Navigating European Etiquette: Greetings, Shoe Etiquette, and Timeliness for Travelers

Key European Etiquette Tips Every Traveler Should Know

According to УНІАН — Туризм: A survey conducted by Preply involving 1,600 participants from 27 European nations reveals essential etiquette practices for travelers, including greeting customs, when to remove shoes indoors, gift-giving traditions, finishing meals, and punctuality. The study highlights notable cultural differences between countries and age groups, reflecting a growing interest in etiquette as seen in rising social media discussions and online searches.

In 23 of the 27 countries surveyed, most people expect the other person to initiate a cheek-to-cheek double kiss as a greeting. However, this is rejected in Denmark, Estonia, Sweden, and Slovenia. Notably, all Swedish respondents agree that guests should always take off their shoes when visiting someone’s home. This practice is common in 24 countries, especially across Northern Europe, while in Southern European countries like Spain, Italy, and Portugal, keeping shoes on indoors is more customary.

Gift-Giving and Finishing Your Plate

More than half of respondents view bringing a gift when visiting someone as customary, though about one-third reserve gift-giving for special occasions. In Finland, most participants never bring gifts during visits. In 17 countries, the most popular gifts are a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers. However, in nine countries-including Austria, the UK, and Spain-such gifts are typically reserved for particular occasions.

The study also finds that finishing all the food on your plate is considered a sign of respect to the host across all 27 countries. Around 82% of men and 75% of women reported they always finish their meals. Interestingly, online searches for "is it better to arrive early, on time, or late?" have surged by 66% over the past year. In 23 countries, punctuality is preferred, with Greece placing especially high importance on arriving exactly on time. While 35% of men tend to arrive early, women more often prefer to arrive precisely at the appointed time. Countries like the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, and France show a stronger preference for early arrival.

Additional insights reveal that single individuals are twice as likely to be late, and parents find it more challenging to stick to strict schedules. Travelers are also advised to remove decorative runners from hotel beds immediately upon check-in. The study's authors emphasize, "More people are recognizing the value of proper behavior." By November 9, 2026, the TikTok hashtag #etiquette had amassed nearly 4.4 billion views, while searches for "how to practice good etiquette" have increased by 373% in the last year.

This research underlines the rising importance of etiquette in today’s interconnected world. As international travel and cross-cultural interactions become more common, understanding fundamental etiquette rules can greatly improve communication and prevent misunderstandings. The growing engagement with etiquette topics online demonstrates a societal shift toward greater cultural awareness and respect in everyday interactions.