As Americans, we’re probably all well aware of norms like tipping culture and basic etiquette.
Here’s what locals from all over Europe had to share.
“Children in primary/grade school walk to school alone or in groups each morning, unsupervised.”

“I’m a Finn; we go to the sauna naked.
It’s normal to have seen your friends and family members naked.
It’s not sexual, nor is it embarrassing.”

u/bullet_bitten, Finland
3.
“Everyone is sir/madam until you both decide otherwise.
Calling an adult you just met ‘you’ or by their name is a big no-no.”

“I have witnessed Americans fume at the way service works when eating food at a pub.
No one will greet you when you walk in or come to your table to take your order.
Find a table, read the menu, order, and pay at the bar.”

u/publius_decius, England
5.
“Babies sleeping outside.
In particular, babies sleep alone in public places like restaurants or shops.”

u/WyvernsRest, Ireland
7.
Once you sign a rental contract, your waiting time starts over again.
“Attitudes towards sexuality in teenagers, and honestly teenagers in general, seem to be very different.

That is ridiculous to me.
u/icyDinosaur, Switzerland
9.
This might be seen as a lack of engagement by Americans.

“The number of people, including politicians, who are publically atheist.
u/ninjomat, England
11.
At least in the villages.

“Finns value their personal space.
This includes both physical space but also verbal.
Do not sit next to anyone on the bus or sit if there are still empty seats.

u/ninaeatworld, Finland
13.
This was a while back.
I am a millennial, so I’m not sure if it is still common.

We also had a party with soft alcoholic drinks at the end of elementary school.
Bars and grocery stores require an ID, though, if you want to buy alcohol.”
u/41942319, Netherlands
15.
“Living comfortably without a car or a driver’s license.
Daily commuting is done by train, and the train stops in every other village.”
Then, the doctor or nurse knocks and comes in.
A friend said she was shocked not to be given a robe for her mammogram.
Just shirt and bra right off and let it all hang out.
They’re going to see your bits and bobs anyway!
It’s more efficient to not have that extra step in between.”
u/dutchyardeen, Portugal
17.
It’s anathema to them; it fries their brains.”
“Eating proper meals at school and not snacks.
I can’t imagine eating a pack of chips, pizza, or industrial slices of bread.
Lunches were cooked on-site and consisted of proper dishes like a restaurant.”
u/Matttthhhhhhhhhhh,France
19.
“Keeping a separation between work and real friendships.
Americans chit-chat at work and talk about personal things.
Currently working in the US and am a bit socially awkward at work here.”
Note: Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.