Tourists should be informed about common European supermarket etiquette, as per advice from Rick Steves.
Shopping in European supermarkets can present a unique set of experiences for tourists and travellers accustomed to supermarkets in other regions. Here are some standard practices and additional tips to help you make the most of your grocery shopping experience in Europe.
## Standard Practices in European Supermarkets
### Bringing Shopping Bags
It is common practice to bring your own reusable shopping bags, such as cloth totes, to pack your groceries. This is encouraged due to environmental concerns and the cost of purchasing plastic bags at checkout. If you forget to bring one, you may need to purchase a bag or buy a reusable tote as a souvenir.
### Milk Locations
Milk is often placed in a non-chilled, non-refrigerated area, which can be different from the typical refrigerated section found in many other regions. This is due to the use of ultra-pasteurized milk that has a longer shelf life.
### Bagging Groceries
At checkout, it is customary for customers to bag their own groceries. This practice is widespread across Europe and is part of the checkout process.
### Store Hours
Many supermarkets in Europe offer flexible hours, making shopping convenient for consumers. They are often located in easily accessible areas and provide extended operating hours to accommodate a wide range of schedules.
## Additional Practices
### Cart Deposit
To use a shopping cart, you may need to insert a coin, which is returned when you return the cart to the appropriate area.
### Environmental Awareness
There is a growing emphasis on eco-friendly products and sustainable practices, which includes reducing the use of single-use plastic bags across Europe, as seen in countries like Switzerland and England. In certain U.K. supermarkets, plastic produce bags aren't provided, so bringing your own bags is necessary. Using a reusable tote bag at the checkout in Europe helps fit in with local customs.
Rick Steves, a well-known travel guide author, recommends bringing your own shopping bag or using an empty daybag in Europe. He also advises starting to bag groceries immediately to avoid holding up other shoppers. In addition, he suggests that it's important to check the opening hours before heading to the supermarket, as shopping hours can vary significantly between European and U.S. supermarkets, especially in Central Europe, where larger grocery stores are often closed on Sundays.
In countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Poland, larger grocery stores are typically closed on Sundays. However, even in places where European stores are open on Sundays, like the U.K., trading hours may be shorter. Forgetting a shopping bag at home in Europe can result in the need to buy a tote bag as a souvenir.
In the bakery aisle of European supermarkets, an unspoken rule is to wear gloves when selecting bread. The cost of a plastic bag in European supermarkets ranges from $0.12 to $0.60, while the cost of a cloth bag can be up to $2.40.
By understanding these standard practices and adapting to them, you can enjoy a more efficient and enjoyable shopping experience in European supermarkets.
Familiarize yourself with Europe's home-and-garden lifestyle by bringing reusable shopping bags when grocery shopping, as it is the common practice to minimize plastic waste. To immerse yourself further, explore the shoppingscene in European supermarkets by checking out their eco-friendly home-and-garden products, reflecting the growing awareness of sustainable practices.
