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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.
Shelp 3 years ago
Same in most of Europe as far I know. I don't even understand how people in the US can expect the waiters to rely uniquely on tips in order to survive, and how some people still want to do that job.
Lorelai Dewrell 3 years ago
my mother is a waitress an they charge 8;50 an hour and if she does not make an average of 12:50 an hour with tips the boss is responsible to pay the rest.
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Dave P 3 years ago
because on average waitstaff earn 16.50 an hour under this system, and in places like NYC about 20 an hour. Restaurants that pay full salary and no tips have harder times staffing. When when big chain of sit down places did that, within 3 months over 90% of the waitstaff went on strike demanding the old system back. It is also why we have more sit down restaurants per capita than anywhere else. It keeps restaurant costs down (where profit on average is between 3-6 cents of every dollar spent, that low), and allows for more jobs in the market due to the more restaurants which is not just waitstaff but the entire support economy for the industry. It is also why our food industry has a lower fail rate than Europe as well. On the front end it doesnt sound good, but overall it actually works better and most waitstaff prefer this system. Not all do, but the vast majority.
Sue Prewitt 3 years ago
That is really no different than a tip, except in the US, we decide the amount
brukernavn340 3 years ago
Not in Norway. But there's usually a higher VAT for eating in than take away. And tipping is optional, but it's normal to leave a little bit just to be polite/show appreciation.
Nevits Yibble 3 years ago
Hey I have an idea! Let's start a separate thread about how stupid tipping is in the US. And while we're at it, we could add 100 other things about what a sh*thole country it is. Think of all the giant paragraph comments we'd get! Who's with me???
Myrtle Yoma 3 years ago
Who pissed on your freedom fries? I’m jk, I agree that the anti American sentiment here is quite popular, especially from Americans.
Brent Hollett 3 years ago
I mean we *can*, and there *is* more than 100 things. I don't feel like that's what you want though...
Marilyn Ransberry 3 years ago
After restaurants were closed due to the pandemic people found other work and now restaurants can’t find enough staff. And that is Canada where there is a basic wage and not on the US where some place pay 2$ per hour plus tips!
Danny Ruiz 3 years ago
It really depends on what restaurant you work at. If it's upscale, you can make a lot of money with tips. I worked in Vegas in the 60's, and I made more from my tips than I did on my paycheck.
Mewton’s Third Paw 3 years ago
They make more money on the tipped wage. If they were to make a normal low skill salary they’d get like $15-20 an hour which is chump change compared to what a server can make.
Demetri Bryant 3 years ago
You all will need to pardon us in the US...the citizens are in the midst of a (too-long) period of demoralized insanity.
Ryan Deschanel 3 years ago
Wait, what? They just pay the waiters properly? What kind of weird country is that? /s Actually, it is the opposite, American situation which is unusual.
Nicole Weymann 3 years ago
In most European countries you're not expected to tip. Sure, the waiters don't mind you doing it, but the staff is paid by their bosses, not the customer, and the money is reasonable, not a pittance.
The Frenchiest Fry 3 years ago
This isn't just Italy, literally everywhere but the us does this
Eduardo Perez 3 years ago
Same in New Zealand. Also they add taxes to the bill so you don't have to add it yourself.
Nikki Owens 3 years ago
Isn't this basically the norm everywhere outside the US? No one tips in New Zealand, either.
Lynne Harbison 3 years ago
In New Zealand...no service charge, no tipping. I HATED tipping when travelling...so demeaning. Employers should pay a decent living wage.
Giulio Di Anastasio 3 years ago
In Italy there is not (yet) Service Charge. What you see on the bill in the picture is IVA (Imposta sul Valore Aggiunto), which is equivalent to what in other Countries is called VAT - Value Added Tax. Tipping is not mandatory, you usually tip a waiter when you received an excellent service
Giulio Di Anastasio 3 years ago
Just to clarify: in Italy there is not Service Charge (yet!). What you see in the bill is IVA (which stands for Added Value Tax). And tipping is only if you had an excellent service!
Suzanne Haigh 3 years ago
We also tip in Britain. I have never felt comfortable with tips being included in the price, depends on the honesty of who is in charge of the money
Georgina Lenna 3 years ago
same in Greece, we just round the bill . Also, same for taxis ( notice to US tourists : do not spoil our taxu drivers) . On the other hand, especially in our sad lockdown era, a good tip is due to delivery persons
The lion tamer 3 years ago
In Greece tipping is voluntary, but one must be totally dissatisfied with the provided service not to tip.
Bianca Du Toit 3 years ago
That pizza looks amazing... I don't mind if the tip for it is included!
Barbara Vandewalle 3 years ago
Knowing how some customers 'forget' to tip, this should be done in the US.
Michael Gaskell 3 years ago
UK it's only with tables greater than 8 (normally) otherwise no service charge and tips aren't the norm.
Lynne Harbison 3 years ago
Come to new Zealand. Fabulous fresh food. Free water with your meal. Free toilets. Free beaches...dont have to pay for a deck chair! Wont get ripped off with 3 different coffee prices at cafes depending where you sit. AND NO TIPPING!t
Emanuele Alberti 3 years ago
For "Coperto" is intended the mantenience cost of the tablecloth, the cutlery, the napkin, the glasses and the plates. The waiters/waitresses are not payed so much as you think (from 6 to 12 Euros/hour, it depends by the status of the restaurant, in fact in the US you can make much more money only with tips! In my opinion for a good waiter, that knows how to work properly, US is a better economic choice!
SheraBunny 3 years ago
In New Zealand we don't need to add service charge or rely on tips, our minimum wage is $20 p/hr. Given in some of the more expensive cities it may not be enough, it is considered a 'living wage'. We have govt subsidies for people that fall below the line as extra further assistance
Marilyn Ransberry 3 years ago
I wish this was true everywhere. Service people getting a fair consistent wage .
WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
In European countries there's no "service charge" at all. Servers get paid a decent wage like every other worker.
Jenifer Riggs 3 years ago
WE NEED THIS IN USA some people can be so ungrateful to hospitality/ service workers even if the worker went above and beyond for the person. Also, most service workers live off of their tips in USA, to have that guaranteed boost would be great for them.
Sandra McMaster 3 years ago
Because in Europe people get paid by their employer, not the general public. Tips are given for good service, but if the customer feels mean, the waiter won't starve that week.
Exquisite Spam 3 years ago
This is just the US being weird. Anywhere civilised will pay enough to live off; everything on top is a bonus.
Monica Klint 3 years ago
Same in Denmark. Its part of the prices... so the waiters get their pay nomatter how many customers they serve....
Beto River 3 years ago
Important to know that the Service Charge is not the tip. In Europe it is not customary to leave a tip like in the USA. Usually you just leave the change in coins. The Coperto / Cubierto usually goes to paying for the things they put on the table before you order. Bread/crackers, utensils, napkins, glasses, etc. The IVA is the tax.
Meghna Mohan 3 years ago
I have lost track of all the tips and taxes we are paying in India right now, everytime we step out.
Jeannette Treusch 3 years ago
Like nearly EVERYWHERE in Europe and many other countries! Only the US seems to be so outdated and anti-social.
Ego_TheMusic 3 years ago
I think this is true for most of the world outside the states, no one else seems to tip as a requirement.
Elim Garak 3 years ago
That's not true. Even though service is in the bill, you are still supposed to leave a tip. Service is just a fraudolent addition (as it is "coperto", which basically means "the cloth on the table").
Not Proud British 3 years ago
In the UK you probably won't get a service charge but all waiting staff are paid a minimum wage. Any tips they get therefore, is a bonus.
Shelley DuVal 3 years ago
Same in Australia and New Zealand, although it is considered respectful in Australia to tip the barman/barwoman, also taxi drivers.
Danny Mertens 3 years ago
Indeed, most countries in (western) Europe have VAT and Service included in their prices. Tips are not expected
Enrico Scofone 3 years ago
actually, service charge is included but it is more or less 1,50 to 3 euros per person. a tip is always appreciated and advisable (obviously not 15% of the bill....)
Blakkur Sverrir 3 years ago
In most parts of the world an employer has to pay his employees. The US, as with most things, are special
Jaekry 3 years ago
Ehm, not quite. 1) Coperto = plate/seating. Some places have it, some don't. Check the bottom of the menu. 2) It's not a European thing either. (Other countries have tax included in the price. And/or service is a 5/10% of total amount (with a minimal or maximum amount)... If it's good, more to 10%, if its been lousy, sorry... 0%. It's really considered a small token of appreciation, not compensation for the lousy wage they get from their employer.
Oerff On Tour 3 years ago
The few restaurants that still use it, can easily be identified (as by law they must post the menu at the entrance)by the weird prices. Like a pasta for €7.68. It has to do with taxes. The service charge is tax exempt, as it isn't considered income for the restaurant.
Frank Baker 3 years ago (edited)
There is no service charge on this bill! Look closely. There is IVA 10%. A government consumption or value added tax. But no service charge!!! Tipping separately to the bill in Italy is optional
Lili Octopus 3 years ago
There is. It’s labelled ‘coperta’ which means cover. Actually not all places do this in italy. You might notice it mentioned on the menu or it might be a surprise when you come to pay. I usually found it quite cheap, often less than I’d pay in an unsolicited tip so just paid it and didn’t leave anything else.
Load More Replies... Frank Baker 3 years ago
If you look at the bill closely. There is no service charge. But there is 10% IVA. A value added tax that goes to the government. Which is in some percentage in many countries. No service charge on this bill!
Crouching hippo hidden panda 3 years ago
This isn’t true. There’s a cover charge, for water, paper place mat, costs of cleaning up after you. You are still expected to tip your waiter: the restaurant owner certainly will not share the service charge with them
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago
I only know of one restaurant that charges a $1pp service charge. I'm sure there is more but they aren't common where I live.
#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
#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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