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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
#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.'
Virgil Sanders 3 years ago
same! i enjoy my privacy, plus i think curtains can be really pretty :)
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Manon Snowdrop 3 years ago
I'm from the Netherlands and most people do have curtains. This "fact" is bs
Debbie 3 years ago
Most people have shutters, curtains, blinds... and sometimes we people close them a bit late, but I think 99% of the people DO cover the view into their house when it gets dark. (Yes, during the day they might be open, though most of the time still with blinds, shutters, lace/fly curtains (don't know the right word), privacy foil....
Kitti B. 3 years ago
Same with Norwegians. They only use curtains to block the sun out at night (yes, that's a thing :D)
HellVetios 3 years ago
In german, a term for prison is "behind swedish curtains"
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MellonCollie 3 years ago
They definitely do have curtains in the bedrooms and most people have some kind of curtains in the living room as well. But it us true that you often see a fair number of homes where the curtains are not drawn immediately or entirely when it gets dark, and you can thus peek inside when walking by.
Marika Miettinen 3 years ago
This is just wrong. I've lived in the Netherlands and the only people I knew that had no curtains at all were actually from a different country. Dutch people have curtains. Are protestant denominations popular there anyways? My first Dutch boyfriend was a satanist, second one was from a catholic family. In my home country Lutherianism is the most common religion and we use curtains too. Who the heck came up with this "fact"?
YouDid 3 years ago
Depends on where you live, in the south are more Catholic people. As you go north there is more and more protestants
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beautiful plumage 3 years ago
....but the home shown in the image has curtains for their windows. why choose this shot?
What's In Your Head? 3 years ago
Haha, I never close my curtains indeed. XD But then again, a lot of people do, I see plenty of homes where you can't see inside.
Dark Pigeon 3 years ago
we do close them.... dear lord, who wrote this! Just not at daytime as we want to see everything that is going on! I personaly love them closed..
Thunder 3 years ago (edited)
Wait do people close curtains at day?! I don’t like people watching through my windows but I don’t wanna live in darkness either. At night I close it ofc
Anne 3 years ago
My front windows are always closed - I live on the ground floor, I don't need no body peeping in.. (and see what there is to steal.. which is nothing.. but still)
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I want cake 3 years ago
During the day a lot of people (myself included) have the curtains open, but when it gets dark we do close the curtains or blinds. A lot of people have blinds that let in light but block the view or opaque stickering on the windows. This is a very outdated 'fact'.
Linda Cowley 3 years ago
I remember being told that when we had a holiday in Amsterdam in 1965, but because they were showing how clean and tidy they were. Sounded weird but I was more intent on getting my mother to buy me an ice cream, so couldn't be bothered looking at windows
Brett Layton 3 years ago
yet theres clearly curtains in the reference photo....maybe the Dutch just like to lie ?
Sweetie Dahling 3 years ago
I've read this 'fact' before and I have no idea what it's based on. First the weird staircase fact and now this? :(
Verena Abt 3 years ago
I remember our neighbours with the shutters closed all the time. I found it dodgy! Were their children playing in the dark?
Susan Widomski 3 years ago
Scary movies make me wonder why the houses never have drapes. Who would do that?
Marilyn Ransberry 3 years ago
At least in cities their bedrooms are high above the street as homes are very tall and narrow.
Lady Lava 3 years ago (edited)
This might depend on the region where you're from. I grew up in the north of the Netherlands, that's historically Protestant. We never used the living room curtains, and this was very common. I remember we even have had fake curtains in the living room, that couldn't even close and were for decoration only. In the bedrooms we did use curtains, by the way. My spouse is from the Catholic south, and they always closed the curtains when it got dark, and many other households did too. We now live in the middle of the country and we like the coziness of closed curtains after dark. And it keeps the warmth inside.
Nika Strokappe 3 years ago
You realize that this picture had curtains? And yes we (the Dutch) do use them. People may have them open during the day but most people have something to prevent people from looking inside...
Henriette De Graaf 3 years ago
Almost everyone has curtains, shutters, blinds or whatever... Fact is, quite some people don't close them at night! When my Canadian friend stayed with me she closed them, I was very surprised ;-)
Marie Chamuleau 3 years ago
I live in the Netherlands and this is not true. Not for us at least. We close the curtained
Bei Stenhaug 3 years ago
In Scandinavia we have curtains purely as decorations. Blinds are used to keep the daylight out, but not usually for privacy.
M Kate McCulloch 3 years ago
It might also be that they show some decorum when passing other houses and do not peek inside.
Sharon Vaughn 3 years ago
Curtains and drapes are major dust collectors. Blinds are easier to wipe down and better for those with allergies.
Frank Heidsick 3 years ago
In fact, they used to have taxes on curtains. And just got used to it.
Calvin Wit 3 years ago
What are you talking about? 😅 Dutchy here and I don’t know where this us coming from. Everyone I know has curtains. It does not seem like curtains are more or less common here than anywhere else 🤔
Calvin Wit 3 years ago
What are you talking about...? 😂 I’m a dutchy and doesn’t seem like curtains are less common here than anywhere else in the world... lol
markdorlas.ml@gmail.com 3 years ago
Certainly not true for everyone. I would even say the majority do have curtains.
Karin Kramer-ten Velde 3 years ago
Its not true. However: we do tend to close the curtains later than in other counteren (only when it gets dark) which is where the rumor comes from.
Tijn Buschman 3 years ago
We do have curtains that we close in case the sunlight hinders us while watching TV or when we try to sleep. Most people close curtains when having sex or come out of the shower.
I_put_the_ace_in_disgrace 3 years ago
This isn't true. Many people have both thin, sort of transparent curtains and normal, thick curtains. I have no idea where this theory comes from
Linda van der Pal 3 years ago
There might be some people like that, but our house definitely has curtains!
Hutt'nKloas 3 years ago
Again BS. Some dont, most use some glazing or blinds. But almost everyone has curtains for evening and nights. It ensures privacy as does help keeping the cold out. The so called "doorkijkwoning" has huge windows so you can see from the outside through the whole house/apartment. This indeed might have to do with the Protestant religious traditions & the notion of 'I have nothing to hide, but mostly as it ensures enough light through the whole house during darker days without the need to switch all lights on.
Rissie 3 years ago
Absolute nonsense. I've seen an item about people in cities not having window coverings, if no one can look in and there is no sun to block. We do like to open them though even though people can peak in from the streets at night. Or at least that's what I've been told. I close my blinds at night.
Saico Hipe 3 years ago
Forget privacy, I would despise not being able to block light, especially at night. I own blackout curtains for this very reason.
Franc Esca 3 years ago
It is from the protestant religion and carried over to parts of Canada and the US. Only the master bedroom had curtains.
Saara-Elina Kaukiainen 3 years ago
We have no curtains in our house either. Because I hate curtains. :D
Danny Mertens 3 years ago
A serious problem for the dutch who come and live in Belgium (mainly for expat tax reasons), because they think you can look into houses even when curtains are drawn. The problem is that it is forbidden in Belgium to try to look inside a house.
PikachuTwoKing 3 years ago (edited)
I also don’t use curtains. Well, because I have to not do so.
Aunt Messy 3 years ago
I refuse to have curtains. If I must cover a window, that's what wood blinds are for.
Amy-Lee Kempi 3 years ago
Now I know why! I've always wondered (I'm from Belgium, we prefere our privacy)
#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.
Vicky Zar 3 years ago
There was one derogatory thing in my opinion. They wrote Scandinavian parents "think" it's healthy for Babys to sleep outside. This sounds like the author thinks Scandinavian parents are lunatics or something
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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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• Lemønchu • 3 years ago
You talk about stereotypes, yet you just stereotyped Americans
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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.
Vicky Zar 3 years ago
There was one derogatory thing in my opinion. They wrote Scandinavian parents "think" it's healthy for Babys to sleep outside. This sounds like the author thinks Scandinavian parents are lunatics or something
Load More Replies... 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... • Lemønchu • 3 years ago
You talk about stereotypes, yet you just stereotyped Americans
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