Cultural Norms
In South Korea, it’s polite to do this small gesture when handing something to someone older.
What is using two hands (or supporting your arm)?
U.S. students studying in most of Europe for under 90 days can travel without this special long-term document.
What is a visa?
Countries like Spain, France, and Italy all use this shared currency.
What is the euro?
In France, starting a conversation without saying this greeting first is considered rude.
What is “bonjour”?
In London, this contactless card (or tap system) is used to pay for public transport.
What is an Oyster card (or contactless tap)?
In London, people value this in public spaces like the Tube
What is being quiet?
This London airport is one of the busiest in the world and a major international hub.
What is Heathrow Airport?
In South Korea, this payment method is widely accepted—even for taxis and street vendors.
What is mobile payment (like KakaoPay or Samsung Pay)?
In Rome, this phrase means “please.”
What is “per favore”?
In South Korea, this rechargeable card is used for buses and subways.
What is a T-money card?
In France, this small greeting is common among friends.
What is la bise (cheek kiss)?
Budget airlines in Europe like Ryanair are strict about this, often charging extra if you exceed it.
What is baggage size/weight limits?
Many European restaurants include this in the bill, meaning extra tipping is not always expected.
What is a service charge?
In Dublin, this language is spoken alongside English, though less commonly used daily.
What is Irish (Gaelic)?
High-speed train connect London and Paris.
What is Eurostar?
In Madrid, dinner is typically eaten much later than in the U.S., often around this time.
What is 9–10 PM?
This type of train ticket in Europe allows flexible travel across multiple countries for a set number of days.
What is a Eurail pass?
When paying abroad, choosing to be charged in USD instead of local currency often leads to this downside.
What is worse exchange rates (or extra fees)?
In Paris, if a waiter seems distant or doesn’t check on you often, it reflects this cultural expectation about dining.
What is giving customers space (or not rushing them)?
In Madrid, this fast train system connects cities across Spain.
What is AVE (high-speed train)?
In Rome, ordering a cappuccino after this time of day is considered unusual.
What is after the morning (or after ~11 AM)?
When traveling between countries like Spain and Italy, you typically don’t go through passport control because of this agreement.
What is the Schengen Area?
Many small cafes in cities like Rome may require this payment method instead of cards.
What is cash?
In Dublin, someone saying “That’s grand”
What is just okay (or not great)?
What are the three forms of public transportation in Dublin?
What is the bus, tram (Luas), and train (Dart)?