieve yourself can feel absurd. It’s especially frustrating if you don’t have the right coins when nature calls.
Some places have attendants who collect fees, while others have turnstiles that require exact change. If you’re in a hurry, fumbling for coins while doing the universal “I need a bathroom” dance is a nightmare. Some cities, like London, are starting to add free toilets in more places, but in much of Europe, it’s best to always carry some small change. If you don’t, you might find yourself making an unwanted purchase just to use a café’s restroom.
4. Splitting the Bill is Complicated
Americans love the ease of saying, “Let’s just split it evenly,” when dining out with friends. But in many European countries, this isn’t how it works—waiters expect one person to cover the bill, and then the group figures it out among themselves. Some restaurants won’t even divide the check, and asking can make you look like a clueless tourist. In places like France and Italy, it’s common for people to take turns paying rather than doing math at the table.
Even in countries where splitting is possible, the process is often more complicated than just swiping a few different cards. Some places only accept cash, and others prefer you to sort it all out before calling the waiter over. If you’re used to American-style convenience, the lack of Venmo-friendly transactions might be jarring. To avoid an awkward situation, it helps to plan ahead and discuss how the bill will be handled before ordering.
5. No Ice in Drinks
Americans love their drinks ice-cold, Hannah Murdock explains in Deseret News, but in Europe, ice is often seen as unnecessary or even annoying. In many countries, beverages are served at or just below room temperature, with maybe one or two lonely ice cubes floating at the top. Ordering a soda and getting it lukewarm is one of the first small but shocking moments for many Americans. If you ask for extra ice, you might get a strange look or a tiny dish with a few cubes on the side.
Some Europeans believe ice waters down the drink or numbs the flavor. Others think drinking something too cold isn’t great for digestion, so they avoid it altogether. In places like Spain or Italy, even in summer, don’t expect an overflowing cup of ice unless you’re at a touristy spot. If you really need your drink ice-cold, be prepared to specify and maybe even beg a little.
6. Hugging is Not a Universal Greeting
Americans tend to be pretty hug-happy, using it as a default greeting among friends, family, and even new acquaintances. But in many European countries, hugging is far less common and often reserved for close relationships. Instead, air-kissing or a simple handshake is the go-to greeting, depending on the country. If you try to hug a German colleague or a Swedish friend, you might find them stiffening up in discomfort.
In France, Spain, and Italy, people often greet with a kiss on both cheeks, which can throw off Americans expecting a handshake or hug. Meanwhile, in places like the UK or the Netherlands, even a cheek kiss might feel too intimate for casual acquaintances. The key is to observe what locals do and follow their lead—otherwise, you might create an awkward moment. When in doubt, just extend a hand and let the other person take the lead.
7. Taking Off Shoes Indoors
In many European homes, wearing shoes inside is a big no-no. Countries like Sweden, Finland, and Slovakia take this especially seriously—walking inside with outdoor shoes is seen as dirty and disrespectful. Even in places where it’s not an absolute rule, like Germany or France, hosts often prefer guests to remove their shoes upon entering. Americans, used to keeping their sneakers on indoors, can feel awkward when asked to strip down to their socks.
Some households provide guest slippers, while others just expect you to walk around in your socks or bare feet. It’s a habit tied to cleanliness, especially in places with a lot of rain or snow, where shoes track in mud and dirt. In contrast, many Americans associate taking off shoes with being too casual, like lounging around at home. If you’re visiting a European friend, watch what they do—if their shoes are off, yours should be too.
8. Waiting for the Host to Say “Cheers” Before Drinking
In many European countries, drinking has its own set of social rules, and one big one is waiting for a toast before taking a sip. In places like Germany, France, and Italy, it’s considered rude to start drinking before everyone has raised their glass. The host or someone at the table usually initiates a toast—often making eye contact with each person before drinking. Americans, used to grabbing their beer and sipping at will, might find themselves awkwardly pausing while others follow the tradition.
Even more confusing, in some countries, there are strict eye-contact expectations during a toast. In Germany and Scandinavia, failing to maintain eye contact while clinking glasses is said to bring bad luck—or worse, seven years of bad sex. The ritual adds an unexpected layer of formality to casual drinking. If you’re unsure of the custom, just wait and follow the lead of your European companions.
9. Stores Closing Shockingly Early
Americans are used to the convenience of 24/7 supermarkets and late-night shopping trips, but that’s not how things work in most of Europe. Many stores, especially in countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, close by 6 or 7 p.m. on weekdays. Sundays are even stricter—most shops, including grocery stores, shut down completely, leaving unprepared Americans wondering where to buy essentials. The idea is to encourage work-life balance, but it can feel wildly inconvenient if you’re not used to it.
In some Mediterranean countries like Spain and Italy, there’s another twist: the afternoon siesta. Many small businesses shut down for several hours in the afternoon, leaving tourists confused when they find locked doors at 2 p.m. These closures aren’t just for tradition—owners actually go home to rest or have a leisurely lunch. If you’re traveling in Europe, planning your shopping ahead of time is crucial unless you want to go to bed hungry.
10. Quiet Public Spaces
One of the quickest ways for an American to stand out in Europe is by talking too loudly in public. Whether it’s on a train, in a café, or even walking down the street, Europeans generally keep their conversations quieter than their American counterparts. In places like Switzerland or the Netherlands, speaking at an “indoor voice” volume is the norm even outdoors. An American chatting enthusiastically on the phone in a Parisian café might earn some serious side-eye.
This quietness extends to public transport, where loud conversations are especially frowned upon. In Scandinavia and Germany, some train cars are even designated as “silent” zones, where talking is discouraged altogether. While Americans often view lively conversation as friendly, Europeans can see it as disruptive or inconsiderate. If you want to blend in, lower your volume and save the animated storytelling for private settings.
11. Expecting to Bag Your Own Groceries
Grocery shopping in Europe comes with an unexpected responsibility: bagging your own groceries. Unlike in the U.S., where cashiers or baggers usually handle it, European supermarkets often leave the job entirely to the customer. In places like Germany, the Netherlands, and France, the cashier quickly scans items and expects you to keep up. If you’re not fast enough, the pressure builds as the next customer’s items start piling up behind yours.
Adding to the challenge, plastic bags aren’t free in most European countries—you have to bring your own or pay for one at checkout. Many Americans, used to the convenience of bagging services and free bags, find themselves scrambling at the register. The experience can feel like a high-speed test of efficiency, especially in places like Aldi, where cashiers are notoriously fast. If you don’t want to hold up the line, have your bags ready and be prepared to move quickly.
12. No Free Refills
In the U.S., free refills are a given—whether it’s soda, coffee, or even iced tea. But in Europe, refills are almost never free, and ordering another drink means paying for a whole new one. This can be especially surprising at fast food restaurants, where unlimited drinks are standard in the U.S. If you automatically expect a second Coke without charge, you might get a rude awakening when the bill arrives.
This rule even applies to coffee in many places—ordering a cup of coffee in France or Italy means exactly one serving. If you want more, you’ll have to order another and pay full price. Europeans see drinks as part of the dining experience, not just something to gulp down mindlessly. If you’re someone who relies on endless refills, it’s best to adjust your expectations before sitting down at a café.
13. Being Naked in Saunas or Beaches
For Americans, nudity is often associated with privacy, but in many parts of Europe, it’s just not a big deal. Public saunas, especially in Germany, Finland, and Sweden, are often mixed-gender and completely nude. If you walk into one wearing a swimsuit, you’ll stick out immediately—some places even have rules against it. The attitude is that nudity in these spaces is natural, which can be a major culture shock for modest Americans.
Similarly, many European beaches have designated sections for this, and topless sunbathing is common in places like France and Spain. While Americans might feel self-conscious, locals usually don’t give it a second thought. The key is to embrace the relaxed attitude or at least not stare in shock. If you’re uncomfortable, just stick to the clothed sections—but don’t be surprised if no one else seems to care.
14. Greeting with Kisses Instead of Handshakes
For Americans, a handshake is the standard greeting, but in much of Europe, kissing on the cheeks is far more common. In France, Spain, Italy, and many other countries, even acquaintances will greet with one, two, or sometimes three kisses. The number varies by country, which makes it even more confusing for outsiders. If you go in for a handshake while someone leans in for a kiss, you’ll probably end up with an awkward moment.
To make things even trickier, the cheek-kissing custom isn’t universal across all of Europe. In Germany and the UK, a handshake is still the norm unless you’re very close to someone. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands and Switzerland, three kisses are common, which can really throw off an unprepared American. The best advice? Pay attention to what locals do and follow their lead—otherwise, you might end up kissing the wrong cheek at the wrong time.
