Different cultures have different traditions, quirks, and habits. At this point, we all know that. And yet we rarely question our own until we go somewhere else and realize that, actually, this is not something the rest of the world does. Cue the surprised Pikachu face.
One Redditor asked people to share things from their countries they thought were normal, only to find out while traveling that they were anything but. The replies were full of fascinating examples, ranging from oddly specific potato peelers to unexpected types of toilet paper. Scroll down to read them.
#21
Us Bulgarians nodding in the opposite direction for yes and no. Had a fair few confused situations and laughs the first time I went abroad.
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15points
#22
El Salvador: That toilet paper goes in the toilet, not in the bin.
14points
#23
United Kingdom: The alcohol culture. It really isn't that strange to see people in the beer garden with a pint at 10:30am on sunny days. In most other countries, a morning drinker is considered an alcoholic... but, not in England. Not when the sun is out.
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12points
#25
Sweden: Reliable plumbing with consistent temperature and pressure.
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12points
#26
Poland: 10+ different tea varieties in almost every house. My grandmother would give me cherry tea for upset stomach and I caught a stomach bug on a vacation in Montenegro. Asked my mother to buy some tea and she only found chamomile.
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12points
#27
Germany: Waiting at a red light. I thought rules are meant to be followed, imagine my surprise when I learned that this is apparently a very uniquely German thing to think.
Also, bread. The quality of bread drops significantly outside of Germany.
Also, bread. The quality of bread drops significantly outside of Germany.
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12points
#28
Republic Of China: Toilet paper inside a box (Interfold like facial tissue）…..apparently you guys only use TP rolls.
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11points
#30
United States of America: Complimenting or striking up convos with strangers while out and about. I'm not sure if it's purely a Texas, US, or just suburban vs urban thing but I know I'm used to when I'm out and about just being like "Oh I like your shirt!" "I like your makeup!" etc. as I pass by someone if I feel inclined.
When I was in Toronto visiting a friend I noticed that people generally just didn't seem to want to be bothered, even for something positive and friendly like that. Again I'm not sure if this is a country to country thing or just an urban vs suburban divide thing, but it stood out to me.
When I was in Toronto visiting a friend I noticed that people generally just didn't seem to want to be bothered, even for something positive and friendly like that. Again I'm not sure if this is a country to country thing or just an urban vs suburban divide thing, but it stood out to me.
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11points
#31
South Africa: Wearing shorts basically everywhere, even to church.
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10points
#32
India: Dry Vs Humid Heat.
Grew up thinking Indian summers were the ultimate boss level—insane temps, full humidity (at least my region).
Then I experienced dry heat in the US/Canada at much *lower* temperatures… and it somehow felt worse. Got brutal tan lines and my skin literally hurt to touch.
Completely changed my perspective, turns out “how” it’s hot matters way more than the number on the thermometer.
Grew up thinking Indian summers were the ultimate boss level—insane temps, full humidity (at least my region).
Then I experienced dry heat in the US/Canada at much *lower* temperatures… and it somehow felt worse. Got brutal tan lines and my skin literally hurt to touch.
Completely changed my perspective, turns out “how” it’s hot matters way more than the number on the thermometer.
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10points
#33
Canada: My husband is American from the south. When I visit I can't wear my shoes indoors. I'm sorry. I have a fresh pair of socks on, my feet don't smell, I just cannot physically make myself wear shoes indoors.
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10points
#35
Ghana: I thought it was normal to eat rice with stew, until I spent one week in Burkina Faso.
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9points
#37
Philippines: I thought it was normal to eat with a spoon + fork pairing.
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8points
#38
Canada: First time I went to Thailand I got mocked ruthlessly by locals for having an insane sun burn. Some people tried pointing me towards a pharmacy so I could buy some cream/sunscreen, bust most of the locals just got a good laugh out of it.
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7points
