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39 Bizarre Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World
Cultural differences are what makes us all unique and what greatly contributes to the excitement of travelling when you get to discover some particularities of a destination that aren't too or at all common in your home country. Eating rotten fish might sound slightly (and literally) off to you, but it’s totally normal in Sweden. Having two passports from the same country is common in Russia, but might not exist where you live. And the practice of eating fried Mars bars might not be the most popular one in North America, but it’s common in Scotland, or seeing police driving Lamborghini as their work car in Italy might not be seen anywhere else.
Check out the list of some strange things from that are only common in certain countries, vote for the weirdest ones, and let us know if you've experienced them in the comments.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Luxembourg's Public Transportation Is Free
In 2020, the public transport was made free for all locals and visitors alike.
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#2
Nepal's Flag Is Non-Rectangular
The only modern country in the world with a non-quadrilateral flag is Nepal and it is said to derive from Hinduism.
#3
There’s A Lamborghini In The Italian Police Fleet
A few years ago, a Lamborghini was added to the police vehicle fleet in Italy, and it’s probably quite fast and, well, impressive to look at.
#4
In Scandinavian Countries, Parents Leave Their Kids To Nap Outside In Cold Temperatures
Most Scandinavian parents think that it's healthier to expose their children to as much fresh air as possible. Therefore, they leave them outside to take their naps.
#5
In Japan, Traffic Lights Seem To Be Blue
As the word for green originally didn't exist till later and 'blue' was used to refer to both green and blue, Japan uses the most blue shade of green that is legally possible.
#6
Bathtubs Made Of Wood Are Used In Japan
The ofuro baths are for sitting and soaking in hot water and are not frequently found around the world.
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago
Very tiny bath tub. Don't think my fat a**e would even fit in lol.
#7
Colombians Drink Hot Chocolate Cheese
The sweet cocoa drink is consumed with savory cheese slices. And if you've tried it, you know that it's quite delicious, but surely not common elsewhere.
#8
In France, Milk Is Not Refrigerated
Most of the milk sold in France is pasteurised at UHT (ultra high temperature) and therefore doesn't have to be stored in cold.
#9
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu
This place in New Zealand is said to have the longest name and it's 85 characters. Have you tried to pronounce it?
#10
People In The UK Have A Competition To Roll After A Giant Cheese Wheel
The annually held Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling is a competition where people race down the 200-yard hill chasing a giant wheel of cheese.
Jayne Kyra 3 years ago
And in 2020 they rolled a Babybel cheese down the hill since the event had to be cancelled.
#11
Some East Asian Countries Wore Face Masks Pre-Pandemic
In countries like South Korea, for the safety of others, people would wear face masks even when having a common cold prior to the pandemic.
#12
In The Netherlands, Stairs Are Usually Very Steep And Narrow
To some foreigners, staircases in the Netherlands might look more like a health risk than anything. Historically, the buildings were built up rather than out, saving all the centimeters possible.
#13
In Ecuador, The Trash Trucks' Tune Is Similar To What Ice Cream Trucks Play In The USA
If you are visiting Ecuador, you might mistake the garbage truck tune with an ice cream tune and get highly disappointed.
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago
Thank f**k our trucks don't have a tune, especially when they can come at 6am.
#14
You Can Walk From The North To The South Of Monaco In About An Hour
Due to the size of this country, you can easily walk the length of the whole country. How convenient!
Hecking Heavy 3 years ago
Vatican City is also another country you can walk across in less than 60 minutes!
#15
There Are 'Bra Studies' In Hong Kong
At Hong Kong polytechnic, you can major in Bra Studies, where Top Form manufacturer has its lab and factory.
#16
In Italy, Restaurants Include Service Charge
You are not expected to tip in Italy as it is quite normal for the service charge to be added to the bill.
#17
In Italy Cappuccino Is More Of A Breakfast Drink
Italians associate milk with mornings; cappuccinos are traditionally drank as a morning beverage.
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago
I always thought espressos were a morning drink to get you going.
#18
Fried Mars Bars Are A Thing In Scotland
This food item of questionable health value originated in Scotland in a fish and chips shop. It's battered and deep-fried. Would you like to try?
Iván Galarraga 3 years ago (edited)
it's actually quite delicious, but wait till cool down unleast you want to burn your tongue with hot chocolate
Anna Phalactic 3 years ago
The battered and deep fried ice cream in Scotland doesn't have that problem..
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Fluffy Griffin 3 years ago
I think she is assuming they use the same oil to fry the fish and fry the chocolate. I hope not, that would be really gross.
Up All Night 3 years ago
I believe these are good, but still... amateurs! Americans can batter and deep fry a whole hamburger or basically anything that's food.
JennyLaRue 3 years ago
It's something that sounds gross before you try it, then you take a bite and go 'oh, that's alright', then after a second bite you've had enough. Some chippers do other chocolate bars or Creme Eggs at Easter too.
Bow, I’m a Slytherin 3 years ago
What?! Creme eggs are so popular here! They’re little chocolate eggs with a creamy filling inside, but they taste horrible.
Shelley DuVal 3 years ago
Creme Eggs are a small chocolate egg shape with creamy sweet soft filling, usually yellowish, and horribly sweet.
Cain Hargreaves 3 years ago
Fried candy bars, fried Twinkies, fried Oreos, fried Kool-Aid, fried Coca-Cola... You name, we'll fry it!
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Martha Hubbs 3 years ago
Fried Oreos are AMAZING!! Never ever going to try the fried butter...yuck! And, how the f**k do you fry Kool-Aid?!
Daniel Marsh 3 years ago
Twinkies: sponge-cake, formerly filled with a buttercreme-like frosting, but unfortunately now filled with goo. They're shaped like long, thin Minions. Kool-Aid: powdered punch drink.
Marcellus the Third 3 years ago
Butter on a stick! Well, (anything roughly edible) +"on a stick".
Mary Rose Kent 3 years ago
I’m an American and I’ve never been to a state fair—not even my own. That said, I loved going to county fairs when I was young...now I’m too worried about falling from being jostled.
I want cake 3 years ago
I've seen pictures of American signs advertising deep fried butter and I still can't decide if it's real or a joke.
Donkey boi 3 years ago
Fried [insert any food item] are a thing in Glasgow. I'll be honest enough to admit I don't know if you can do it at any/all/some Fish & Chip shops, or if it's just to one near my friends house, but when I stayed with him I found out it was quite common for people to take stuff to the chippy and have them batter & fry it!
Bow, I’m a Slytherin 3 years ago
Yep, I live in Glasgow. If you look long enough, you can find basically anything deep fried.
Load More Replies... Marcellus the Third 3 years ago
Magic Pizza! (I.e., deep fried frozen pizza). But the "mars bar" originally was more of a made up story though.
Luna Lovegood 3 years ago
I mean in America fried oreos are a thing so... Not too surprising. If it's a food, somebody's probably fried it.
Aisling Allan 3 years ago
More of a thing for tourists, it was a fad, now not as many places do them.
Suzanne Haigh 3 years ago
I lived in Scotland for years and the only single instance I have heard of this was Yorkshire
El Dee 3 years ago
No, they aren't. That's not to say it's impossible to find one but in reality you won't find one unless it's being done especially for tourists. Nobody eats anything like that in Scotland..
Bow, I’m a Slytherin 3 years ago
Most chip shops I’ve been to serve them!
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Martin Forbes 3 years ago
This is something that tourists to Scotland eat thinking that we eat this in Scotland - we mostly don't. After a night out this is what some people eat but the rest of us just leave it for the tourists.
Samantha PandaNotBored 3 years ago
Of all the historical things BP could have wrote about Scotland , they use this ... That isn’t actually a thing anymore . 🙄
Verena Abt 3 years ago
My boyfriend once battered kinder chocolate and deep fried this. Delicious!!!
Lynne Harbison 3 years ago
Lovely aftertaste of fish, because fried in the same fat. It was disgusting.
Rob Williams 3 years ago
They are surprisingly nice! As are battered and deep fried jam sandwiches...
Richard MacDonald 3 years ago
Don't they do this with Snickers in the US? Maybe I watch too much Fargo...
J Charbonneau 3 years ago
We have them in Canada too. A chip truck in my area sells them but they're too sweet for me
Bow, I’m a Slytherin 3 years ago
I live in Scotland. THEY ARE THE BEST THING EVER! Anyone who doesn’t live in Scotland is missing out tremendously.
Jessica Cifelli 3 years ago (edited)
Its a deep fried chocolate bar. Of course it has questionable health value
Mewton’s Third Paw 3 years ago
That doesn’t seem good. Not a fan of melted chocolate like that. Chocolate is great cold, and fried foods are amazing but this is a no for me.
Carrie Henderson 3 years ago
I am Scottish and I promise THESE ARE NOT A THING! Just look at it, for god's sake.
Not Proud British 3 years ago
They also deep fry pizza slices. Don't knock it until you've tried it. The pizza is not so good but the mars bar is surprisingly tasty.
Virgil Sanders 3 years ago
part of me wants to try and the other part of me is afraid to try lol
Bow, I’m a Slytherin 3 years ago
Try, just wait for it to cool... or else your tongue will never forgive you.
InfectedVoice 3 years ago (edited)
We had them in England in the early 90's, chip chops started doing them, they didn't take off and I haven't seen one for years, I thought they were nasty but then I don't like mars bars anyway.
Lauren Caswell 3 years ago
They sell deep fried Moro bars (like a denser mars bar), and deep fried ice cream in New Zealand....mmmm health Lol!
Lauren Caswell 3 years ago
They deep freeze pre rolled balls of ice cream, on a stick or waffle cone I think, then whip it out of the freezer, into batter then straight in to flash fry for a few seconds. I had it once: it was hot, but the middle was frozen, it was not graceful to eat lol a big mess, even on a paper plate! I think I enjoyed it but also felt a tad sick after from the sheer overload of that sugar oil ball 😅
James the boba boi 3 years ago
me at all time when I hear about something cool: I’m GoINg To SCoTLaNd
Andrew Gibb 3 years ago
there aren't many chippers in Scotland that do this. They need to have separate fryers, so it is too much hassle. I've seen battered pizza though..bleugh!
JennyLaRue 3 years ago
They deep fry pizza and have the "pizza crunch" option where it's battered. The menu has so many other battered options that I'd never heard of when I lived down south - King rib, mock chop, chip steak etc
N G 3 years ago
There was a phase when they deep-fried everything. Curly Wurlys looked like an eldritch abomination.
Lauren Caswell 3 years ago
Lol hi again (oh dear I know too much about junk food!), it's a chocolate bar from Cadbury, like a lattice/net of chewy caramel covered in chocolate, in an oblong shape
Iggy 3 years ago
Nope. Not a thing. Born, raised and still living here. One or two places might have done it for a gimmick but it is not a thing here.
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#19
In Thailand, There Is A Nationwide Water Fight In April
If you are into water fights as much as Thai people, you should participate in Songkran, the Thai New Year's national holiday (13th of April). The water fight is a part of ritual cleansing during the celebration period.
#20
Bamboo Poles Are Used As Drying Rails In Singapore
Don't be surprised seeing clothing drying on bamboo poles in this country—the bamboo material is widely available, making it quite a popular tool to dry things.
#21
In Thailand, People Remove Their Shoes Before Entering A Building
One of the things related to feet etiquette in Thailand is taking one's shoes off before entering a building—that's to keep dirt from the outside outdoors.
#22
There Are No Street Names In Costa Rica
Although some streets might have names, they might not necessarily have signs, so the addresses in Costa Rica are still described by local landmarks.
M O'Connell 3 years ago
It appears that mailing addresses are on a grid, regardless of the street pattern. I have relatives who live in a US municipality that does this too.
#23
In Some Parts Of Highways In Germany, Speed Limit Is Only A Recommendation
On the federal highway system AKA autobahn in Germany, the speed limit in certain places is only a recommendation and drivers can choose to drive as fast as they want.
#24
In Slovakia, A Live Carp Is Kept In A Bathtub Before Preparing It For Christmas Dinner
A Christmas tradition in Slovakia is letting the carp that is meant for dinner swim in the bathtub for a few days to clean its tract, since it's a bottom feeder. And, well, people don't take baths unless they want to share the tub with a fish.
Jayne Kyra 3 years ago
It is also killed in the tub and people keep a scale from the carp in their wallet to attract money. Thankfully, we have never done it, but it is still a thing.
#25
Sitting In A Sauna In Finland Can Be A Competition
World sauna endurance championships were so famed that people from different countries would compete in this extreme activity in the homeland of saunas—Finland.
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago
If I remember rightly a guy died a year or two ago whilst doing one of these competitions. I can barely last 5 mins in a sauna.
#26
People In The Netherlands Don't Use Curtains
It seems that the Dutch don't mind people looking into their homes. This might be coming from Protestant religious traditions and the notion of 'I have nothing to hide.'
#27
Russians Have 2 Passports
Citizens of Russia have two passports: one national passport that serves more like an ID and a passport for travelling abroad.
Samantha PandaNotBored 3 years ago
The Russian train stations are something else . Each one different, each one beautiful. You can travel from Moscow to St Petersburg economy for around £4 Stay in a YMCA instead of a small room , they are much cleaner and very cheap . The Russians have a wonderful dessert , it’s like a doughnut, but much much more yummy . Cheap too !
#28
South Koreans Think That Writing In Red Ink Is A Bad Omen
In the past, writing someone's name in red in the book registry meant that the person is deceased.
#29
In Brazil, Hair Lightening Is Just As Popular As Hair Removal
Some women in Brazil like to bleach their body hair rather than remove it completely in order to keep the light fuzz.
#30
Unmarried 25-Year-Olds In Denmark Get Covered In Cinnamon
This messy tradition derives from spice sellers in 16th-century Denmark who were famed to be single and were called 'pepper men' and this makes a perfect extra excuse to party more. So why not?
#31
Some Streets In Japan Don’t Have Names
Due to the different addressing system in Japan, the blocks have names instead of the spaces between them (streets).
#32
People In Singapore Reserve Seats In Public Eateries
As you need to order food from the counter and risk not being able to find a seat, Singaporeans leave anything from umbrellas to packs of tissues to maintain seats reserved for when they return with their purchased meal.
Dark_flame 3 years ago
Not limited to Singapore, I'd say... I'm from Northern Europe and it isn't an uncommon custom here
#33
There's A Dessert In Turkey That Contains Chicken Breast
Shredded chicken breast in a milk dessert, anyone? Tavuk göğsü is a sweet served in Turkey that might be not to everyone's taste.
#34
While Taking Photos, Dutch Say “Smile At The Little Bird”
Surprisingly, instead of saying "cheese" (after all, a lot of cheese is made in the Netherlands), the Dutch say "Lach eens naar het vogeltje" ("Smile at the little bird").
Russell Ellwardt 3 years ago
Because, in the 19th century when photos were taken in studios with long exposures, photographers had a little bird figure indeed to focus people's attention and thus their view. This is not a Dutch thing. Just like most entries in this thread, this one is crap.
#35
In Sweden, Rotten Fish Is A Food Item
Lightly salted and fermented Baltic sea herring has been in Swedish cuisine since the 16th century and it's famed for its extremely particular taste.
Dark_flame 3 years ago
I don't know anyone who's tasted it tho, born and raised in the capital of Sweden
#36
Swedes Cool Their Drinks Outside
A perk of having cold winters in Sweden is that you can cool your drinks outside in the snow. Perhaps a few countries take advantage of infinite alcohol cooling opportunities outdoors.
#37
In The Netherlands, It's Common To Answer The Phone With 'Hoi'
No matter how bizarre it sounds, it's normal for the Dutch to answer the phone with the very old-school 'hoi,' that even gave the roots for the nautical term 'ahoy.'
#38
The UK And Some Other Countries Still Drive On The Left Side
Driving on the left side of the road is a feudal heirtage of the days when it was more convenient to hold and use swords in the right hand and have any opposing traffic on the same side in order to fight them.
#39
The Swedish Use A Special Cheese Slicer Instead Of A Knife
The Swedish are so serious about cheese that they use a cheese slicer (which is said to have been invented by Norwegians) instead of a regular knife.
Dark_flame 3 years ago
Didn't know this was uncommon in other countries, they seem to be available in other European countries as well?
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What do you think ?
Nevits Yibble 3 years ago
Bit of an underwhelming list - many aren't even unique to the country being referenced. There are so many extraordinary and fascinating things throughout the world that could've been included here
Conrad Strucker 3 years ago
Finally, one that isn't "Breaking News! Americans don't have healthcare!" We know we don't have healthcare. We're very sad about it. You can stop reminding us.
Jørgen Belsaas 3 years ago
Not unique, and not bizarre. Getting tired of the clickbate from bored panda....
Suzanne Haigh 3 years ago
Why are people always on about the fact British drive on the left, Americans are non metric, have they nothing better to complain about?
Tom 3 years ago
This is not country but Australian city-centric. Not sure if this is found in any other city but Melbourne, Australia is known for hook turns at traffic lights which, when combined with a city of trams (that have the power of a charging rhino so the public safety campaign tells us), cyclists and pedestrians, can scare the bejesus out of out-of-towners. Basically, in order to turn right at a traffic stop (remember we’re a country driving left lane), you pull into the left lane and wait until there is no traffic either way (technically you’re meant to wait until the lights turn amber) and then turn right.
Logic and Reason 3 years ago
I loved this list, there was nothing derogatory about any country and there was plenty of variety.
Ozacoter 3 years ago
Weird since most posters seem to be from the USA. You never complain when they talk about American candy, stores or celebrities that nobody else know.
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Daniel (ShadowDrakken) 3 years ago
odd comment, considering the USA is one of the most xenophobic countries in the world right now
ivan bolitekurac 3 years ago
So why does bp needs to be xenophobic too?Isn't bp the site that promotes equal rights,diversity and an open mind?
• Lemønchu • 3 years ago
You talk about stereotypes, yet you just stereotyped Americans
Load More Replies... Violet Smith 3 years ago
I'm Canadian. Just because a post is in English, doesn't mean it's by an American. People speak English routinely in lots of places in the world. Canada, Britain, Ireland, parts of the Caribbean, India, etc etc etc. Just sayin.'
Evil Little Thing 3 years ago
You know the answer to your question is directly above this comment section. Zero Americans.
Nevits Yibble 3 years ago
Bit of an underwhelming list - many aren't even unique to the country being referenced. There are so many extraordinary and fascinating things throughout the world that could've been included here
Conrad Strucker 3 years ago
Finally, one that isn't "Breaking News! Americans don't have healthcare!" We know we don't have healthcare. We're very sad about it. You can stop reminding us.
Jørgen Belsaas 3 years ago
Not unique, and not bizarre. Getting tired of the clickbate from bored panda....
Suzanne Haigh 3 years ago
Why are people always on about the fact British drive on the left, Americans are non metric, have they nothing better to complain about?
Tom 3 years ago
This is not country but Australian city-centric. Not sure if this is found in any other city but Melbourne, Australia is known for hook turns at traffic lights which, when combined with a city of trams (that have the power of a charging rhino so the public safety campaign tells us), cyclists and pedestrians, can scare the bejesus out of out-of-towners. Basically, in order to turn right at a traffic stop (remember we’re a country driving left lane), you pull into the left lane and wait until there is no traffic either way (technically you’re meant to wait until the lights turn amber) and then turn right.
Logic and Reason 3 years ago
I loved this list, there was nothing derogatory about any country and there was plenty of variety.
Ozacoter 3 years ago
Weird since most posters seem to be from the USA. You never complain when they talk about American candy, stores or celebrities that nobody else know.
Load More Replies... Daniel (ShadowDrakken) 3 years ago
odd comment, considering the USA is one of the most xenophobic countries in the world right now
ivan bolitekurac 3 years ago
So why does bp needs to be xenophobic too?Isn't bp the site that promotes equal rights,diversity and an open mind?
• Lemønchu • 3 years ago
You talk about stereotypes, yet you just stereotyped Americans
Load More Replies... Violet Smith 3 years ago
I'm Canadian. Just because a post is in English, doesn't mean it's by an American. People speak English routinely in lots of places in the world. Canada, Britain, Ireland, parts of the Caribbean, India, etc etc etc. Just sayin.'
Evil Little Thing 3 years ago
You know the answer to your question is directly above this comment section. Zero Americans.
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