Americans React to Europe vs. USA Culture Shocks
2023 ж. 5 Қаз.
475 374 Рет қаралды
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I never understand this argument Americans make that taxes can’t be included in prices because the states have different taxes. What does it matter to a particular store if some other store in another state has a different price? Just write the actual price on the price tag, it’s not witchcraft.
Yeah. It´s not like every country in Europe has the same taxes. Americans say its because it is so hard on the market to have to print different prices on adverts for different states and areas. In Europe you have to do that because hidden costs on price tags are illegal. So it is definatley doable, but as usual the initiative will never come from the companies.
It's such an absurd argument. Maybe if we are talking about online shopping it might be an acceptable argument but for physical locations...?
@@cacho100uva Even in online shopping, the tax at the e-shop company location should be applied. Still nothing hard to do.
@@Vojtaniz01 true
@@cacho100uva It's even easier online honestly. On a website you can fairly easily automate nation-specific or in the US's case, state specific taxes for the individual buying. And no, it doesn't even have to be a surveilance thing, where you have to give up your ID or location. Because at the end of the day the product you buy needs to go somewhere and even if you got it delivered in the next state over where the taxes are lower. The amount of gas you'd need to drive over and pick it up probably balances it federally anyway. The only one who'd lose out is the state you live in. But it shouldn't be a lot.
Tax is different in almost all countries in the EU. Austria have 20 Percent, Germany 19, Netherlands 21%. But everywhere the tax is included.
also its sometimes different depending on the category of the item itself: food, non-food, luxury items.
Yeah, I don't get why including tax would be that much more difficult in the US. The only issue I can think of is that you might end up with "ugly numbers" instead of 14,99 and 4,95 if tax rates vary by region.
@@haukenot3345 nah, if anything they could make more profit by including tax and rounding up to the nearest .95/99 to make it look "good" still.
The USA could do it, but won't !? How difficult is it to add in tax to a price and write that total on a price ticket or sign... DUH ! Whenever I visit America (from the UK), I DETEST having to 'allow' for adding money on the cost of anything I buy. It makes absolutely NO SENSE whatsoever and just infuriates me. Especially when having a meal, the bill arrives and has TAX ADDED onto the total, but then they (sometimes in tourist areas) ADD on a CNF* (Concession aNd Franchise fee - typically 3% to 5%) and then the waiters or serving staff expect the ALMIGHTY TIP (approximately 20% to 25%)... Suddenly the food leaves a NASTY TASTE in the mouth. *Always check the small print on the menu so you DON'T get 'stung' with that one! 😎
@@anashiedler6926Indeed, food and flowers are mostly varying from 7 - 12%
The US has no tipping culture, you have a "the customer pays the wage of the waitress culture".
Tell me you never worked as a waiter without telling me you never worked as a waiter...
If an employee’s wages (at least $2.13 per hour) plus tips is less than $7.25 per hour, their employer is required to make up the difference. If they make more than that (WHich they almost always do) then they pocket the access, the safe guard has been there for the longest time. They are just mad that they make minium wage for an easy job. I was making about roughly 80-95/night at chillis.
@@sage7287 so they were right...the customer pays most of the wages...
@@Red-Eyez420gaming they are implying that they don't get paid shit because it's dependent on tips but that is not true. By law from a while ago, they do make a lot of money on tips however if that money from tips doesn't exceed minimum wage then the employer will have to make up for it so no matter what they are always getting paid at the very least minimum wage and nothing under that or else it is illegal and most places that I've worked as a waiter have follow that law and I've worked in some really shity places like Denny's and Waffle House
@@Red-Eyez420gaming also the typical waiter and waitress will get paid for more than minimum wage because at the very least they should be getting paid like a McDonald's worker because being a waiter or waitress is not a skilled job it is not hard at all it was very easy I got the entire menu down within a weekend. I made so much more money working at Chili's end Applebee's then working any other job other than my current one. Because tips are insane and if you and get a big group or you get some old people they always too big.
There are 44 countries in Europe. Although only a little larger than the U.S.A. it has twice as many people, different languages, different cultures and traditions that have been in existence for maybe a thousand years. It's hard to generalise.
Yes, but there are basic principles that are the same throughout Europe.
@@Pucky71 Examples? There are big (cultural) differences between northern and southern Europe, regarding drinking, dining, tips, prices...
This. There are no "European lifestyle", Europe is very much diverse. And so is the US too, in their own way.
I would say there are differences between the North, South, East, West, and the central regions, but I guess there are also some common principles, such as the social system and the basic mentality. Peace to my European sisters and brothers!@@mikrokupu
There are actually 51 countries in Europe not 44.
In Finland if you offer a tip, its considered patronising and disrespectful. They are a businessman, not a servant.
The same in Japan. It's a definite INSULT to offer a 'tip' to anyone in the service industry. The attitude of the Japanese is to take PRIDE and do the BEST job possible for a customer. Attempting to tip staff can be seen as rude or even offensive, as tipping is NOT part of the Japanese culture and NOT expected. Someone who does try and 'tip' in Japan, will find in most cases that the 'tip' is politely refused, even though they may feel very 'slighted'. It will be less of an issue in tourist areas, as they give 'leeway' to foreigners for not knowing, but it can cause an issue in rural parts!
mmm I have worked in many restaurants in capital area in Finland (Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa well even surrounding area like nurmijärvi) and Tipping is absolutely fine. Off-course it is not mandatory like in some other countries, but it is always an option. If you like the food and service then feel free to tip, that means appreciation and not disrespect. Ps. I have worked in almost all sorts of restaurants Fine dining to Casual dining (just not fast food) and everywhere there is the tip option on card machines. Also most restaurants I have worked in divide their tips between all the staff which I think is really nice.😀
Leaving a tip in finland is rather a compliment for good service or food since it is not expected.
Well when u are in Czech republic, tip our servers and leave our culture alone.
Same in Taiwan, easiest way to insult someone, offer a tip
In Britain there's a law (the Water Acts) that if you ask someone for water, and they have some, they must GIVE it to you. That affects restaurants.
Only if they sell alcohol though most do ofc
Same in Germany. But no one knows it.
Any eatery places in the UK now have to serve you tap water for FREE if you ask for it. Generally in the more upmarket expensive restaurants they automatically place a jug of tap water (generally with ice) plus a glass for each customer on the table when you arrive. The cheaper more downmarket places very often you will need to request tap water which they have to serve to you by law.
@@showmoke They're only legally obliged to if they also sell alcohol
@@hanifleylabi8071 - ok.
I think the sparkling water thing comes from the following: In Germany - and most parts of europe - we have very good tap water. So many consider paying for bottled (tap-water-like) water just money pouring out the drain, whereas the sparkling water is an almost soda like refreshment, so people don't mind paying for that.
Yes and another reason is that sparkling water was associated with nobility and wealth at first. So everyone wanted to drink it and that stuck for over hundred years.
drinking flat water from a plastic bottle just feels so weird. and it costs the same as sparkling so might as well get something you cant have anytime youre at home or at a sink
Reason for our good tap water is mostly we, unlike the Americans, discovered you can filter it without using chlorine lol
Just talking for Germany and just as an additional information...the city charges each houshold for the supplied water (...and drain water and even for the drainage of the rain water on your property) so we have to pay for it. If you give the water for free, this would reduce the profit of the restaurant (or they have to raise the price for some things...). If you would sell it, it will cause some trouble for the accounting system, because you have taxes on food/drinks. Therefore it is necessary to specify very precisely what quantities were sold. So the restaurant would need to have an extra water connection, or at least an extra water meter for the tap water they sell. Sometimes it is not possible, but I guess most times it is just too much effort to implement this just for tap water. The percentage of guests who prefer sparkling water in Germany is way higher... But if you need some tap water for your child, or just ask friendly, you will get some. ;-) But as often...this depends on the waiter/waitress.
@@EloNajnever knew that, i just like sparkling water lmao
The tipping culture is so creepy to me that I just avoided restaurants altogether when I was visiting :D.
And the waiters don't actually want it to change. They don't want a stable pay because they can make more on tips.
@@MicukoFelton FACTS we make so much money if you put in the effort. Plus bartenders make a shit ton of money.
@@MicukoFelton And I refuse to tip more than 10/12%, and that's if I DO tip... I'm not paying anyone's wage just because their employer won't! Simple.
@@stewedfishproductions7959 lol right? amen brother, why should I pay the staff instead of the employer?
Us too. We went to five guys and shack shake to avoid the tipping
in europe each country has their own tax system, some even their own currency... yet still everything is priced incl. the local tax. to add the tax should NEVER be an issue, not even the us. if you print the ticket for a certain price in a certain store - this store is not going to move somewhere else, so you know EXACTLY how much this item should cost including the local tax. just price it in and it is way easier to see what you have to pay in the end
Yes, the whole "but every State in America has different taxes" argument just 'doesn't hold water', they just need to ADD their taxes on and change the price tickets and signs! Not too difficult or 'taxing'... 😎
I'm not saying I agree with this but in the US two reasons for not having the tax included are; 1. Transparency, so the consumer can see how much tax they are paying, including the tax in the price would be considered "hiding" the tax; 2. Pricing competition. studies have shown that many more people will buy something for 8.99 than 9.00.
@@BryceBensema-sb8cb Your second point does NOT stand up! Because throughout the rest of the world were tax is INCLUDED in the prices, it's still the norm to price things like that... the price being rounded up or down to, (as per your example) £8.99 (it's just the tax that changes to suit the ticket price. The first point is redundant because everyone knows a tax applies, the convenience of not having it ADDED ON afterwards is the bigger benefit.
@@BryceBensema-sb8cb First point, okay put the amount that is tax under the price so you easily know how much you are paying and can see how much the price is in total which as someone who lives in the UK is the only number I have ever cared about why would I be interested in how much of that goes where. second point is bad on 2 fronts, so what its been shown companies can manipulate you with this trick and if we changed it large companies couldn't scam the consumer as easily wa wa they can wipe there tears with all that money they have, second do you think they don't do that in places that include tax? no they just change prices to hit 8.99 and some people say "but that would mean the price of the product would change across state boarders because tax changes" so what? This is what they do in Europe
@@BryceBensema-sb8cb None of those arguments are admissible. I just went out of my German supermarket, and on my bill I have the details of the taxes. I have the total price, the amount of taxes paid for the products taxed at 19.0% and the amount of taxes paid for the products taxed at 7.0%. For each category I have the gross, the nett and the total. So when I check my German bill, I know exactly what I paid as taxes. Perhaps we should send some German IT people to the USA.
Tap water is free in France if you order or not. And bread 🥖 is free too and unlimited if you order in a restaurant. You only pay if you order a mineral bottle of water.
But a beer cost easily the double in France than in Czech Republic. But the minimum wage is different here.
Same in uk regarding the water, also the bread depending on the restaurant though
@@Dreamwarrior2 Hi from France ✋France 🇫🇷 Be prepared in France it is the law. We have the choice tap water(it’s free)are tap water mineral bottle of water(not free) bread is unlimited. And free if you are a customer too.we love the choice in France, in a way this is why I learned the British language 🇬🇧.
Well if that wouldn't be for free your president might dont need to extend retirment age
In Spain is the same except for bread 😂
The "in the US each state has its own taxes therefore we cannot have the full price on the ticket" is nonsense. You only ever pay the full amount including tax at the checkout so there is never any confusion. So, unless you can point to a store that has shelves with prices on in one state with the checkout in another, it is nonsense!!
I and many people think it is strange that tax is simply not put into the price. The U.S. and Canada do it that way. Pay tax separately. Yes, but some other countries have states as well. The United Kingdom is four different countries. P.S. It's illegal in many countries for a business to have additional costs, such as taxes and tips, additional to the final price. You pay the business set price. Nothing else.
In older days before computers, it was common practice for manufacturers to print the price directly on the item, so the store could save time not having to put price stickers on everything. A bag of chips for example would have "99 cents" printed it, a magazine would have $3.99 printed on it. So they didn't include taxes in order to avoid having to print different prices in each state. Nowadays that practice of directly printing the price is gone, but the other practice of not including taxes stayed.
@@noseboop4354 - that’s a useful insight!
I think they mean that the company making the product prints the price on the packaging, then that price remains applicable no matter which state the product is subsequently sold in, with tax being added at the checkout. However, it’s still a weak argument.
It wouldn’t be difficult for the US government to just impose a single tax system on all the states. There must be situations where Congress does that anyway.
What he said from Prague is the same in Germany (I know from bars in Cologne that new beer is always brought without ordering). If a waitress called me honey I would be pissed because that is completely disrespectful. Waiters in Europe are not rude or cheeky, they have a business distance, you are a customer and not a friend. By the way, your two friends are nice, you're welcome to bring them to more videos.
I mean, I agree with your point in general but being angry, literally angry, bc someone calls you honey? Seems more out of place to me than the initial "transgression". Also, you don't know what's good until you've had a southern lady call you honey and one from northern England call you love.
Exactly. Waiters in Czech Rep. Germany, Austria can be familiar only if they know you personaly better, or if you are as in we say Štamgast (CZ), Stammgast (DE). Otherwise they have to behave to you like to visitor and not like to schoolmate.
@@MellonVegan Czechia, Germany, and many other European countries are cultures where interaction between people, especially strangers, is based on what in pragmatics would be called "negative politeness". Which essentially means that people there regard one another with an "let's keep our distance and respect each other's privacy, want only the necessary minimum from each other, be rather formal than informal, and leave each other alone as much as possible" approach. It's _this_ that is considered polite and respectful. If you call a stranger "honey", it's perceived as an undesired encroachment on that person's privacy and personal distance, and therefore impolite behaviour. Indeed, it can leave the person a bit embarrassed, confused, uneasy, or even downright angry - generally, "feeling that something isn't right". Such a calling is reserved for family members, close friends, or at least close acquaintances. It's simply a cultural difference.
@@leeleesloann it's strange, I am half German (Bavarian) and half Czech (Bohemian) and I am spending a lot of time in both countries. I can't agree with you. I've experience rude service in both countries and also perfect servis in both countries.
Well, kinda depends. I know certain restaurants in Germany where the waitresses basically have the same vibe as those American highway restaurant waiters you often see in American movies. Like they don't even try to be conventionally polite and absolutely say stuff like "Schätzchen", but it's kinda part of the charme. Certain places in the German Ruhr area may also be like that, because the Ruhr area is generally famous for being super direct to the point of unpoliteness. But the people here usually just see it as being more honest and less stiff than other Germans. It can be really funny. Because I came here from outsite the Ruhr area and can't really let go of my very formal and stiff polite ways, but when I go to some local fast food restaurant they just see me as some pretentious fuck and are super skeptical then a friend of mine talks to them in the rudest way possible and they are suddenly quite open and relaxed. And I now I can't really imitate that, if I would try to talk like that, it would probably just come off as actually rude for them.
"Water is a thing everyone should have." That's what we (Europeans) say about health care. ;) Love that you brought 2 of your friends in this new video. Nice new touch. Got to check out your other videos with them, haven't watched for a while.
In France 🇫🇷 we have both. Free water and free healthcare 😜
I can't stress enough, that restaurants in Germany pay their employees a lot better than in the US, and I guess that goes for most European countries, if not all. Surprise ;) Therefore I think it is understandable, that they need to make money to do so, and so they charge for any beverage. If you look at it this way, you may discover, that what you pay for water you save at tipping.
Drinks in a restaurant tend to be a bulk of the profit by the end because it doesn't cost anything in production or to buy in compared to everything else sold at a restaurant, so you might make 200-300% profit on each water bottle sold but only 10-20% profit from a meal. What's saving tipping though is the price of the goods in general not just the water, the tipping culture in the US makes it so the items you buy are cheaper (like, everything it's also why portions can be so big in the US and still be cheaper than in almost any given European country). The difference in reality is that the high pay of staff in restaurants in Europe are possible because of the high cost of the food, in the US the customer directly subsidises the pay of the employees through tipping so everything else is cheaper - there are several problems with tipping compared to high cost of food though, first of all the fact that usually only the waiters and waitresses actually get tips, kitchen staff are lucky if they get any of it and of course that the employer puts the onus of paying salaries on the customer, where you are more or less guilt tripped into paying the waiter/waitresses salary. It's actually not "poor waiters" though, as many seem to think. It's poor customers and kitchen staff because they are the ones getting fucked over by tipping culture, waiters can make fat stacks from guilt tripping customers. It's an anti-consumer practice not an anti-wait staff practice. The irony is also that the scare campaign against doing away with tipping culture, their main point is "but everything will become more expensive then" like yes, that's the point and maybe it's a good idea to promote not going out to eat as often as Americans sometimes do as it generates obscene amounts of trash, you're driving your car more often and depending on the place you eat at, you have no way of ensuring the food you're eating is actually healthy (given the absolute lackluster work of the US food and health department compared to the European equivalents). Alot of this require more than just doing away with tipping culture though, part of the reason why Europeans tend to go out to eat less than Americans is because we have enough free time to actually just go home and make food. US societies and many European societies are just very different and to change any of it it requires fundamental societal change, certainly when it comes to something as deeply engrained in the restaurant culture of the US as tipping.
All of that is true, still the drinks are big part of the whole economical circle. It's not like all food related establishments, explicitly restaurants, which here are family businesses most of the times, were rich - at least not the non-chain ones, which are more common here than in the US.
As always things are way more complicated than the obvious issues. Yet I only wanted to point out, that the system as a whole here is very different, so that not every American KZheadr gets hooked up to the water "situation". ;) Same goes for the paying for public restroom visits. It's becoming old news ^^
@@omega1231 Eating a steak in a restaurant in Germany is cheaper than in the USA, even though - we pay our staff much higher, give them sick and vacation days and social security, - impose a high VAT (19%), - have to comply with higher hygiene requirements (e.g. in some regions in Germany the 3rd water pipe (pipe not tab) if you want to serve tap water), - use better quality foods - and guests can sit at their seats for as long as they want, usually no reservation is necessary. Reasons: - Smaller profit margins are calculated; - wholesale contracts are concluded with beverage suppliers, who often provide part of the restaurant and kitchen equipment, but also want to see beverage sales in return, - there are fewer franchise chains behind it who also want to make money, - nothing is given away for free (except a schnaps or liquor after the meal) - and less is thrown away.
I mean, in France we don't pay for water and we pay our employees enough so not sure about this one😅 especially since 3/4€ is not enough tip in the US
I think the only beer in germany that costs 15€ (well 14,90 this year) is at Oktoberfest, but that’s a full liter of beer that was specifically brewed for Oktoberfest and contains more alcohol than normal beer and it’s still deemed really expensive
Just to clarify: these differences aren’t between Europe and the US, but between the Czech Republic and the US. These things aren’t universal in Europe (especially tipping).
and I would say a 0.5 l bottle of beer costs around 1 EUR (and not 2 EUR as said in the video) in the supermarket.
@@hansmeiser32 if buying in packs yeah
@@hansmeiser32 He was talking about draft beer in restaurant though, in supermarket it's indeed cheaper, usually around 1 Eur with some small variances depending on the beer.
@@lulaa123these are between Europe and USA ... because these are general things more or less common through out whole europe ...
We definitely have free water at restaurants. Literally every restaurant I've been to in the UK, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, etc. is willing to give you tap water upon request. Might not be common in the Czech Republic but everywhere else in Europe, it's normal.
At most places in Czechia they will give you tap water. Its diferent in Prague where there is lots of tourism.
In CZ too , but in Prague you must pay 0,6 EURO . Capital city
I have had different experiences
@@BOSSCUNIK He probably meant that if you're a bar in any of this countries you are legaly obliged to serve tap water for free. In France a restaurant or a bar cannot refuse to serve tap water for free, even if you dind't consume anything. Same goes for Paris that have alot of tourism. Make sure to ask for tap water/glass of water, if you just ask for water they may serve you a bottle)
In Italy giving tap water in restaurants is illegal, you have to buy bottled water
It happened to me in Florida, Miami Beach, the waiter was trying to rush us (I was still halfway through my meal) so he took my beer bottle and peaked inside to see how much I have left... I was just speechless, I didnt even react. Then I got furious. Spoke to the manager (I never do that). They apologised and offered a free desert but I just couldnt wait to leave that place. Imagine a waiter picking through your stuff on the table to make you go faster. Insanity.
and then you have also to leave the tip
In Sweden, you definately get free water at sit down restaurants. Often both a bottle of still water and a bottle of sparkling water. You also usually get some free bread and butter. Not everywhere in Europe is the same.
The free butter thing strikes me strange, because it is an animal product. It should cost a half fortune, if you'd ask me!!! Animals (at the end) have to die for it!!! Please keep that in mind and.....GO VEGAN!!!!❤
Nobody asks me, I know.😢
Nobody asks me, I know.😢
@@Winona493 animals dont have to die to make butter
Same in France and i believe in Spain.
Every vlogger who talked about the included tax in Europe (by the way, the net price is also on the shelves), tells us as justification for the US price chaos "But every state has its own tax rates and then there are also local taxes. It won't work here!" That's rubbish! Don't tell me at Walmart they do change the price on the shelf every hour. Flour - not in sale - that costs $3 including tax at 11 today will most likely cost $3 next week. It can't be the corporations' logistics either, because it's estimated that an orange in California is cheaper than an orange in Alaska. So Walmart shows at least two prices anyway. And then there is this coupon-mania, "buy five pay four", what's with that. Apart from that, even we in Germany - still a developing country when it comes to digitalization and IT - have now digital price tags on our shelves. Even in my village supermarket. There's software who changes the prices if you like every minute. It's just a ridiculous reason. From the outside, I would rather say: the corporations are betting that many people can't do the math and jump on the supposedly low price, but don't want get shamed at the checkout.
I'm not sure about the US, but in Canada when the sales tax was introduced by the Progressive Conservative party it was extremely unpopular. The opposition party at the time, Liberals, demanded that the tax not be included in the price but added at the checkout in order to remind people that the government added this new tax. The Liberals had a massive win at the next elections by promising to repeal this sales tax, but of course they never did.
I blame the bad education in the US, they are brainwashed to think their system is the best and don't need change for the sake of the people.
Yeah, not to mention Europe is comprised of 40+ countries, all of which has completely different laws
what are you talking about....? Every country in Europe has their own taxes - just like every state in the US has their own taxes. Some don't even have sales taxes either. And yes - the same company may have different prices per state just like the same company may have different prices per country in Europe. Why is that so difficult for you to comprehend? Coupons/discounts or deals usually do save you money. If you don't want or need them just don't get them. You are flipping out over nothing.
@@Vendrix86 I don‘t think you got it. My point is, that it is nonsens to tell us in Europe, that it is soooooo difficult to add the tax at the price tag. As you say, we have in every European country different taxes, but it‘s no problem for the supermarkets. Even our global players Lidl and Aldi do it. „But there are regional taxes, too, which vary from town to town…“ can‘t be the reason. I don‘t think they change the taxes every day, so the store owner must change the tags. So what‘s the matter with adding price tags with the real price. I can't see that this means more work. And even if it is, the argument doesn't hold up as long as US stores use the sometimes complicated coupon system.
The whole “service” issue in the states is shocking. It’s totally insincere and fake, we can see through it. It makes me cringe.
not always. You can definitely tell per waiter if they're being nice genuinely or if it's a front. Many work as waiters because they naturally are that bubbly and warm so give them some credit.
@@Vendrix86 nah issue is they are being forced to be that way. Always have this creepy smile and be flattering and stuff. Yes you can tell when they are genuine that is not issue ,issue is when they are force to behave certain way and to us from EU that makes us feel uncomfortable and find it disrespectful.
@@MarkoLomovic I'm sorry you're that cynical. I've been a waiter and I've worked with waiters that are some of the nicest people I've ever met. For customer service jobs I suppose smiling is a requirement but beyond that they can't make you do more than that. One waiter's genuine smile and service is greater than another's smile and service. We're not all the same. I was a decent waiter but the ones that stood out were the ones that really went above and beyond to provide great service and they were happy to do it since they were naturally that way with customers as well as fellow staff. Again, give people some credit. The people I worked with absolutely loved their jobs and had years under their belt. You don't do that if you feel like you're "forced" to do it by management. Those people don't last long.
@@Vendrix86 I don't think he is saying that a waiter can't be genuinly friendly, he is just stating the fact that an employer is forcing the staff to be overly friendly, smiling all the time. That is CREEEEEPY AF.
@@TheSasudomi Lol. I don't understand both of you immediately jumping to the "overly friendly smiley" thing as if waiters are dolls. You're only thinking of the extremes...most places are not like that. Some may enforce the smiling thing more than others but generally you just act natural and that's enough. I've never had to put up a front as a waiter. I was just myself.
Here in Finland the price in menu of any restaurang is the amount of money you're expected to pay. You can leave tip if you consider the service way way better than expected but if you think they did okay, good or great job the price in menu is the amount you pay.
It is always difficult to compare Europe and the USA because the countries in Europe can be very different. But in this video, many points were mentioned that are very common. One was only mentioned indirectly. In Europe, people take their time when eating. If they are in a hurry, they go to an American fast food chain.
One of the bigger cultural shocks for many in the Netherlands is that free plastic bags are banned. They all cost money and so most people buy a sturdy bag for a few Euro's that they can reuse over and over.
It's like this in the UK as well. Most stores like supermarkets etc, only sell reusable bags for 10p-25p depending on the size. Or if you buy a tote bag it'll cost more. But we never get free carrier bags anymore, to reduce the use of plastic waste.
17:43 In the US you wash the natural protective layer of eggs off, and then keep them in the fridge to prevent them going off. Yes, it's crazy.
Because they usually don't vaccinate their hens against salmonella, so they wash the cuticle off to reduce the chances of there being salmonella in the eggs. The US still has a far higher rate of salmonella cases.
Comparing Europe to America is the wrong thing to do. Because things in Europe can be very different. Unlike America.
This is why they compare are you stupid or someting
yeah really wanna say all states are the same?
@@mememoments2779 yeah
@@mememoments2779 No, in Texas they are wearing funny hats and in Florida they have alligators as pets. See, I know everything about American culture.
@@Kuhmuhnistische_Partei damn, ur good xD
In Greece they always give a free glass of water if you order coffee. Not sure about other drinks but that's what I observed when I went there for vacation. In Germany where I live we always have to pay lol so it differs within Europe too.
in italy too, when you order coffee they usually give you a small glass of water
@@chiaratundo8336 I think its because there is so hot during summer. Not sure about north Italy... but south ? same with greece.:)
In Greece even bottles of water.
It's really different from one country to another - in France, for example, tap water is free in bars and restaurants (unless you want a specific brand, then you buy it). But they are obligated to provide free water.
Same in italy
@@carlatuve4670in italy you don’t get tap water served at all in most of restaurants, you usually have to buy bottle of water
In the UK tap water is also obligatory.
Same in Greece
Same in Spain
Polish here; I've been to many Europeans countries and you can get free tap water in most of them. Personally, I can't stand still water, so I'd either go for sparkling or some other drink. Oh and the toilets are 99% private, at least in ladies rooms, which is really nice. We also only give a tip if the service/food was nice, but no one's gonna give you a dirty look if you don't.
We only tip in Australia if you're a large group and had many courses, and were well taken care of. We have 'tipping jars' near the til in cafes etc, but something recently for electronic payments is being asked, "would you like to round it up for charity?" and your money goes to the charity they're sponsering that month.
Tax in EU - every country has its own taxes. Even different products have different rates of tax - food, non-food, services, alcohol, luxury items, etc. But still... It´s not a problem to include it in the final price. It´s not about each individual tax in countries, but about the final price. It really doesn't matter that each country has different rates.
Many things mentioned in the video do not apply to other European countries such as France, England, or Spain. For example, in France, you can go to a bar to ask for a glass of water and leave without having to spend a single cent.
Same in Portugal
7:30 As a French, we also have free water everywhere in restaurants (except if you want a bottle from particular water brand of course), and when I was taught that it wasn't the case in some other countries, I was shocked
It is however in the customs of some restaurants to, when you ask for water, try and trick you into bringing you "branded" water (as opposed to tap.)
Hi guys, tap water is usually provided free with meals in Australia too.
I remember in the Netherlands, my father asked for 2 steaks to share between me and my sister instead of asking for 1 to share. So he realized his mistake but the restaurant offered it on the house. Keep in mind this steak is like €60. Obviously we tipped them €100 for the hospitality and for the fact they would’ve allowed us to have a €60 steak for free.
In Greece waiters/waitresses don't expect tips but they can be very chatty and warm. In the end of the day you want recurring customers.
Hi, thanks for your vids! I enjoy everyone of them! Though I'm not from the Czech Republic but from neighboring Germany I can confirm all of that. When it comes to "ending" a meal I can say I made the same experience with the bill in a US restaurant, but only once. My dad and I were kind of astonished when the waitress came up with the bill without us calling for it. We had and have never experienced that before and after.
About tipping, France solved the problem years ago, by adding a compulsory 15% service fee on the bill. That allows the restaurant, bars, ... owners to pay their waiting staff a decent salary. A tip is an extra that consumers may leave at will, to show their particular appreciation of the service they received. But no-one will ever hold it against you if you don't leave any tip at all.
@@SimSim-zf9if You've missed the point: it's not a question of "reward" but of "decent salary"!
@@SimSim-zf9ifOK. Eat and drink at home, then!
What are your sources? I have never heard about it.
@@XOXO-eo5vu Look at the menus, bills ... underneath the total it's clearly indicated "15% Service inclus" ... since 1976.
@@micade2518 Mais ils sont quand même payé le SMIC. Quelle arnaque pour eux et pour le client.
In the UK nearly everywhere that does food and drink will give you free water as long as you're buying something and a lot of places will even if you don't
8:10 And here in Finland (Finland is also EU country), you can get free water, from some cafes, restaurants, bars, etc. but in some cafes, restaurants, bars, etc. you have to pay some small price to get water (highest price can be around 1-3 dollars), and the smallest portion you usually get of water here in Finland is a portion of 2 deciliters (and sometimes that amount is free, sometimes not). Restaurant, bar, cafe, etc. owners here in Finland, can choose themself, if they want serve free water or not. And also, here in Finland, taxes are included to prices, even Finland have provinces ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Province ), and somewhere there are differences in taxes between different provinces.
in Europe tap water is perfectly drinkable, in fact the most controlled, but when you go to buy it in a restaurant they will offer you bottled water, which is natural spring water, not treated to become drinkable, because it is naturally uncontaminated
are u from "europe"
@@GGS348 Sì
In Australia any venue licensed to sell alcohol must provide free drinking water upon request by law. Also a lot of restaurants that don't sell alcohol provide free water as a courtesy. Sure if you want the bottled Spring or bubbly stuff you pay.🍻
Exactly the same in the UK - The Licensing Act stipulates that if a customer requests 'tap' water it MUST be supplied by law. This applies to all premises that sell alcohol; restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes/eateries. Many cafes or venues will do it on request, even if they don't have an alcohol licence, just as a courtesy. But you MUST ask for 'tap water', otherwise they can bring you an expensive bottle of water and charge you for it..!
Once I had a very embarressing situation with tipping in Paris. I asked my frensh friend if it's common just to round the bill up. He answered very loudly, so that the waiter heard it: "Feel free to give him a tip", the bill was 15.80€ so I gave him 16. He was very upsetted.
I loved your commentary and stories throughout the video. Really one of the best reaction channels Ive so far seen. Keep up the good work boys.
In straya we have it on tap (specials) it usually cycles between different beers/lagers each day/night.. We have a Stubbie (bottle) or a Can, we also have a Schooner, Pint, Tulip, Weizen, Snifter, Stemmed, Beer mugs and Beer-tasting. (Glasses)
In the UK there is a law meaning you have the right to ask for free tap water and the establishment has to provide it.
Like that your friends are getting more forthcoming in the vids as their confidence grows
Where are the other guys he used to share with ??
He’d better not come to the North of England or Scotland, he’ll be called love, darlin, pet etc
If you book a table for a meal in the U.K. you will have it for the evening. And people will take two or more hours or longer over a meal. It’s a bonding social event not just being fed.
I can't say how it is in other European countries but in Croatia there is a lot of fresh water sources and we have free water everywhere. Random people (who are not eating there) can walk into a restaurant and ask for a water and they will give you glass or two, during hot months they have one tray full of glasses with water so you can just walk up and take how much you need.
From the thumbnail, I came here expecting 3 clueless jocks and i found 3 educated men willing to learn even more about the world. I guess I should ease on the stereotyping. Awesome video!
Tap water is always available on request and free of charge across the whole of the UK, in pubs, restaurants and cafes.
I’m from Iceland, I went to a restaurant in Burbank California, and the guy kept calling me “my love” and it made me want to not give him a tip tbh it was very uncomfortable 😳 coming from a place that doesn’t tip at all I gotta say this was not the way to get me to like the idea
In Germany it is very common for the Brewery not just to deliver the beers, but also the other drinks and sometimes even the water too. For example the brewery in our (small) town has their own beer, limonade, Spezi (50/50 Cola + Fanta) and cola. Tap Water is usually not served because diseases caused by the water might go back and leave the restaurant in a bad spotlight. The water is usually very clean, but it can and has happened sadly. The server at the local bakery was not the best choice. On Friday she was wiping the floor with a visible annoyance, and when she picked up the chairs and set them down it actually made a bang :/ A nice addition to a nicely stacked coaster holder is that you can try to build a card house with them. Children love that. A normal coffee mug is around 200 mls. His is indeed a Espresso cup.
With water, yes you can get water, in the Uk at least. In restaurants theyll usually ask you if you want still ( regular water ) or sparkling, if you want still, then they’ll give you an option of tap (which is free) or bottled (which costs money) and in the Uk (not sure about the rest of Europe) you get the option for ice. So you can get free tap water and it tastes just as good.
5:20 I don't think that is the reason for the price tags not including the tax, because at the register they are able to add the tax regardless of the state, I thinik it's a marketing joke, it looks cheaper, so more will buy.
Just travelled to the Canary Islands (a protectorate of Spain) through Spain and France and then home to the UK and EVERYEWHERE served tap water 😁One restaurant in St Pancras station had a tap in the restaurant so you could fill up whenever you wanted.
A protectorate? Show some respect and learn first before writing nonsense 😂😂😂😂 WTH canary islands are Spain since more than 4 centuries!!! They are an AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY like Cataluña or Andalucía or Murcia
@@rolflin - sadly it was nonsense fed to me by one of the people we were with. My apologies to the Canary Islanders and members of Autonomous Communities everywhere.
Tap water in Spain is not drinking water. They never serve tap water there.
In France you can ask for carafe d’eau and they will bring you free tap water, because in France they are legally obliged to give tap water free of charge if you ask for it. Video should have been called US vs Czech Republic as we really have differences between European countries.
Thank you for your video, it was very enjoyable to watch. I am from the Czech Republic, and it was interesting to hear about the cultural differences we have. Such videos are sometimes filled with misunderstanding and hatred. But you were very kind and open throughout. Thank you :)
In Britain you can get free tap water, or if you want can buy either bottled still or sparkling water. Even Brits would find that strange, but once you’ve been on a few holidays in Europe you get to grips with. 😂
at least in the Netherlands you can pretty much get free tap water everywhere, bonus since our tap water is one of the cleanest.
Joel react to US vs UK fast foods, Insider food has a whole series. The differences will blow your mind eg UK McDonald's fries have three ingredients (potato. salt and oil) where US fries have 15
You guys are so polite and nice. This was a really nice watch!
In the UK, we don’t tip in pubs. In bars (for large parties) or restaurants, it’s usual to have a service charge added. If you’re not happy with the service you don’t pay it. The service charge is pooled between staff or should be. A while back, there was a scandal that all the service charges either went straight into the owner or company’s pocket or were used to top up pay to minimum wage. In restaurants, when it came to check (bill) time, I would ask the waiting staff who gets the tip & if they didn’t personally receive it, I would pay the tip directly to the waiting staff in cash. Nowadays this situation is very rare.
Here in the U.K. it is the law that All licensed premises in England and Wales are required by law to provide “free potable water” to their customers upon request
Thats something i liked in scotland that water was always free when requested. Here in Prague you ask for a tap water and they will say we dont do that and potable bottled spring/still water is always offered instead, obviously not free. It would be more cost effective if they say yes no problem it is a dollar but saying no is beyond my understanding. Yes i live in prague and tap water is potable everywhere.
All establishments in the UK have to provide free tap water on request.
Tap water thing is unusual - in most of Europe a restaurant or bar will give you as much free tap water as you like. The quality of the tap water varies but is mostly better than in the US too (less chemicals).
In the netherlands we have no tipping at all. They never ask, sometimes you do it if you really liked the place.
I don't understand why the different taxes would make it any harder to add it to the price. If your cash register can be modified to add different taxes in the end price why that could not be done with the item's price tag?? I think that is just lazy excuse. Especially on today's world. I'm pretty sure that the technique is already there and has been for few years.
Absolutely 100% correct... Visiting America and shopping infuriates me!
If a place in the UK sells alcohol, they have to offer free water
I live in the Netherlands. When I go out to eat with a friend, I usually spend three or four hours for a dinner. We take all the time to eat and talk, and drink wine or coffee. Usually tapwater is free in restaurants. About tipping: when the food is really good and the service as well, we give a tip, 15 to 20 % of the bill. It is not mandatory, if the food is mediocre and the service is bad, I do not give a tip. And sometimes I leave a bad review when I am very dissatisfied.
So, the thing with the water is this: If you are in a good cafe, you oftentimes get a free glass of water besides your coffee. But, when you are in a bar, a restaurant , a pub , a beer garden or anything like that, your are there to consume drinks, getting hydrated by that alone. And you are paying low prices for each of them. You can choose beer, wine, any kind of sodas or juices --or instead of that--- water. It needs the same efforts for the restaurant, to buy it, keep it on stock, serve it and clean the glass, and keep those on stock -- all the same as with any other drinks. So if you buy a water instead of beer or soda or juice, this is FINE and as normal as any other drink to be payed for. What we find strange is, to order some beers , or any other hydrating fluids ( drinks) and then order a water on top. Otherwise , if you are out for dining with a bunch of friends or family, you normally order beer or wine, , and the it it is normal to order a big 1,5 liter bottle for all persons tho share, keeping the Alcohol consumption low, for later on bar visits or driving. It costs just a tine bit on the whole bill at the end , and we find that pretty normal and just right. Ordering a water on top of just a couple of hydrating drinks on a drinking event--It just doesn't fit. It is like in a restaurant ordering a meal of just potatoes with noodles or rice. But what you don't know , at least in Germany there is a law , that any customer who wants just sheer water, you HAVE TO serve it. Because if someone is in desperate need, you have to give it for free on demand, as it is essential to life, and you don't know if the person is in a desperate situation. But- we feel it is a bit of a shame to insist of getting a free water for that reason or background. It either shows, you are in a desperate need, or a just a person who demands something for free, which costs the restaurant money and personal, and equipment and seating time, blocking other consumers. What is the big thing here for you Americans, you get well priced drinks here, and water is just one of them, and it comes with service, a well cleaned glass, the seating, the chilling time and the atmosphere , your socializing opportunity there and if needed, the use of toilet .Thats, why it costs the small amount of money on the bill you pay in the end-- compare the whole bill with yours at home, why complain??? P:S I don't know, why som parts are suddenly with that stripe, sorry
About the water: In my youth, 30 years ago we served also free tip water. The "problem" was, that many people drunk one coffe, or coke or glas wine and than they only ordered water, sitting there for a long time. The waitress is normal paid, she has to serve the free water (its less time for other guests, more work (stress) for her), the glasses must be washed, polished..... its a lot of work for earning NOTHING!!!
Like in the Netherlands. Only free water for the dog(s).
The service thing really annoys me in the US,because it’s just so fake.And I also feel bad for the waiter that has to not only walk around the place the whole day,they also have to smile and be extra friendly to all the people,no matter how exhausted they are.
I have a cultural shock to see you so calm ! French youtube video makers are so excited when they film together. 😂
many pups in germany only have one kind of beer because of the brewery contract. the brewery gives you money/credit and discount for there products, but you are mostly forbidden from using products from competitors. (even non-alcoholic products when the brewery makes softdrinks too) atleast in germany
The Czech Republic is not "Europe"! In France, tap water is readily served (whether you ask for it or not) and is FREE, and such is fresh, crusty, delicious bread. Bottled water, when ordered, is, of course, at a charge but it appears on the menu.
2:33 Haha the expression 😂 P.S. All of you will be lit in Europe 🔥
In the UK a Brewery will own a lot of pubs in that area and just employ landlords(managers) to run the pub and normally living above the pub too. As the Brewery own the pub, they will supply their products to the premises. There are also pubs called free houses, these are owned and operated by an individual rather than a brewery. A free house is free (hence the name) to stock whatever beers they wish.
The free water thing varies a lot throughout Europe. In Norway (and I think most of the other nordic coutries too) we usually get free water, bread and butter while we wait for our order.
If not butter so spreadable cheese.
In the UK we ask for tap water and we get it.
A great reaction there Joel, the tax one on purchases seems to be the one that stirs a fair bit of controversy, the price you see is the price you pay does make life a lot easier. You'll have to introduce Stephan and Artuo to the magic of the Tesco Meal Deal at some point, the traveller's lifeline.
and Sainsbury's with a hot option, and Morrisons and ASDA meal deals
@@alanmon2690 good suggestion Alan 👍👍
This is a good video. They do the same thing in Ireland....when you go into an Irish pub, the bring you a beer of the night..THEN, AFTER the first beer, you order what you want. SO if you want a Guiness, you have to wait till after they bring you the first beer.
In Austria, you always get free tap water (best water directly from the mountains) if you ask for it specifically. You also always get a glass of water with your coffee. People normally don't buy water at restaurants, except for sparkling water.
I want to thank Joel for introducing me to The Honest Guide. Janek is awesome!
Joel, stop saying "in Europe" when you've only spent a few days in the UK and in Germany! To visit "Europe" would have taken your entire lifetime! Europe consists of 50 countries and territories, each with their specificities, the UK's being (alas!) closer to the USA's than Spain, France, Italy, Greece or Russia! Take a look at (a minute part) of what you've missed when "in Europe" re: food & drink, for ex.: "European Travel Skills: Eating and Drinking" and "European Cheap Eats" - Rick Steves Travel Guide - Rick Steves' Europe (on YT) Next time for you, maybe?
Free water in restaurants depends highly on the restaurant and the place. Here in Baden-Württemberg (in south-west of Germany, the other southern state next to Bavaria and home to the enchanting Black Forrest) i get my free tab water everywhere. I DO have to clearly say TAB water. I have to say though, that here in the area the groundwater reservoires is HUGE, it's coming out of the ground everywhere and is safe to drink directly. So, our tab water comes for the most part from ground water. In other places though, it's coming from lakes, rivers, etc. And it tastes strange, especially in Berlin. In many of those places, while our tab water is absolutely safe to drink, it is not served in restaurants due to the taste, be it to the hardness level of the water or because the pipes in those areas suck.
Gentlemen, I applaud you for learning the different cultures. There has been major changes in some countries, but over all people fall in love with Cultures, cities, costumes, but mostly food. Everything is made fresh, meat is fresh, no additives and preservatives. My grandson, who stayed in Poland and Germany, always talked about how fresh food was. Still talks about the food.
In sweden we get tap water at resturants, it's always on the table..and it's free and if you ask for water anywhere it's free delicious tap water. So that's a difference. Service is great, even if we don't tip usually, i mean we maybee round up the number if we are very pleased but that's it. you can usually customize alot, but it's consider slightly rude or more difficult to change a bunch of items on a meny. tax is included here, our beer is a bit more expensive than in checzh republic though. people never try to make you leave the resturant, we sit at the table for hours if we fine dine.
Watching this video, I realise that the UK really is a half-way point between the rest of Europe and the US. We have some stuff similar to Czechia and other stuff similar to the US. - we have the multiple taps like the US - we get free water in restaurants but it's sometimes bottled then opened in front of us or tap water - taxes are included in our prices, but the actual cost of items can vary greatly between different stores of the same brand depending on the area - we don't tip but our wait staff are usually friendly because some restaurants let us rate our server, and that gets them a bonus at the end of the month - we have to ask for the receipt / bill, and some places are so trusting that it's possible to just walk out without paying because the layout has the till at the back of the restaurant - we use coasters and extra plates for bowls to sit on, and if you ask for sauces they'll put it in a tiny little sauce bowl which is kinda adorable - some pubs and restaurants don't have a toilet, it's been a while since I've been in one with a toilet cause the newer ones are in communal areas where there is a shared bathroom between stores elsewhere
For me as an european, the tip concept was always this: anything above neutral service is rewarded by me leaving you a tip (not in all situations like a robot, but general principle), it's like a beyond words compliment. Good food? Nice! I liked that! Have a tip and a compliment to the chef! I loved the hole thing? Big tip and a plethora of compliments for the service and chefs! And I'll surely come back! The more you know... It's always interesting to learn things that leave you with a "woha" feeling. PS: So true about the bathroom "privacy" you said with the big metal no separations stalls hahah (albeit it's fairly circumstantial, yet a true one)
You'll always get free water as soon as you sit down in Australia too.
Please understand that not all European countries have the no tipping culture. In Austria, Switzerland and some other countries we still tip in Restaurants, coffee shops and bars. The card reader will even ask you if you want to leave a tip and sometimes if you pay with card you can tell them to add a few euros
also wanted to make clear that in Austria you get a glass of free water with your coffee or pie. A lots of the time you don't get free water because in most cities in Europe you have water fountains with tap water for free
From Portugal here, usually if you ask for a cup of water most places will get you one, provided you consume the minimum, even if it is a cup of coffee. In fact, a law just came out this year that states any restaurant, café, bakery, etc needs to make water available and free of charge for anyone that asks for it(not including bottled water).
French here! - We have different taxes in our overseas territories ( I happen to live in one of them), and taxe is included in the price still. - We get free water at restaurants and pubs, in fact an establishment CANNOT refuse you free water as it's considered a human right to have access to clean water at all times now if you want sparkly water or a specific brand you're going to pay for it. - We don't tip, everyone in the country has salary grid and get paid hourly no matter where you live. Waiters and waitresses don't flirt and don't try to be best friends. If you go to restaurants, real ones not fast foods, they hire people who studied the art of hotellerie, it's years of studies. So they do get paid well.
about the water thing, most countries in europe have free water, usually theres a water jar and cups so you can serve yourself...its in the law
I liked that your friends commenting/joining you.
Hi Joel , when I go to a restaurant I'm sitting there 2 hours. They bring the bill when I ask for it. In Belgium you have to pay for water. (pierre)
In Romania, most of the pubs/restaurants will give one or more free glasses of tap water. Ofc if you buy a bottle of water you will have to pay for it, but tap water is not on a menu so it makes sense
In Czech aprox drinking night is like 8-20 of those 😂 love "Budík" (budweiserCZ) i would recommend also Bernard, Krušovice and also Radegast! Have fun ❤
The no free water isn’t the case in France. By law, all restaurants and bars have to be able to provide tap water for free
I live in Portugal, but have also lived in the UK, Angola, and have travelled to different countries in Europe. I did not find any tip culture in them where not tipping is frown upon
In Sweden (I think all of the nordics/scandinavia) they would never charge you for water. It's not allowed. It's always free. That's more an eastern/southern EU thing I guess.
it’s also so crazy to me about the plastic usage in the us, like here plastic straws are literally illegal 😭, i’ve worked in mcdonald’s and we couldn’t have plastic anything we had to change our drinks lids to a biodegradable same w mcflurry spoons and i now work at a coffee chain called costa, and we can’t have plastic anything, and the few bits of plastic we do have to be biodegradable, so it’s crazy to see how much plastic they use in the us