Top 7 cultural updates about Europe that every first-time traveler needs to know

A lot of people who visit Europe come with an expectation that except the language, it wouldn’t be any different from their home country. Well, to break the news for you, yes, we are turning global and all that, but there are still some differences that the first-time travelers will notice on their visit to Europe.

Please know that dealing with generalizations isn’t difficult what’s difficult is to restrict ourselves from finding faults. The West of Europe is a huge place, and it comprises of a diverse history that is a composition of a multitude of cultures. So, here, we have come up with general guidelines that will help you in navigating the European customs. What’s interesting to know is Sweden and Portugal are vastly different from each other. I believe it is something that can make travel extremely fun, especially for the first-timers.

Drinking
Lily, who recently had to pay someone to write a paper for her online, says that the infinite refills or the big gulp that you might have seen in the US are not yet found in Europe. So, in Europe, if you expect a refill, you will have to pay for it. Moreover, when it comes to pricing, the soft drinks in America are priced higher in comparison to the wine and the beer. That’s not the case in Europe. However, as for drinking beer or wine at tables on the street is concerned, it is far more relevant in Europe than it was in the US. Notwithstanding all this, the laws related to driving in Europe are perennially being revised with an agenda of pushing the impairment levels downwards. So, it is better to check the allowable blood alcohol level in the country that you are visiting.


Speak to a local pharmacist
If your health is a problem, you need to be in touch with a pharmacist. It is good to be in close contact with a pharmacist because you have no idea how useful they can turn out to be in times of emergencies.


Taxes
Sonia, who offers online assignment help, says that though the taxes in Europe are high, they are mostly hidden. You would be surprised to know that you’ll be paying a high tax if you consume lunch on the rooftop or terrace of a restaurant. However, the reason it doesn’t come to the notice of people is that it isn’t broken down properly in the bill.

Use the public transport
In Europe, public transport is way more extensive than it happens to be in the US. So, now, you have a multitude of ways to travel from one city to another, or from the city to the village. If there are no trains, you’ll find the buses to take you to the remotest corner of the continent. For instance, if you are in Switzerland, you can take Postal Buses to take you just about anywhere that you can possibly imagine going to. However, if you wish to go on longer trips, you can take a rail pass. On your shorter trips, it is best to buy the usual tickets because rail passes don’t necessarily help you save money.

Tipping
As for tipping in Europe is considered, it is believed to be a minefield. The tip that you pay mostly depicts the spirit of the tipper. It is paid at a percentage of the bill and is a mark of your satisfaction with the service. Maria, who offers online assignment help Sydney, says that tipping is not something that’s supposed to be a large sum of money, rather it is a small giveaway you offer as a gesture of good service. So, you don’t have to pay a tip as something that would go to the wages of the workers. However, sadly the Americans are bringing their culture of high tipping to Europe now. It is primarily because workers in America and Europe are paid significantly less.

Electricity
In Europe, the voltage is twice of what it is in the US. The modern techno-stuff and computers mainly operate on both voltages. So, you don’t need anything beyond an adaptor. However, not all of the European plugs are similar. If you visit an older hotel in Europe, it might not have the voltage to operate a 1000 watt dryer. Hence, be prepared for a setback there.

Shop like the locals
In all European countries, it is almost customary to greet the shop owners. Gigi, who offers the best online digital marketing courses online, says that if you ever go shopping in a small boutique type store, it is always good to say “good morning” or “good afternoon” in the language that’s prevalent in that location. In this way, shopping would not only get easier but also more pleasant. If the shopkeeper likes you, you might get yourself a good bargain. The folks in Europe are most appreciative of your effort to come and speak to them in their local language. It makes them feel that you are considerate of their customs and culture.

So, keep these cultural updates in mind when you visit Europe for the first time.