European Etiquette Rules: What Travellers Should Know Before a Trip

A new survey across 27 European countries shows how locals greet strangers, host guests and judge punctuality. Learn more about cheek kisses, shoes at the door, gifts for hosts, clean plates and arriving on time in Europe

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Small gestures can mean very different things across Europe. A new survey, reported by Euronews, looked at etiquette in 27 European countries and found that leaving food on a plate, a kiss on the cheek or arriving early for a meeting can be read in unexpected ways depending on where a traveller is.

The study covers everyday situations, from greeting strangers to behaviour at the dinner table. Etiquette may seem a minor matter, but on a trip it helps show politeness, respect and understanding towards local people.

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Is a kiss on the cheek a normal greeting in Europe?

Many people believe that greeting with a kiss on the cheek is standard across Europe, but the survey suggests otherwise. In 23 of the 27 countries, respondents said they would wait for the other person to take the initiative.

In Denmark, Estonia, Sweden and Slovenia, most people said they would rather avoid such a greeting altogether.

Should you take your shoes off when visiting someone's home?

Taking shoes off at the door is a widespread custom across the continent. In 24 of the 27 countries, most respondents said they remove their shoes when visiting someone.

• Sweden is the strictest: 100% of participants said the practice is compulsory.
• Northern European countries in general follow the rule particularly closely.
• In Italy, Spain and Portugal, the opposite view prevails, and people often keep their outdoor shoes on even at home.

Do you need to bring a gift when visiting a European home?

Most hosts are pleased when a guest does not arrive empty-handed, but attitudes to the gesture vary. According to the survey:

• more than half of participants consider bringing a gift a normal practice;
• about a third said they bring something only on special occasions;
• only in Finland did respondents say they never bring gifts when visiting.

In 17 of the 27 countries, the most common gifts are a bouquet of flowers or a bottle of wine. In many places, however, such a present is seen as appropriate only for a special occasion.

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Is it polite to finish everything on your plate?

On this point, all 27 countries agree. Finishing the food served on the plate is considered a sign of respect for the hosts and a recognition of the effort of the person who cooked the meal.

Should you arrive early, on time or late?

The survey gives no single answer, but there is a clear trend. In 23 of the 27 countries, participants preferred arriving exactly at the agreed time. Punctuality is valued especially highly in Greece.

There is also a difference between men and women. 35% of men said they prefer to arrive early, while women most often said that guests should turn up at the agreed time.

What this means for travellers

Before a trip, it helps to check a few local habits in the country of destination:

• let the local person decide whether to greet with a kiss on the cheek;
• be ready to take off your shoes at the door, especially in Northern Europe;
• bring flowers or wine when invited, but remember that in some countries gifts are kept for special occasions;
• finish the food on your plate;
• arrive at the agreed time rather than early or late.

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