CULTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE USA AND EUROPE
The umbrella term which encompasses the social behavior and norms found in human societies, as the knowledge, laws, arts, customs and, beliefs… Every culture has some specialties. Many people believe that Europe and the US are exactly the same. Yes, they are. But, up to some extent in terms of lifestyle, size, standard of living, population… But, here are the 14 cultural differences between the US and Europe:
#1. TOILETS CHARGE FOR YOU:
You can’t pee free in Europe. You have to pay money to use the toilet. 1 Euro is usually the amount to use the bathroom. Europeans also save water in the washroom well. There are 2 buttons; one is to poop and the other is to pee. The scenario is the opposite in the US.
#2. WATER IS NOT FREE:
When you order food in a restaurant — water cost you about 2–5 Euros. You should tell them that you want a still water. You can carry an empty bottle in order to fill it from public sinks, fountains or taps. It is all purified. But, in America water is free.
#3. EVERY CITY HAVE HISTORY:
In America, history is not more back than the 17th century. But, in Europe, some castles are 500 years old.
#4. EUROPEANS DRIVE LESS THAN AMERICANS:
Europeans enjoy good public transportation. People ride bikes and there are many pedestrians as well. If you are in Europe — there is no need for a car. Gas is also expensive. On the other hand, almost all Americans own a car and use less public transportation.
#5. FOOD IS NOT BIG LIKE AMERICA:
In America, food is big in size and they love fast food. In Europe, even ketchup is not free. The meal size is small.
#6. CIGARETTES ARE FASHIONABLE IN EUROPE:
Europeans have the mindset that smoking = cool. They smoke usually to look fashionable. In America, cigarettes are not considered good.
#7. EUROPEANS DRESS NICER THAN AMERICANS:
Europeans don’t just wear basketball, shorts caps, or university T-shirts like most of Americans. They dress to impress.
#8. EUROPEANS SPEAKS MULTIPLE LANGUAGES:
Americans usually speak only English. But, Europeans fluently speak 4,5 or even 6 languages.
#9. EUROPEANS RE-CYCLE MORE THAN AMERICANS:
There are different metal cans for plastic, paper, and bottles in Europe’s streets. They recycle more and take more care of their environment. In Germany, the government incentivizes 25 cents to the person who return an empty bottle. On the other hand, Americans throw trash on the streets without caring.
#10. EUROPE HAVE LESS TRASH CANS THAN AMERICA:
Trash can is almost every 2 miles. But, the streets are super clean.
#11. TRICKY STREET SIGNS:
Street signs are on the buildings. America’s street system is much easy to understand.
#12. DINNERS IN RESTAURANTS TAKE TIME:
Americans just wait 5 or 10 minutes to give the order. But, in Europe, people wait — it can be up to 3 hours to get your food.
#13. EUROPEANS LOVE OUTDOORS:
There are numerous outdoor cafes and parks. They love to spend their spare time outdoor. Europeans don’t use phones as much as Americans do.
#14. EUROPEANS ENJOY LONGER VACATIONS THAN AMERICANS:
France or many European countries have a vacation (holiday) of 6 or more weeks. In the US, 2 weeks holiday would be great.
