The changing reality of moving to Europe.

Hey friends! In this article, I’m sharing the shocking reality of moving to Europe, from lights going off in public bathrooms to other shocking surprises. The European lifestyle can lead to a slower, more fulfilling life. If you’re thinking of moving to Europe or just curious about it, this article is about the joys and the shocking surprises of living here.

Welcome to my life in Europe, where even the simplest daily tasks come with unique quirks. For instance, the lights may go out while you’re in the bathroom due to motion sensors that conserve electricity, which is considered a luxury here. You could find yourself unexpectedly in the dark in underground parking lots, stairwells, or public bathrooms. I’m still adjusting to these little surprises. Another thing to note is the long lunch breaks. At 12:00 p.m., everything stops. Shops close, and even your hairdresser might be late because they were enjoying a leisurely meal, perhaps with a glass of wine, on a regular workday. Life here is all about enjoying the moment and embracing a slower pace, unlike the fast-paced work culture in other places.

In Europe, people prioritize time with family and socializing over accumulating material things. The pressure to be rich is less intense because of affordable healthcare and convenient public transport systems that reduce the need for a car. You can easily travel within and between countries by train, and the public transport network connects cities and towns seamlessly. The respect for tradition here is also strong. Many cities and towns maintain their historical charm with buildings that are hundreds of years old. If you’re thinking of buying and renovating a home in Europe, expect strict regulations to preserve this historical architecture. It can be a bit of a process, but the outcome is worth it.

European cities are walkable, and many historical city centers don’t even allow cars, which fosters a more active lifestyle. Shopping at local markets for fresh produce instead of supermarkets makes you more connected to the community. However, these charming old cities and homes often come with lots of stairs, and elevators are rare. Air conditioning is another luxury you won’t find in these old homes. In southern Europe, where the weather is warm most of the year, houses are designed for ventilation, not insulation, so winter can be surprisingly cold indoors, and electricity bills can soar. bureaucracy here can also test your patience. Setting up utilities or dealing with government offices can involve long waits, and efficiency isn’t a priority.

Food and dining are integral to life here. Meals are about more than just eating—they’re a social event. In the summer, dining outdoors is a common delight, and dinner doesn’t start until 8 or 9 p.m. Wine is a staple at the table, but it’s enjoyed in moderation. Tipping, unlike in other countries, isn’t a big deal. A small tip is appreciated, but it’s more about spare change than a percentage of the bill. One of the joys of living in Europe is the incredible seafood. The fish is fresh, often caught the same day, and the markets offer seasonal, local foods that you won’t find in big supermarkets. I’m hooked on the quality of food here, and the lifestyle is simply refreshing.

Overall, I love living in Europe. My only regret is not making the move sooner. If I’ve missed any cultural differences, feel free to share them in the comments. Sending you a big hug from Portugal!

Life in Europe has taught me to embrace a slower pace, appreciate the little things, and adapt to new cultural norms. One of the biggest adjustments was learning to navigate the day-to-day tasks that run at a completely different rhythm. For example, August is essentially a month of vacation. Trying to get anything official done during this time is almost impossible because everyone is on holiday. I once needed a social security code for online payments, and my accountant requested it in July. Here we are in October, and we’re still waiting. Bureaucracy is notoriously slow, and you have to accept that things simply take more time here. Even in places like post offices and restaurants, service moves at a relaxed pace, so you’ll need to adjust your expectations if you’re used to fast, efficient systems.

Despite these minor inconveniences, there are charming aspects of European life that make it worthwhile. One of the best parts of living in Europe, especially in Portugal, is the trust system at gas stations. You fill up your tank without needing to prepay or use a credit card. After filling up, you simply go inside to pay. It’s a wonderfully refreshing system of trust, but it can sometimes cause delays when people leave their cars parked at the pump while they pay. These little quirks are part of the European experience, and you learn to appreciate the slower, more deliberate way of life.

Dining culture is another joy. Mealtimes aren’t just about eating; they’re about connecting with people. Conversations flow freely, meals are leisurely, and there’s no rush to get through dinner. I love that meals often happen outdoors during the summer months, which makes everything feel even more relaxed and communal. Even though dinner starts later, usually around 8 or 9 p.m., the atmosphere is never hurried, and wine is often part of the experience. However, people here have a healthy relationship with alcohol—it’s enjoyed in moderation and rarely overindulged.

The food itself is another highlight. I’ve fallen in love with the freshness of local markets, where vendors know you by name and understand your preferences. The seafood, especially, has been a revelation. Fresh, flavorful, and unprocessed, it has completely changed how I think about fish. You really start to appreciate the local, seasonal foods that are available in every town, and the sense of community that comes from frequenting the same market stalls week after week is something truly special.

In the end, living in Europe is all about finding joy in the present and savoring the quality of life over the quantity of possessions or achievements. It’s about embracing tradition, slowing down, and prioritizing what truly matters: family, friends, and the experiences that make life richer. If you’re ever thinking of making a similar move, just remember, it might take some time to adjust, but once you do, it’s a rewarding experience you’ll never regret.

Of course, moving to Europe has also brought its fair share of challenges, but even those have contributed to my growth and deepened my appreciation for the lifestyle here. One of the biggest adjustments has been dealing with housing quirks. For example, in many places, especially in southern Europe, insulation in homes is almost nonexistent. Houses are built for warm weather, so when winter arrives, it can feel colder inside than outside. The heating struggles to keep up because the heat escapes so easily. And the irony is that this can happen even in newly constructed homes. I’ve heard stories of people who bought brand-new houses, only to discover that the floor tiles were practically glued to the concrete without any insulation in between. This kind of thing would be shocking elsewhere, but here, it’s just part of the experience.

Another aspect that can take some getting used to is the sheer amount of stairs. Many old European homes and buildings were constructed long before elevators were common, so stairs are a regular part of life. While this contributes to a more active lifestyle, it can also be quite the workout, especially if you live in a multi-story building. And if you’re expecting modern amenities like air conditioning, think again. Even in the heat of summer, these historical homes are often without AC, which adds to their rustic charm but can also lead to some sweaty days and nights.

On the flip side, I’ve also grown to love the walkability of European cities. The layout of towns and cities encourages walking rather than driving. In many historic city centers, cars are even banned, which makes for a more peaceful and connected community atmosphere. You aren’t isolated by your car or racing from one place to another—you’re walking through your neighborhood, greeting familiar faces, and taking in the beautiful, centuries-old architecture around you. It fosters a sense of belonging and makes daily life feel more human and grounded.

Another interesting cultural difference is how much time people spend socializing. Whether it’s over a cup of coffee at a café or a long dinner with friends and family, Europeans are dedicated to their social lives. This focus on social connections is refreshing, especially when compared to more work-centric cultures where people often don’t make enough time for relationships. Here, it’s the norm to pause, enjoy a conversation, and truly be present with others.

The same goes for holidays. Europeans cherish their vacations, and it’s common for people to take several weeks off at a time. August, in particular, is a month when many businesses close as people take their long, well-deserved breaks. While this can be frustrating if you’re trying to get things done, it’s a reminder of how highly people value their personal time here. This balance between work and life is something I’ve come to admire deeply.

Finally, what has stood out to me the most is the deep respect for tradition and history. Unlike in many places where the old is quickly replaced with the new, Europe preserves its history with care. Walking through these old cities often feels like stepping back in time. Every building, every street corner has a story, and that history is respected and protected. It’s inspiring to see how this respect for the past is woven into everyday life.

In the end, I’ve learned that living in Europe is not just about adopting a different lifestyle—it’s about shifting your mindset. It’s about learning to slow down, savoring the little moments, and appreciating the richness of history, culture, and human connection that surrounds you. If you’re ever considering making the leap to live in Europe, know that it comes with its share of surprises, but the rewards of a simpler, more meaningful life are immense. It’s a journey I’m grateful to be on, and one I would recommend to anyone seeking a more balanced and fulfilling way of life.