I moved from the US to Germany 4 years ago. Here are the 7 biggest culture shocks I've experienced.

My husband and I decided to relocate to Germany, even though we had never set foot in the country before. Ashley Packard Our first encounter with the German way of life occurred during our very first visit, four years ago. The ease and convenience of the public transportation system left me astounded. What surprised me most was the fact that most stores, including grocery shops, were closed on Sundays.

In July 2022, upon tying the knot, we eschewed the conventional wedding registry and instead liquidated or donated nearly all of our possessions. Our vehicles, too, were sold just two days before our departure from the United States. With only a few suitcases and our two cats, we embarked on our journey to Germany, a nation we had never before visited, carrying just our belongings.

Almost immediately upon our arrival, we became acutely aware of the myriad cultural disparities. Here are seven experiences that took us by surprise upon our arrival in Germany. Air conditioning is scarce. Ashley Packard After an arduous seven-hour flight from Boston to Frankfurt, a three-hour drive from the airport, and an uphill climb of six flights to our dwelling, we arrived in Düsseldorf.

We soon discovered that air conditioning was not a common feature in German households. Our apartment, equipped with large tilt-and-turn windows without screens, utilized metal rolling shutters instead. This prevented us from fully opening the windows, fearing our feline companions would venture outside. To maintain a comfortable environment, we resorted to cranking the metal shutters closed in the mornings to repel heat and opening them at night to invite cool air.

We also made a point to stay well-hydrated, add ice cubes to our cats' water bowls, avoid using the oven, take cool showers, and even procured a standing fan. It was jarring to learn that only about one in eight German households possess air conditioning. Yet, we were compelled to adapt to this lifestyle. Many apartments lack fully equipped kitchens. hanohiki/Shutterstock During my apartment search, I was taken aback by the prevalence of rentals that did not come with fully equipped kitchens.

Typically, such properties featured a bare room with appliance hookups. This arrangement stemmed from the fact that tenants in Germany often took most of their kitchen appliances with them when they relocated or sold the major components to incoming occupants. This practice enabled tenants to customize their living spaces, potentially aided landlords in cutting costs, and might encourage tenants to remain in their residences for a more extended period.

Public transportation is readily available in most major cities. Ashley Packard Growing up in the Massachusetts suburbs, I was accustomed to relying on my car and occasionally utilizing the train for my commute to Boston. However, upon moving to Germany, I had not driven in the past four years. My husband and I have resided in several different cities within Germany, and fortunately, access to public transportation was consistently reliable.

Stores are closed on Sundays. Kerstin Waurick/Getty Images We touched down in Germany on a Sunday and swiftly learned that most shops, including grocery stores, observed Sunday closures, compelling us to rely on a food delivery service. This was due to Sundays being designated as rest days in Germany. Most individuals refrain from working or shopping on this day, although there are exceptions for tourist hotspots and gas stations.

Carrying cash is essential. Ashley Packard To circumvent fees and address security concerns, many restaurants, local businesses, market stalls, and cafes in Germany only accepted cash payments. While larger establishments, grocery stores, and malls typically accepted credit and debit cards and digital payment methods, it was prudent to carry cash.

Sparkling water is favored over still water. Ashley Packard In Germany, restaurants habitually serve sparkling water without ice. If a customer requests ice in their water, it typically signifies they are an American. There was no societal expectation to tip. frantic00/Shutterstock In Germany, tipping was appreciated but not obligatory.

At restaurants, it was uncommon to include a tip on the bill. Instead, individuals would leave a few euros as a token of appreciation on the table. The first time I visited a hair salon, I had anticipated providing a 20% tip. However, the stylist clarified that while she appreciated the gesture, a 5% to 10% tip was customary. She also mentioned that some salons did not process tips via card, making cash the preferred method of payment.