Normally people are friendly and if they know English they are very helpful in getting to where you have to go.
WEATHER–Countries like Finland and Denmark and parts of Sweden can be very dark in the winter months. On average the temperatures are not as cold as Western Canada or the Midwest USA.
Condiments and ice…. oddly enough for some reason getting ice in your drink is a big deal or you really have to ask for it. Finding typical North American brand sauces and condiments are very rare with the exception of ketchup.
TIPPING–not expected in most countries and you won’t even see an option to give a tip when using your credit card
Normally people are friendly and if they know English they are very helpful in getting to where you have to go.
WEATHER–Countries like Finland and Denmark and parts of Sweden can be very dark in the winter months. On average the temperatures are not as cold as Western Canada or the Midwest USA.
Make sure you have the google translate app on your phone so you can tell what is in the product you are buying
You will need to shop three or more times a week because the fridges overall are small and you don’t have much room. Quality of fruits and veggies overall are as good as North America or according to some players even better organic quality In Germany, they have a cap for what they can sell fruits and vegetables in the stores for, so it keeps the healthy food cheap and affordable for the lower classes of people. The government subsidizes the farmers so they can do this. The other reason that you have to shop every couple of days is that things just don’t last very long because they are not laced with preservatives or refined sugars to keep them shelf worthy for that long, at least not to the same degree.So don’t be surprised if you were to buy a loaf of bread and have it go moldy in less than a week, or fruit to go bad after a few days on the counter.
This is always an interesting topic and from my travels, I will try to give you an idea. Normally I like to use Beer – Taxi’s – Coke and McDonalds as a measuring stick for general costs.
Norway – Sweden – Finland and Denmark you will find English is overall pretty easy to communicate with Germany is at times difficult. Most Germans have the ability to speak at least some English but do not have the desire to be as helpful. In Germany phrases like “konnen sie helpfen mich?” -can you help me- “enchuldagung (sp) sprechen sie English?” -excuse me, do you speak English? … go a long way in getting some of the older generations or proud germans to lend a hand in communicating. Switzerland has French – German – Italian spoken in different areas of the country and overall English is only spoken in Zurich and larger cities
TV– For sure you will want Netflix, Prime, and Apple TV as you will only find 2 or 3 English channels such as CNN and BBC
Politics-You will find most Euro’s are pretty liberal and social on topics such as soft drugs, escorts, drinking, and abortion.
Misc-Euro’s will feel driving 200 km’s is a long drive but most North American’s feel a 2 hour drive is no big deal
Washing machines normally only have cold water option
Clothes dryers are not normally in all apartments and condos
Things like baby showers and bachelor parties are really North American same with Halloween and Thanksgiving
Fashion / Clothing – Very important and people even at hockey games are well dressed. Lots of focus on clothes and appearance.
Garbage – You see very little of it on the streets etc. People will go out of their way to make sure they have cleaned up after themselves. One thing I have noticed is you will find it hard to find places to leave garbage so you just carry it with you until you get home or perhaps find recycling.
Fashion / Clothing – Very important and people even at hockey games are well dressed. Lots of focus on clothes and appearance.
Quiet – When riding trains or buses you will see nobody talks on their cell you will see signs to not talk or make calls. It is very very quiet on most public transportation.
Respect – In Korea and Japan you will notice people are very respectful and thinking of other people at all times. After a few days, you will notice how small things will “rub off” on you.
Tips – You do not leave them or look to find a place on the credit card purchase to make them it is just not part of the culture.
Precision / Precise – Overall I find the Japanese and Koreans very precise and operate very honestly and respectfully plus everything works like clockwork. People outside a hotel will be scrubbing the ground after a bus leaves. That is one small example. Trains and buses all work on precise timing. If the train leaves at 7:14 am then it does. Never do you see anything run slow or behind time.
Animation – In Japan, they love having dogs – cats – penguins etc on a business logo – or on a truck – or in basic marketing. Never really found out why they have this deep love of animals in their marketing.
Overall – Japan, Korea, and China are very different cultures that are unique with customs and food etc, however, they have all grabbed on to some of North American culture with food, music, and fashion.
This is a hard question to answer as some countries have very good apartments (however smaller than North American standards). Please speak to your agent if you feel where you are living is not up to standards.
Normally most teams pay every 30 days. At times payment can be delayed so be prepared to have some additional space on your credit card. Overall in Europe and parts of Russia players are generally paid on time.
Most of Western Europe you will find people can either speak English or have a very good understanding. Eastern Europe and Russia you will find English is not overall spoken therefore you should have language translation apps on your phone to assist you in restaurants and travel.
Most of Europe is overall warmer than say Winnipeg or Edmonton or Minneapolis. Some parts of Russia are as cold as parts of Canada and the USA. Therefore come prepared with winter clothing.
Most train systems are vastly superior to North America (Amtrak). Also most ride sharing services are available in most Euro cities.
In Russia if you refuse food or drink you will offend people very quickly. Politics is not a normal form of conversation as we see it in North America.
You will have to Google this for the city you could be playing in. Major cities in Europe do have International schools.
Rubles are the only form of currency accepted in Russia. To exchange EURO – CDN – USD you can do so at most major airports.
You should always carry your original passport with you in the case of a random stop and check.
Personally I have been to most hockey countries in Europe – Asia and Russia and have had zero issues. But do basics and leave important documents and money etc. in a safe in your hotel or apartment. Theft can occur in the metro or in big crowds. Once again use some common sense when you are travelling abroad.
