Phylicia StitzelWhoa there, globe-trotters! 👋 Ready to swap out your Big Macs for some Croissants? 🥐 Well, buckle up friends, we’re about to dive right into the compelling (and a bit dizzying 😜) world of living as an American ex-pat to living in Europe! Yea, we’re talking about trading Route 66 🛣️ for ancient Roman roads! 🏛️
After living in Spain for four years, I saw and heard a lot of conversations between other Americans who didn’t adapt to living in a foreign country. There are a lot of things that you don’t tend to think about until you are fully living in the country and not just passing through. Now, I personally, had an amazing time when we lived in Spain. Yes, my husband’s job took us to Europe, but my daughter and I made the most of every cultural and traveling adventure opportunity!
Gear up as we take an exciting journey through European culture shock, changes in your daily lifestyle, and jargon-filled (but oh-so-important! 😅) legal trips and traps!
Table of Contents
I. Cultural Differences 🌐
Crossing the Atlantic isn’t just about time zone differences, you’re stepping into centuries of unique history, languages, and customs! Europe is a mixtape of rich traditions, flamboyant festivals, languages that sound like music, and some social norms that may leave you scratching your head. 🤔 💃🥳🎊
Like be prepared for things to be closed on Sundays, especially during the winter months when tourism is lower and many of the countries in Europe are still steeped Catholic tradition. Stores (including grocery stores) will be closed but many restaurants will be open because they encourage “gathering” of family and friends together when everything else is closed and people want to go out for dinner or after Mass drinks.
Embrace the unknown, amigos! Learn the local language even if it means starting with how to order a pint of local brew 🍺, maintain that infectious American spirit, and before you know it, you’ll be dancing at the local fiesta like a pro! 💃🎉
II. Lifestyle Changes 🔄
Swap those sky-high skyscrapers for quaint cobblestone streets and say ‘hello’ to a slower pace of life! ☕️🌳 Struggling to find the nearest Walmart? Fear not, weekly local farmers markets await you!
When you live in Europe there are few stores that offer “one-stop-shop”
Work-life balance is more ‘chillax’ in Europe and don’t forget the magic phrase—public healthcare! 💆♀️ But remember, you might have to bid adieu to your beloved monster truck as cute little bicycles and efficient public transport take center stage. Just think of all the new adventures and sights you’ll soak in!
III. Legal and Administrative Matters 📜
Before you set sail, brush up on the scoop about visas, taxes, and banking. Numbers suddenly become your best buddies as you navigate through taxes!
From finding a bank that loves you back (hola at those low fees! 💸) to making peace with a stack of paperwork (Nobody said adulting was fun, but we sure can make it a tad easier! 😉), our friendly tip? Get a local to help you out! Getting a local bank is going to be imperative for you to get a house or apartment. We learned the hard way about the struggles of not having a local bank when we moved to Spain. Another amazing tool I used for banking was Wise. This was how I transferred rent to my landlord, and it made life so much easier!
IV. Conclusion 🎇
Our journey through the ex-pat life in Europe has been a rollercoaster of fun, adventure, and a tiny bit of oh-no-what-do-I-do moments! 😅 But hey, aren’t those what make the best stories?
Remember, it’s all about swapping fries 🍟 for frites 🍟, being open to new experiences, and never losing that explorer spirit in you! 🧭 And, who knows? You might end up explaining American football to your new pals in a quaint pub in Ireland or Scotland!
Happy globetrotting, amazing people! Remember, stay wild and free, but also, stay informed. 😎
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