Life in Europe and America, two continents with deep historical and cultural ties, presents a fascinating tapestry of differences and similarities. While both regions share democratic values, economic prosperity, and a commitment to personal freedom, they also diverge in significant ways that shape the daily experiences of their peoples. From contrasting approaches to healthcare and education to distinctive culinary traditions and transportation systems, these variations offer intriguing insights into the unique lifestyles and societal norms that define each continent. Exploring these disparities not only sheds light on the diverse human experiences within these vast geographical areas but also underscores the enduring impact of historical, social, and economic factors on contemporary life in Europe and America.
Redditor u/TREE__FR0G, an aspiring herpetologist, asked the community the question below. Scroll down to see what the internet thinks are the biggest differences between Europe and the US.
1. Providing healthcare to sick people without bankrupting them.
2. Prices already include taxes.
3. Nudeness.
No, we don’t all walk around naked all day.
Yes, we have nude beaches. Yes, on most regular lakes where people go swimming, you most likely see their little kids running around nekkid. Yes, most saunas are “nude only”. Yes, you see boobs, a*s and penis on TV (like, if there’s a movie and the situation “demands” it). Yes, we have sex education where they use books with images of naked humans in school.
It’s just a body. And no, nude doesn’t mean “sex!!1!”.
kant0rReport
4. Long vacations.
I’m a project manager in the US and it baffles me that my European team gets an entire month off in the summer. I’m over here saving my vacation days incase I get sick.
smileysarah267
5. dd/mm/yyyy
6. Bathroom doors with no gaps.
7. Decent public transportation.
8. Tips are optional.
9. Walkable cities
10. Taking an ambulance without a worry in the world.
11. Online bank transfers
Americans get all excited over stuff like Venmo but I can send money to anyone via my online banking app for free.
mamamia1001
12. Cashiers having chairs
14. Maternity leave.
The hugest mindf**k for me is the maternity leave. An entire, paid year?! I get that they can channel more money into that stuff since the US has military needs paid for, but that’s still pretty impressive.
DogsArePrettyCool4
15. Go to the grocery store on your bicycle and walking from shop to shop in the city centre.
16. Taking your own shopping bag(s) to the supermarket.
Totally normalized in all European countries as far as I know. Or buy a (firm) shopping bag at the store if you don’t have one with you.
All those plastic bags in US stores, so small that it can only hold two cans of milk so you see customers with a dozen plastic bags for their groceries.. unthinkable in Europe.
Shrooma111
17. Not wearing shoes in our homes.
18. Mayo with french fries.
I’m in the US but have cousins in Holland. They introduced me to to this years ago and it’s pretty awesome.
Robhow
19. Coalition governments.
21. Work Life Balance.
Going to Europe and then coming back to Texas and visiting our corporate offices in Dublin, London, Paris.
Yes the European working hours are different. But it seems there’s more of a balance and respect for personal time and medical time or absence. Vs in America working yourself to the bone.
Also the absence of Tipping, and availability of metro and being able to conveniently walk where you need to get to. 1 mile in Europe feels shorter than the 1 mile walk in USA hahaha sidewalk availability and lack of parks to cut through etc.
JeezBelieveThat
22. Trains.
23. The right to roam.
It’s glorious to be able to hike across private land when you grow up used to signs saying “Trespassers will be shot.”
suzycreamcheese260
24. Unlocked phones.
When I lived in the US it was hard for me to get around the idea that I couldn’t use the phone that I bought with AT&T with a SIM card from T-Mobile. In Europe I interchange my SIM cards with zero problems. I can even change my provider and keep the same number and of course the same phone.
TravellingBelgian
25. Legally enshrined right to online privacy.
26. Roundabouts.
They’re like the rotary phones of the road – Americans look at them in utter confusion and wonder where to dial.
phamkethanh
27. Inter country travel.
I don’t even live on the main European land mass. I live on a European island. But I can fly to most European countries in under four hours. And it’s not a million euro to do so.
Low_Engineering8921
