20 Biggest Cultural Differences for Americans in Europe

After spending more than 2.5 years living in Europe and traveling to all 49 countries on the continent (most of them 3+ times) -- I am excited to share with you the "20 Biggest Cultural Differences" that I find between the two places!

Please note that when I refer to "Europe" in this video, I am generalizing quite a bit. I do realize that many countries in Europe (i.e. Moldova, Kosovo, Armenia, etc) are different from the rest of the continent. And also - keep in mind that all opinions in this video are MINE and based on my own personal travel experiences as an American traveler in Europe.

I'm curious to get your thoughts on this! Did I miss anything on this list that you would add? Do you disagree with any of my points? Please let me know in the comments down below -- I will be checking and responding to your messages :)

#europe #america #travel

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👨🏻‍🦰 WHO AM I?
I'm Drew Binsky and I have been to EVERY country in the world (197/197). I make documentaries about interesting people and cultures in faraway places. My ultimate goal is to inspire you to travel because I think it's the best education that you can get. And our planet is beautiful!

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[drewbinsky]

Out of all the things mentioned in this video, which cultural difference do you think is the most noticeable between the USA and Europe? For me, I’d say it’s the public transportation, work-life balance and language diversity! Do you agree or disagree with my opinions in this video? Would love to hear from you guys in the comments down below!

[tescobesco]

I think another thing that benefits the weight differences between the US and Europe is the fact that Europe is infinitely more walkable. In America, people will chow down on a massive meal to only them get in a car and not walk. Meanwhile in Europe you’re highly likely to be walking place to place, so you’re losing weight all the time

[schadenfreude]

American: Many Americans see Long Working Hours as a Sign of Productivity and Success.
Japanese: That's Cute. 🙂

[rzugorudo]

As an American, my biggest culture shock was not being ever asked to tip in Europe! It was so nice lol.

[imonka]

My husband is from Wisconsin and I am a Czech native. We got married 24 years ago and stayed in the Czech republic and raised two kids. My husband loves it here, so I am very happy he has chosen my native country to live in.

[michaelcraig]

I don’t mind paying to use a clean and maintained public toilet if the alternative is a dirty toilet.

[hannahgraceoutdoors]

Paying to use the bathroom keeps homeless people out of sleeping in there, as well as drug users. In addition, it helps to keep public toilets clean. It feels strange and I understand it's shocking but I can also see the positives too

[zanetaprzeniczka]

I agree with 19 of differences you have noticed. For example: CHEAP HEALTH CARE. I have a very rare genetic disease called 'hepatolenticular degeneration' or 'Wilson's Disease'. My treatment (in Poland) costs 200 - 800 zloty (50 $) / month [Zincteral or Cuprenil]. In USA, these cheap pills are prohibited. In case of allergy, Trientine [2000 zloty / 500 $] is ordinated. In America, The Big Pharma want earn more money. In USA, treatment [Trientine] costs about 10000 - 15000 $ / month. Unbelievable huge difference!
I disagree with SMALL FOOD PORTIONS. It don't apply to Poland!

[aliamonique]

I will take paying for the bathroom over American Healthcare

[Teen_Titans_Hoes]

EU is not Europe, its an Union *IN* Europe i just wanna point that out cause some people might ask about it.

[carijnjanssens]

europeans DON'T ONLY live in apartments its only peolpe who live in the cities who live in a appartment but outside the city there are many houses and you dont need airconditing if its only 30°c

[freddie]

28:07 haha i love that you said that it feels like a movie when you are in Europe, but if you ask any European that will say that the us feels like a movie because almost all movies we watch takes place in the us😂

[ronaldarchuleta]

I am an American introvert. I seriously hate the fake customer service small talk that is so prevalent here. That is one way I would definitely prefer Europe. I don't want to talk about the weather or what my weekend plans are.

I agree with most, except for the smoking in Eu. 20 years ago maybe, but now in most places in Europe it is forbidden to smoke indoors. Also on bus stops, public transport etc. They also put heavy taxes on cigarettes and every packet of cigarettes usually has a pretty disgusting picture of how you might end up if you smoke. Otherwise, the difference in smoking is that 23% smoke in the US and 26% in the EU. This is not such a big difference. But the important thing is that overall use is declining, both in the EU and the US.

[guyisbackable]

but most importantly of them all Europe is not a country!

[scritcsj]

One thing I would add is the cultural acceptability around talking about money. While traveling around the USA I was really surprised how many people casually discuss money, so many people asked me how I could afford to travel and when doing a few walking tours around the world I have noticed that Americans are very curious about housing prices. It’s a question they always ask tour guides. It’s just not something we tend to talk about, money is more of a private conversation. It’s just a little cultural difference that I think is interesting.

[DominionAnako-bbry]

American and European cultures have distinct characteristics, shaped by their unique histories, values, and social norms.

In American culture, individualism is highly valued, with a strong emphasis on personal freedom and the pursuit of individual goals. The U.S. is a melting pot of cultures, reflecting its diverse immigrant influences in food, music, and traditions.

[sarahmckenzie]

Most rental cars are not diesel.. I live in Europe and have travelled and rented cars in most countries. Not once was I given a diesel car!

[dinoman]

Hey Drew, can you travel more to Northern Europe in the future? Would love to see more videos featured in Norway, Sweden and Finland

[tuckermesser]

I feel that urban planning is the most noticable. It makes a huge difference in the overall vibe of a city when its walkable vs car centric.