Europe and the United States share a lot of cultural similarities, but everyday life can look surprisingly different.
Some things that are completely normal across Europe can seem odd or even confusing to Americans. Of course, that doesn’t mean that we’re right and they’re wrong (or vice versa) for doing things certain ways, but it is pretty hilarious to see the look of bafflement on their faces when they visit one of the 44 countries that make up this continent.
1. Paying to use public restrooms
In many European cities, finding a free public toilet is rare. Instead, restrooms in train stations, shopping centres, and even some restaurants require a small fee for access. While this might seem inconvenient to Americans, the idea is that paid toilets are cleaner and better maintained. For visitors unfamiliar with the system, carrying small change is essential. Some places even have attendants at the door to ensure cleanliness, something that feels outdated or unnecessary to those used to free facilities in the US.
2. Prices already including tax
In the US, shoppers are often caught off guard when they reach the checkout and realise tax has been added to their total. In Europe, however, the price you see is the price you pay, as all taxes are already included. This makes shopping feel more straightforward, as there’s no need to mentally calculate extra charges. Many Americans visiting Europe appreciate this system, as it eliminates any unexpected surprises at the till.
3. Longer annual holidays
In most European countries, employees receive at least four weeks of paid holiday as a legal requirement. Meanwhile, many Americans struggle to take two weeks off, with some fearing workplace repercussions for taking extended leave. European work culture generally places a higher value on work-life balance, meaning holidays and personal time are seen as a necessity rather than a luxury. This can be a shock to Americans used to a more work-focused lifestyle.
4. Minimal ice in drinks
Order a soft drink in the US, and it’ll likely be filled to the brim with ice. In Europe, however, drinks are typically served with little to no ice, as many believe it dilutes the flavour. Some Europeans also see adding lots of ice as unnecessary, since beverages are usually chilled beforehand. For Americans who are used to icy drinks, this can feel like a disappointing surprise when dining out.
5. The metric system
Most of the world, including Europe, measures distance in kilometres, weight in grams and kilograms, and temperature in Celsius. Meanwhile, the US remains one of the only countries still using the imperial system. This can create confusion for American visitors who suddenly have to convert kilometres into miles or figure out how many grams are in a portion of food. Road signs, recipes, and even clothing sizes all require a quick mental adjustment.
6. Walking and public transport over driving
European cities are often designed for pedestrians, with excellent public transport systems that make car ownership unnecessary. Many people rely on buses, trains, trams, or cycling rather than driving. In contrast, American cities—especially outside of major hubs like New York or Chicago—are built around car culture. Walking long distances isn’t practical, and public transport options can be limited, making the European approach feel unfamiliar to many Americans.
7. Lower drinking age and relaxed alcohol laws
In most European countries, the legal drinking age is 18, and in some places, teenagers can legally drink beer or wine with meals even earlier. Alcohol is generally more integrated into social life without the same restrictions found in the US, where the drinking age is 21. The difference can make American tourists feel either excited or uneasy, especially when they see teenagers casually enjoying a drink in public settings where it would be frowned upon back home.
8. Less reliance on air conditioning
While air conditioning is common in the US, many European homes and businesses don’t use it nearly as much, even in the summer months. Many rely on natural ventilation, fans, or shutters instead. This can be a shock for Americans visiting during a heatwave, as they might find hotel rooms, public transport, or restaurants much warmer than expected. In many cases, Europeans simply adapt to the climate rather than artificially cooling every indoor space.
9. A more relaxed attitude towards nudity
In many European countries, nudity isn’t as big of a deal as it is in the US. It’s common to see topless sunbathing on beaches, mixed-gender saunas, and even casual nudity in advertisements or TV programs. That openness can be surprising for Americans, where nudity is often more regulated or treated as inappropriate outside of specific settings. What’s normal in Europe might feel shocking or uncomfortable for those not used to such relaxed attitudes.
10. Smaller living spaces
European homes, flats, and hotel rooms tend to be much smaller than their American counterparts. With older buildings and higher population density in cities, compact living is far more common. American visitors may be surprised by tiny lifts, smaller kitchen appliances, and the lack of walk-in closets or oversized bathrooms that are typical in the US. What Europeans consider cosy, some Americans might see as cramped.
11. The love of electric kettles
In European kitchens, an electric kettle is an essential appliance. It’s the fastest way to boil water for tea, coffee, or cooking. In contrast, many American households still rely on stovetop kettles or even microwaves to heat water. For tea-loving Brits or coffee-drinking Italians, the idea of waiting for a stovetop kettle to whistle seems outdated. Meanwhile, American tourists staying in European hotels might be pleasantly surprised by the convenience of an instant boiling kettle in their room.
12. No window screens
European homes often lack window screens, allowing fresh air—and occasionally insects—to come and go freely. This is normal in many places, but it can feel odd to Americans, who are used to screens preventing bugs from getting inside. Some European countries simply don’t have as many mosquitoes or other pests, making window screens unnecessary. But for Americans who are used to tightly sealed homes, this difference can take some getting used to.
