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What better way to broaden your worldview than by traveling? Being able to experience new social norms and customs that might be miles away from what you're used to sounds like a great way to get some new perspectives. Perhaps just because things have always been a certain way, doesn't mean it's necessarily the best?

One Redditor asked US citizens what they think the US could adopt from other countries, and people had a lot to say. It's clever to check out how other systems work once in a while, and these folks noticed some huge gaps that the US needs to jump.

From mundane things like shoes in the house, to the whole tax system, people were eager to share where they think the US is lacking. Bored Panda selected the best submissions on what Americans could learn from other countries. Upvote your favorites, and don't be shy to share your opinion in the comments below!

#1

Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers No tipping. But actually having a good salary for waiters not to mention, health insurance, paid vacation.

Razzle-red , Dan Smedley Report

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Torben Møller-Nielsen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Denmark waiters are paid a decent wage, so you only give a tip if the service has been extraordinary.

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    #2

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers Including taxes in prices.

    thefakeelonma , Michael Burrows Report

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    Loverboy
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate this. If I'm going to buy something, tell me how much it actually costs instead of showing me your filthy lies.

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    #3

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers When I was in Austria and Germany, I walked my ass off everyday because I could. The streets were safe with designated pedestrian areas. I ate tons of food and drank tons of beer and I still lost weight. If American cities were more pedestrian friendly, we wouldn't have the obesity epidemic we have now. Well, maybe we would anyway - because, cr**py processed food with mystery chemicals in it.

    SitUpandBeg , Afif Ramdhasuma Report

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    Kristiina
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I understand that the distances are big and that's why car is necessary. But in the big cities and areas close to them should have pedestrian walk aways and bike lanes.

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    #4

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers I like how in Japan the schools basically have the kids clean up after themselves and take care of their school. They don't have janitors and children serve their peers lunch, too. Plus, their lunches always look amazing compared to the highly processed foods my child gets here. My son and I pick up trash around our area. The middle school by us is always covered in trash. Give some responsibility and respect to our planet.

    kojinB84 , Hiroyoshi Urushima Report

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    Erufue
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i wouldnt really say japan respect the planet... sure, everything is so nice and tidy, but their enormous use of plastics and cans, non-existence of animal rights and general lack of eco thinking pretty shocked me.

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    #5

    Adding to this, guaranteed annual paid vacation days for everyone, period. The EU guarantees FOUR CALENDAR WEEKS. Some other countries have more.

    US has ZERO.

    DeluxeMixedNutz Report

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    Sandra Gleeson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Australia has 3weeks at Christmas, 1week at Easter and many paid public holidays, we even take 4 days off in November because of a horse race, frickin awesome:)

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    #6

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers Finland has recently ended homelessness via just allowing people to live in small apartments without any preconditions and 4/5 make their way back to a stable life



    it's also cheaper then allowing people to be homeless

    littleMAHER1 , Ev Report

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    Bobert Robertson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm all for supporting the homeless but wonder how it's cheaper to house them than not? (Even if it's more costly I support)

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    #7

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers A prison system that focuses on rehabilitation instead of punishment. Many countries have been successful with this saving literally billions of dollars and cutting down on crime.

    LtRecore , Matthew Ansley Report

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    Melissa
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But then we wouldn't have all that wonderful slave labor from poor people and minorities to line the pockets of private prison corporations! Please note the sarcasm, I have to joke about it or I'll go mad.

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    #8

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers More than two political parties.

    Dino_Spaceman , Element5 Digital Report

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    #9

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers Decent healthcare that isn't tied to your job. Other countries all over the world have figured out different ways to do this, so why can't we? (I know, corporations own politicians)

    I'm not an expert, but I'm guessing it would destabilize a bunch of industries in the near term. But I wonder if long-term, it would create so much new innovation since people would be unafraid to lose their health benefits to leave their stable but s****y corporate jobs to start new ventures.

    michiman Report

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    Sandra Gleeson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Australia healthcare is paid for by our taxes, we are taxed heavily for this. In Australia we are pretty much taxed heavily for everything, the only people who seem to get away with not paying a lot of taxes are politicians

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    #10

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers Teaching foreign language to young students in public schools (ie 5yrs, k-5) when the propensity to learn language quickly is maximum.

    zenjen22 , Taylor Flowe Report

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    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seems that with huge spanish speaking countries directly to our (US) south, spanish SHOULD be mandatory.

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    #11

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers I keep seeing people in the US being charged ridiculous fees to apply for a rental property and then up not being successful in their application. The UK has banned these fees and it seems a much more fair way of doing things.

    KimmieB123 , Igal Ness Report

    #12

    No big pharma advertising

    Right-Rain-6537 Report

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    Philly Bobcat
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So, I pay my doctor $250 US per visit but then I have to talk to HIM about so and so drug???

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    #13

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers Mandatory paid family leave for the birth or adoption of a child.

    liminalrabbithole , Alexander Grey Report

    #14

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers Remove it being legal for anyone to get paid less than minimum wage so as to rely on tips. No more tips. Just people making their hourly pay doing the job they do, and we pay what it costs, period.

    If that means a haircut is $45, well, that's what even the cheapest one comes to anyway, with tip, so let's just have done with the tip economy and pay everyone their full wage, paid by the employer, and the customer pays the set price.

    kaiwannagoback , Sam Dan Truong Report

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    Sandra Gleeson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A haircut in Australia is well over $45, I mean, a packet of cigarettes is $55, a gallon of petrol (we use litres in Australia but I'm making it easier:)is approximately $7.50, my daughter got her hair coloured at the hairdressers, $425, minimum wage in my industry (I work in the building trade) $29 approx per hour, my 19 year old daughter earns $29 an hour, my 25 year old son earns $60 per hour........whilst the amounts seem large, they have to be because everything is extremely expensive

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    #15

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers At South Korean restaurants, tables have call buttons. You press them when you're ready to order or you need anything. Other than that, the service staff leaves you alone.

    [deleted] , Dunk Report

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    Bobert Robertson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Canada they come regularly until you order then as soon as your food arrives they come back and ask how everything is before you have a chance to try it, then they can't be found when you want to pay and leave

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    #16

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers When I went to Canada this summer I was amazed that there were recycle and compost bins everywhere. It was to the point that I almost didn't throw anything in the actual garbage the entire trip. Time to step up your game America.

    drtypete , Nareeta Martin Report

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    Brenda
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Out subdivision recycles, but if you put the wrong things in your recycle box, they don't pick it up. I try to use a lot of recyclable items for my crafting. Just made 20mo grandson alphabet, number, color, and shape magnets using soda boxes. Cut in 2x2 squares, glued 10 pieces together, painted and sealed, attached magnets. He LOVES them!

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    #17

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers Universal school lunches. It is embarrassing that we do not have folks cooking lunches for students from scratch, and that it is not provided for free to all students. You want to bring your own lunch? Great, but you can also have the free hot lunch that looks homemade, not pizza squares, canned veggies and a slice of a fruit and 3 oz of milk. Kids shouldn't be going into debt for lunch. We're probably wealthy enough that our food waste alone would be sufficient to, if captured magically, to feed every kid in the United States three proper meals per day.

    Walkable cities.

    Above ground monorail systems.

    radiantpenguin991 , Katerina Holmes Report

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    David
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was on the board of a food charity for about six years. The amount of food that grocery stores throw away is staggering. In part due to US food safety laws. In bigger part due to US shoppers are super picky so if any fruit or veggie has a minor blem they will pass on it. The amount of waste is just painful to see.

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    #18

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers A better tax system. IE the government gives you a number and you pay it, no guess work.

    twenty__something , Kelly Sikkema Report

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    Crazy Nailzz
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought USA is such a great country but reading all these and something as simple as taxes makes me realise maybe it is not as great as they make it look like. You are missing on so many points and to me it seems like your citizens are money making machines for the 1% and close to getting bankrupt with one wrong step....

    Weasel Wise
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are exactly right. It doesn't matter how hard anyone works; a low income destines you to most likely be fúcked for the rest of your life.

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    Remi (He/Him)
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Finnish system in a nutshell: You give the tax officials a ballpark of how much you're gonna make that year; They send your company's payroll the tax percentages which are automatically deducted from your income and deposited as taxes; after the end of the year your taxes are counted and compared to how much you actually made during the year and finally the tax office sends you either a bill to pay the missing taxes or what's more fun, a letter telling you how much they're gonna give you back in overpaid taxes and when it's gonna get to your account. A lot of people purposefully overestimate their income a bit to get the returns

    M Calad
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Similar in Norway and it's brilliant. When the goverment sends you the tax balance of the previous year, you have a month to review it and edit it. If you edit it, then the governents review again and either approves it/rejects it. It's all digital. The reviewing/editing process is very simple with explanations of each tax and who is applicable. Love it.

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    Deep One
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Originally only land owners and businesses were supposed to pay taxes.

    Tobias Reaper
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    in the UK its automatically deducted from our wages so we don't have to worry about it only exception is if you are self employed then you have to do it yourself

    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Our country takes the tax before paying your salary. If you think it was too much you submit a return to claim money back. Otherwise you just submit a return with no claim and fill in the amounts reflected on a form you get each year that tells you what to fill in where. I'd like this latter part to be scrapped. I mean, waht's the point of filling in a return if you know you were taxed correctly?

    Michael Bond
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Believe me, the 1% is not uniquely American. The divide between the rich and everyone else is world wide issue. Also, in the U.S., unless you're self employed, taxes are withheld from your pay by the employer and sent to the government. All of the other deductions, credits, etc., are not mandatory, if you don't want to reduce your taxes don't itemize and don't take the standard deduction. And there you go, the government gave you a number and you paid it. Happy now?

    PetPotato
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It takes me like one minute to do my taxes. Log in to an app, click a confirm button. (Edit: I live in Sweden, my point is that like the post says there are ways to make taxes super simple.)

    Crazy Nailzz
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same in India, We have a PAN number which is shared with employers as well as government tax agencies. They give you a ballpark depending on your income. You can add liabilities and deductions once a year, pay the tax and get returns timely if you are eligible according to deductions. Takes about 5 minutes and everything is online.

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    bob cameron
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There certainly can be a case made for a flat rate tax system. Those who can afford income and tax advisors pay far less percentage than the average working stiff.

    Junebugjump!
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is this how it's done in other countries? You should see our forms. Utterly bonkers.

    Nimitz
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Proud to say Canada's in the process of adopting that. They're starting with people in need in 2024 that can't afford an accountant, then expanding it to the entire population in a few years. You just have to sign into your govt account, click what programs/benefits you want to apply for, then submit your deductions and special paperwork. All the basics will be filed out and processed. They found that a lot of low income people weren't filling out their taxes so they weren't getting back money they really needed, especially seniors.

    Gabriela
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought every country had a system like that. In my country the IRS has access to your different incomes and sends you a form "with a number", you approve it (or change it if you think it's wrong) and submit it. Piece of cake.

    DeoManus Argentem
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How does this affect privacy? It might be simple if your income is just a simple wage (w2) - but I, for example, have five brokerage accounts; crypto income; interest/royalties; rental property; etc. Would the federal government always and instantly have access to all this activity, and for free without a warrant? Half of us aren't too keen on the federal government being so all-knowing. I'd rather pay the $70 for Turbotax.

    Larry XK
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What guesses? Nobody guesses their taxes, I don't even know what the f**k you people talking about

    Prince of Darkness
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    an accross-the-board flat tax would resolve this. if you make $100, you're taxed $25. if you make $1,000,000, you're taxed $250,000. after healthcare, education, infrastructure, and all the important things are paid for from those taxes, the military can have the leftovers. if they don't think that's enough, they can ask for fucƙing tips when they invade the next brown population.

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Since the rich are prominant proponents of a flat tax, it might not be as equitable as you think. Many poorer Americans pay less than 25% (or whatever percentage you choose) - often nothing at all - so you would hurt them.. Many rich pay more than 25%, and those are the ones who would benefit.

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    Ken Beattie
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This would only work if the government had every single detail of your finances. And then it's would cost you more in taxes to pay the additional workload of the government working it out for you. Seems like a simple idea, but tax isn't just on salary. A better tax system would actually be zero income tax and all tax dollars are made on purchases (like VAT or GST but with no other taxes at all). We still need to pay it but it moves the burden of calculating it from the individual to the companies. It also means you can have different taxes on different items (or classes of items). eg: Food could be zero tax. Basic goods a low tax, luxury items a higher tax. And the more expensive the item the more expensive the tax. So a $20k car doesn't have a lot of tax but a $200k car does.

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    #19

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers Not having huge gaps in bathroom stalls from any other country in the world please. Why do we as americans put up with this? I'm tired of making eye contact with strangers while s******g in public.

    Touch_My_Woody , Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos Report

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    David
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I loved a unisex setup I used in Japan. (I think, small chance it was Korea). Open area is for hand washing. Also a pee trough on back wall. The stalls had walls/doors floor to ceiling. Appropriate since they were squat toilets. But when a person goes into a stall it is basically like a private room. So nobody watching you potty - but saves space with shared sinks. And of course it totally sidesteps the "which bathroom is okay to use" problem because everyone uses the same one.

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    #20

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers In Japan there is a service that you can call 24hrs/day that will come with 2 drivers 1 car. One driver drives you and your car home, the other follows in their car to pick up the driver that took you home with your car. No DUI ect. Its actually really affordable there. No need to get an uber home that night then an uber back the next day when you are hung over only to find out you have a million parking tickets or your car got towed.

    Visual_Sport_950 , Mitchell Griest Report

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    David
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's nice. Better to not take the car in the first place but sometimes plans change and you don't know it will be that way.

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    #21

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers The train system from Japan. The US public transportation is lacking.

    markedbeamazed , Fikri Rasyid Report

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    Weasel Wise
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The US public transportation system is lacking because everything is rigged for fossil fuel companies to make moolah.

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    #22

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers Taking your shoes off when entering the inside.

    TBeIRIE , Bran Sodre Report

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    Bobert Robertson
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lol this is certainly an American thing and i don't understand at all why you would want to wear your shoes indoors. It's dirty and so much more comfortable without shoes anyway

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    #23

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers keep public spaces clean and tidy like in japan. that is all.

    bread-of-time , Abby Chung Report

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    Erufue
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i really wish my country would ban smoking on the street. butts and horrible smell everywhere.

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    #24

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers Swedish drinking laws. If I remember correctly, you can purchase alcohol below 5% at age 18, and be served liquor is bars (so the bartender can control the amount being served.) Seems like a smarter way to introduce kids to alcohol rather than opening the flood gates at 21.

    underhandfranky , kazuend Report

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    David
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have always hated the hypocrisy / inconsistency between when you are mature enough to drive - 16, sign legal contracts / die in the military - 18, and smoke or drink - 21. Drive a car to the recruiting center, join the military and kill other human beings / maybe get blown up. But don't you dare buy a cigarette.

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    #25

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers Widely available artisan bread at affordable prices

    H2olst , Spring Fed Images Report

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    Cheese Lover™
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Where I live you can get the best artisan bread ever in a supermarket. Plus we have mini bakeries in some grocery stores that make amazing bread and other baked goods and sell them for a couple euros at most

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    #26

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers Safe bicycle infrastructure

    Prestigious-Owl-6397 , Markus Spiske Report

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    Trisec
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bicyclist actually obeying traffic laws and using bike lines that they begged for and then don't use.

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    #27

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers Amsterdam. Knew they biked, but didn’t expected multi-level bike parking lots every mile. Jesus christ I loved it there.

    leckycherms , Portuguese Gravity Report

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    Louisa Johnson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have just come back but did not do any sight seeing as the client my husband is a carer for wanted to go to the red light district every day. The first day we split up I want off with my baby but due to having sarcoidosis and ME the walking we done left me bed bound the following day with my feet elevated. Anyway this is the only tourist thing that was done, my husband his client and a friend who tagged along took the baby out for a canal cruise. The guide was really informative apparently and had said that every year they remove about 15 thousand bikes from the rivers and canals in the city. I thought it was a great fact because I love facts. But I really hope these bikes are recycled and turned in to more bikes because they are everywhere you look. I want to go back soon as I missed so much I wanted to see

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    #28

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers Siesta. Nothing seems more civilized than everyone taking a nap from 12 until 3ish in the afternoon. Then working until 6-7. And eating dinner at 8 or 9

    ajl_mo , Adrian Swancar Report

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    Bobert Robertson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This seems like a waste of a day to me. I'd rather finish work 3 hours earlier in the day to have that time back with my family instead of napping and stretching out my work day

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    #29

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers When I went to Japan. When I ordered from food from any type of chain that is also in USA like McDonald's, Denny's, Burger King, it looked like the picture on the menu or the commercial. It was truly bizzare. Like in the USA if you get a bigmac it looks nothing like the picture or in the commercials. When You get a big mac in japan...it looks like the one in the picture. Its like somebody back there was painstakingly putting that burger together perfectly.

    landob , Kanesue Report

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    #30

    Fika, Swedish break for coffee and light socializing.

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    #31

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers Would be nice to also eliminate the fees foster parents pay for general registration, classes and social services related to fostering or adoption.

    And also eliminate trying to recoup costs by billing parents whose children have been placed in foster care.

    hawtpahtadah , Pavel Danilyuk Report

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    David
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That photo - When your mom parts your hair so hard she tears your shirt.

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    #32

    Volksmarches from Germany. Walk 10 kilometers through beautiful surroundings (usually chosen to show off the best scenery of a city or town in the countryside), stopping for snacks along the way if you want. ETA: I forgot to add it’s an organized event with hundreds of people.

    level 1 [deleted] Report

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    LB
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We have something similar in the Netherlands: de avondvierdaagse (evening-four-days, because there is walking four days in a row)

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    #33

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers Australia has an extremely sustainable agriculture formula that we could adopt.

    Capybara_Squabbles , no one cares Report

    #34

    Americans Are Sharing Things They Wish The US Would Learn From Other Countries, And Here Are 30 Insightful Answers Bidets

    OG_Chatterbait , Max Rahubovskiy Report

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    Crazy Nailzz
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You dont have Bidets???? How do you wash your..... or you just wipe it with a paper and walk through the day with a dirty.... OMG

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    #35

    After living in Finland for four months - saunas in every house!

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    Suzie Alto
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My family is Finnish. And I grew up in the UP of Michigan. Both sets of grandparents had a wood sauna and then when they built their new homes after moving off their farms they had saunas built in the basement. I grew up with a sauna in the basement. I so wish I had one where I live now

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    #36

    There's this little Iranian tradition called tarof.

    To tarof is to make the most generous offer that you can afford to make to another person when you are at their service. When you have a guest, you offer only the best. The best drinks, the best food, the couch you normally sit on, and the cleanest bathroom to use.

    But tarof extends beyond formal occasions. When you go out to lunch or dinner with a buddy or a circle of friends, you pay for the bill. To clarify, you try to pay for the bill, because Iranian-Americans fight to the death for the chance to deliver the most profound gesture of generosity. It can get ugly and sneaky sometimes - some people call in and offer a credit card number to the staff before their party even arrives.

    For some people, it's only that - a gesture. Just a part of the culture to accept, a means of flaunting one's wealth and the generosity that is only expected to come with it. For others, however, it's an act of kindness to show that you'll go out of your way to make someone's day and make them feel well in any way possible.

    Personally, I think it becomes a bit silly at times, but I think it brings a nice attitude to helping others and being a good friend/relative/partner/person.

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    #37

    I'd rather not make this about Health Care or "freedom of speech" since I feel like this is the inevitable route some will take.

    But I've been living in "Europe" for close to a decade and here are some more lighthearted ones.

    US can learn from Europe:

    Having an alcoholic beverage during lunch is not a sign of degeneracy. I was the prudish American that thought it was unprofessional/faux pas to have a beer/wine during lunch. People here do it all the time, even in work situations. Which is ironic because in the U.S I was basically pounding drinks at 8 AM (Tailgating at football games) during the weekends.

    Work life balance as mandatory/employee's rights. Not as a "perk" for working at XYZ Company.

    Plat du Jours. Sure there are restaurants that have Lunch Specials, but not to the level here.

    On that note. Eating an actual meal for lunch (and being given the time to do so). Example, I had a steak+fries for lunch as the plat du jour yesterday. Came with a salad as an appetizer. Even had a glass of wine, and a coffee afterwards. My coworkes/bosses wouldn't bat an eye.

    There are fantastic music/movies/t.v shows being produced abroad. Being on Netflix doesn't mean it's good. It just means... it's on Netflix.

    Being a courteous driver is beneficial for all. (For example: Drivers in Switzerland actually zipper when merging from a closed lane unto the open lane. In the U.S it's usually Mad Max Fury Road...)

    Europe can learn from the US:

    The pros of having a "relationship" with your neighbors far outweighs the cons. Wish people were a bit more open to it. Then again, I'm in Switzerland, where people think calling the police on your neighbors is completely acceptable.

    Gatekeeping some stuff is pointless. My biggest gripe being Sports team fandom. The whole "plastic fan" is hilariously dumb to me. Like me saying you can't be a fan of Jay-Z's music unless you're from Brooklyn, so go support your "local rapper" instead you f'in plastic!

    (Note: This is changing) Ethnic food is fantastic. Support your local ethnic food restaurants instead of fusion/pan- places probably run by non-immigrants.

    As much as people blame "Americans" for things like the European Super League, there are aspects of American Sports culture/model that are far better (and hence more successful) than the European model. (Note: That's not to say I'm in favor of the ESL).

    Chat with strangers. It's not a scam or suspectful at all. Sometimes I genuinely want to know if you recommend something to eat/drink/do.

    huazzy Report

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    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We have more general drinking because we don't all carry guns. I can't imagine how problematic it would be for 16 year olds in America to drink and get into arguments - there would be no-one left. Here it's usually no worse than a punch-up.

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