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!
#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.
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105points
#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"
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105points
#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).
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103points
#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.
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92points
#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.
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92points
#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.
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84points
