9 things Americans do abroad that Europeans find embarrassing (but never mention)

Last summer, I was sitting at a café in Barcelona with a German friend when a group of American tourists walked past. They were lovely people, clearly excited about their trip. But I watched my friend's face shift into this polite smile that I'd seen before. Later, over coffee, she said something that stuck with me: "Americans are so friendly, but sometimes they just don't realize how different things are here."

I've lived across three continents now, and I've learned that what feels normal in one place can feel completely off in another. It's not about being wrong or right. It's about awareness. The truth is, most Europeans won't say anything because they're being polite, but there are definitely a few habits that make them cringe a little.

Here are nine things Americans often do abroad that Europeans notice but rarely mention.

1. Talking loudly in public spaces

This one comes up constantly. Americans tend to speak at a volume that feels normal back home but stands out in European cafés, trains, and museums. In places like Switzerland or Scandinavia, public spaces are treated almost like libraries. People keep their voices low out of respect for shared environments.

I remember sitting in a quiet train compartment in Austria when a couple from the States got on. They weren't being rude, just chatting about their day at a normal American volume. Within minutes, I noticed people glancing over with tight smiles. The couple had no idea they were the loudest people in the car.

It's not that Europeans expect silence everywhere. It's more about matching the energy of the room. If everyone around you is speaking softly, that's the cue to bring your volume down a notch.

2. Over-tipping or not tipping at all

Tipping culture in Europe is completely different from the US, and it confuses a lot of American travelers. In most European countries, service charges are already included in the bill, so leaving 20% on top feels excessive. At the same time, leaving nothing when you've had great service can feel cold.

A Portuguese friend once told me she finds it awkward when American tourists leave huge tips because it creates this weird dynamic. Servers appreciate the gesture, but it also highlights how American habits don't quite fit the local culture. In Portugal, rounding up the bill or adding a few euros is plenty.

The key is to look up tipping norms before you travel. In France, a euro or two is fine. In Germany, 5 to 10% works. In some Scandinavian countries, tipping isn't expected at all unless the service was exceptional. Matching local customs shows respect and helps you blend in better.

3. Asking "How are you?" without expecting an answer

Americans use "How are you?" as a greeting. It's automatic, friendly, and doesn't require a real response. But in many European countries, that question is taken literally. If you ask someone how they are, they'll actually tell you.

I learned this the hard way in Berlin. I asked a cashier how she was doing, and she paused, looked at me seriously, and said, "Not great, actually. My back hurts and I didn't sleep well." I wasn't prepared for an honest answer. In her mind, I'd asked a real question, so she gave a real response.

This habit can make Americans seem insincere to Europeans. They wonder why you'd ask if you don't really care. If you want to greet someone warmly, a simple "Hello" or "Good morning" works better. Save the deeper questions for when you genuinely have time to listen.

4. Wearing athletic wear everywhere

This one might seem superficial, but Europeans notice when tourists walk around in gym clothes all day. In cities like Paris, Milan, or Copenhagen, people tend to dress more formally, even for casual outings. Sneakers and yoga pants signal that you're a tourist before you even open your mouth.

I get it. Comfort matters, especially when you're walking 20,000 steps a day. But Europeans see clothing as part of how you present yourself in public spaces. A pair of jeans and clean sneakers goes a long way. You don't need to dress up, just aim for something that looks intentional.

One of my Italian friends once said, "When Americans dress like they just left the gym, it feels like they don't care about the place they're visiting." That hit me. Your outfit is one way to show that you're making an effort to fit in and respect the local culture.

5. Expecting everything to be open late

In the US, you can find 24-hour pharmacies, late-night restaurants, and grocery stores open until midnight. Europe doesn't operate that way. Most shops close by 7 or 8 p.m., and on Sundays, entire cities can feel shut down.

I've seen American travelers get genuinely frustrated when they can't find a place to eat at 10 p.m. on a Tuesday. But in many European cities, that's just how it works. People prioritize rest, family time, and work-life balance over constant availability. As noted by Carl Honoré in his book "In Praise of Slowness," European cultures often value a slower pace that respects personal time over around-the-clock convenience.

Planning ahead solves this. Check store hours before you go out. Stock up on snacks if you think you'll get hungry late. And if you find yourself in a small town on a Sunday, embrace the quiet. It's part of the experience.

6. Complaining about portion sizes

American portion sizes are huge compared to what you'll find in Europe. A regular coffee in Italy is a tiny espresso. A main course in France might look modest next to what you'd get at a chain restaurant back home. And yet, Europeans aren't starving.

The difference is cultural. Meals in Europe are meant to be savored, not rushed. People eat slowly, enjoy multiple courses, and focus on quality over quantity. When Americans complain about small portions, it comes across as though they're missing the point entirely.

7. Comparing everything to how it's done in America

"In America, we do it like this." That sentence makes Europeans uncomfortable, even if it's said innocently. It suggests that the American way is the standard and everything else is lacking. Most people abroad aren't interested in constant comparisons, especially when they're in their own country.

I've caught myself doing this too. I'll mention how things work back in São Paulo or compare something to my life in Malaysia. But I've learned to stop myself because it shifts the focus away from where I actually am. Travel is about experiencing a new place on its own terms, not measuring it against what you already know.

If something surprises you, ask about it instead of judging it. "Why do trains here work this way?" is so much better than "Back home, our trains are way more efficient." Curiosity invites conversation. Comparison shuts it down.

8. Taking photos of everything without asking

Americans love documenting their travels, and there's nothing wrong with that. But taking photos of strangers, street vendors, or private spaces without permission can feel invasive. Europeans tend to be more reserved about being photographed, especially in everyday settings.

A friend from Prague once told me she finds it uncomfortable when tourists treat her city like a theme park, snapping pictures of locals going about their day. "We're not part of the attraction," she said. That stuck with me. People aren't props for your travel album.

If you want to photograph someone, just ask. Most people will say yes if you're respectful. And if you're shooting in a church, museum, or memorial site, check the rules first. Some places don't allow photography at all, and ignoring that feels disrespectful to both the space and the people who care about it.

9. Assuming everyone speaks English

English is widely spoken across Europe, but assuming everyone understands it can come off as entitled. Starting a conversation in English without even trying a few words in the local language suggests you expect the world to accommodate you, rather than the other way around.

I'm not fluent in every language of the countries I've visited, but I always learn basic phrases. "Hello," "thank you," "excuse me," and "do you speak English?" go a long way. Even if your pronunciation is terrible, the effort shows respect. People appreciate when you try, and they're usually more willing to help.

Even minimal attempts to speak the local language improve how travelers are perceived by locals. It signals that you see them as more than just a service provider. You're acknowledging their culture and making an effort to meet them halfway.

Final thoughts

None of these habits are done with bad intentions. Most Americans traveling abroad are genuinely excited to explore new places and meet new people. But small adjustments can make a huge difference in how you're received.

It comes down to awareness. Pay attention to how people around you behave. Match their volume, their pace, their level of formality. Learn a few phrases in the local language. Dress with a little more intention. And remember that you're a guest in someone else's home.

Travel is one of the best ways to grow, but only if you let yourself be shaped by the places you visit. The goal isn't to become someone else. It's to move through the world with more respect, curiosity, and humility. That's what makes the experience meaningful, both for you and the people you meet along the way.