Moving to Europe as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is both exciting and challenging. As a Filipina nurse living in Germany, I’ve experienced many surprising moments that made me say, “Wow, ibang-iba talaga dito!” From everyday habits to cultural traditions, here are the 5 biggest culture shocks Filipinas often face in Europe – and some tips on how to adapt.

1. Naked in the Sauna 🧖‍♀️

When I was still in the Philippines, I used to imagine Europe as a place of cold winters, foggy mornings, and the comforting smell of cinnamon drifting through cafés and Christmas markets, especially in Western and Northern countries. Experiencing the sauna here adds to that sensory memory: the heat, the scent of wood, and the quiet steam contrast with the icy weather outside.

The funny part? Inside the sauna it’s perfectly normal to sit naked and have casual conversations with strangers as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. But the moment you step outside, it suddenly becomes a taboo, you’re expected to wrap yourself in a towel immediately before walking to the showers. There are also many wellness spas and nude zones (FKK areas in Germany) where no clothes are allowed at all. And YES! It’s perfectly normal and widely accepted.

Tip: If you’re shy, start with women-only sauna times or small local wellness centers.

Curious how it feels to actually try it? We shared our own sauna experience in the French Alps on our vlog. You can watch it here:

2. Grocery Stores Closed on Sundays 🛒

In the Philippines, supermarkets are open every single day, even on holidays. The same in Romania, where Sunday is often a family day, people go to church in the morning and then stop by the grocery store or market to pick up something fresh for lunch or dinner.

That’s why it was a real culture shock for me to discover that in many countries of Europe, grocery stores are closed on Sundays. At first, it felt so strange not being able to do quick shopping whenever I wanted.

Sunday mornings are so quiet that you can literally hear the wind whispering through the streets. Shops are shut, fewer cars are on the road, and life slows down. For Filipinos used to busy weekends, this silence feels unusual, but it’s deeply connected to Europe’s Feiertage (holidays) and the tradition of Sonntag Ruhetag.

3. Holidays and Quiet Hours 🕊️

As I mentioned, another big adjustment for Filipinas in Europe is how seriously people value their Feiertage (holidays) and Ruhezeit(quiet hours).

In the Philippines or even Romania, holidays are often busy with family gatherings, shopping, or last-minute errands. But in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, when it’s a public holiday, almost everything is closed – shops, offices, even many restaurants. It’s nearly impossible to book an appointment or get paperwork done, because the whole country slows down.

And then there’s the concept of Ruhezeit: the quiet times when you’re expected to keep noise to a minimum. Sundays are sacred “rest days,” and even on Saturday evenings you’ll notice how calm the neighborhoods become. No loud music, no drilling, no vacuuming. Otherwise, you can receive a visit from the local police because your neighbour already informed them

Tip: Always check the holiday calendar (Feiertagskalender) in your region and stock up beforehand. And remember, if you want to sing karaoke, save it for Friday or Saturday night! 🎤😉 UNTIL 22:00!!

4. Less Small Talk at Work 💼

In the Philippines, it’s normal to greet coworkers with “Kumusta ka na?” and share stories over coffee breaks. In Europe, people are friendly but usually skip the small talk and go straight to work. At first, it can feel a bit cold, but it’s simply their way of being professional.

They also tend to be very direct in communication. What sounds blunt to us is just honesty for them.

Tip: Don’t take it personally — friendships build slowly here, but once they do, they’re genuine. Join after-work coffee or team dinners if you want to connect more.

5. Public Displays of Affection 💏

Here in Europe, it’s normal to see couples kissing or hugging everywhere – at the bus stop, in the park, even inside the supermarket aisle. For us Filipinas, it can feel a little shocking at first. Back home, if two people hold hands too long, someone might already say “Kadiri, PDA na naman oh!” 🤭

But here, nobody bats an eye. It’s just part of their culture, and people see it as something natural, not scandalous.

Tip: Just laugh it off and get used to it — no one is judging you if you don’t do it yourself.

Final Thoughts

Living in Europe as a Filipina is full of surprises, all of them teach us how to adapt and grow. Culture shocks may feel overwhelming at first, but they also make our journey richer and more memorable. Every awkward sauna visit, every quiet Sunday, every direct comment at work becomes part of the adventure of being an OFW in Europe.

Below, is another episode of our vlog in Europe, when we visited the Land of Dracula!