One of the most exciting things about traveling is getting to immerse yourself in other cultures. You get to have a taste of the way others live their lives. Whether it be trying new food, exploring the land, or getting to know locals, traveling can be a tremendous learning experience.
Because of the COVID pandemic, all of our travel plans have been put on hold until further notice. Want to take a mini-vacation? Check out this slideshow of 65 things that look very different, depending on where you are in the world.
1. The Design on Lipton Tea Cartons In Japan
Japan is known for immaculate packaging and design when it comes to their products. Did you notice that all the cartons together create one beautiful landscape? Now you have to buy them all!
Source:
Reddit/GothamGuardian12
2. Unhealthy Ingredients Shown On Packaging In Mexico
In Mexico, certain items must show the unhealthy ingredients and give warnings within the packaging. Itโs a nifty tool to use to look out for your health. If you translate these messages, it says: Excess calories, Excess sugars, Secretary Of Health, Contains sweeteners not recommended for children, and contains caffeine avoid for children.
Source:
Reddit/zzzzzebras
3. โCool Americanโ Doritos in Holland
In America, this flavor is the famous โCool Ranchโ. As for Europe, itโs called โCool Originalโ as they have no idea what ranch really is, anyway. Nobody can really settle on a name for this all-time favorite chip.
Source:
Reddit/p0laroids
4. In Asia, They Have Oreo Straws
Calling all Oreo fans! Itโs time to take a trip to Asia. You can get these Oreo Straws to slurp your milk. Now you donโt have to worry about getting your fingers wet when dipping your cookie into milk.
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Reddit/cupknifespoon
5. โVery Bad Kidsโ in France
We all know these are called โSour Patch Kidsโ. Imagine saying, โVery Bad Kids are my favorite candy!โ. Iโm not sure how if that would bode well with the people who donโt know about its French name.
Source:
Reddit/Shaodw
6. These Ruffles Came With A Packet Of Hot Sauce In Mexico
Hot sauce is essential to the Mexican culture. This takes chips and dip to a whole other level. Why shouldnโt hot sauce come with everything?
Source:
Reddit/Jagator
7. โAmerican Cupsโ In The Netherlands
Red solo cups are the pinnacle of American drinking culture. Itโs no surprise they consider these the American style of party cups. In a lot of places outside the US, they reference these as American cups. In Europe, they call these red cups and are only used at parties.
Source:
Reddit/slotownmike
8. Pringle Noodles
In Asia, you can pretty much find every type of noodle. Pringle noodles are definitely creative. Thinking about it, they probably taste amazing.
Source:
Reddit/officer_rupert
9. Rockets Are Smarties In Canada
Outside of the United States, Smarties arenโt quite the same thing. Instead of being a candy, they are a delicious milk chocolate snack. In Canada, they call these Rockets.
Source:
Reddit/St_C420
10. Canadian Kraft Vs. American Kraft
Ah, the spoon versus fork debacle. How do you eat your mac and cheese? Maybe we could settle this debate if we just put a spork on the box.
Source:
Reddit/PettySetGo
11. In Europe, Budweiser Is A Different Brand
If you want to find the American Budweiser in Europe, youโre going to have to look for Bud. This Czech beer is the original Budweiser. People say it tastes better because itโs made without rice.
Source:
Reddit/APFernweh
12. Rice Bubbles In New Zealand
Just to make things more confusing, this cereal could be called Rice Krispies, Rice Bubbles, or Rice Pops. It depends on where you are in the world. At least they all know it snaps, crackles and pops.
Source:
Reddit/toddch
13. Can We Just Talk About This Again
Can we just talk about this again? How is it even possible that Smarties exist as a completely different candy outside of the United States? In Canada, they call these Rockets. In the UK, they call these Fizzers. I mean, they had to name the candy something since Smarties was already taken.
Source:
Reddit/heleeeeen
14. โAmericanโ Pizza With Hot Dogs Stuffed Into The Crust
Ironically, this really isnโt a thing in America. Although this โAmerican styleโ pizza is gaining all the rage around Europe. People must really think American food is always high-calorie.
Source:
Reddit/ebjazzz
15. Different Sour Patch Kid Shapes (America: Top/Australia: Bottom)
Weโve already seen the packaging can differ from country to country, but now we have different contents. If you notice the American Sour Patch Kids are bigger. Australians also donโt have the blue one, they have a purple flavor instead.
Source:
Reddit/AdamantLeafeon
16. Coco Pops
In America, these are known as Coco Krispies. This chocolatey cereal is called Coco Pops in places outside of the United States, like Australia and the UK. Fun Fact: England manufacturers tried to rename the cereal to Choco Krispies, but the public outrage was so massive they changed it back to its original name.
Source:
Bored Panda
17. Salted Egg Flavor Lays Chips
Something really cool about traveling is you can find chip flavors that cater uniquely to the location youโre in. This chip flavor might seem weird to others, but might be a delicious favorite in Asia. Another example would be Ketchup chips as itโs very popular in Canada.
Source:
Reddit/Plurkitto
18. Canned Hot Dogs In The Netherlands
In America, canned hot dogs are not a thing, but hot dogs are very American. Although in Europe, canned hot dogs are known to be a very affordable staple. Probably doesnโt taste that good, though.
Source:
Reddit/miskoboe
19. American Classic Flavor Lays In China
Weird that the Chinese consider plain and salted to be the American Flavor. Iโd think it would be something with a little more calories. Who knew Americans were famous for their salt flavors.
Source:
Reddit/Cystian
20. Tomato Flavored Pringles
Pringles are known for having a variety of different flavors, just like lays. This is very similar to the popular ketchup chip. Next time you travel, be on the lookout for what Pringle flavors they have!
Source:
Reddit/jackson_yu
21. Pringooools
These special Pringles only come out around World Cup Time. You can find these all around the world as a limited time favorite! Nothing like watching your favorite sport with some special Pringles.
Source:
Reddit/SoldadoTrifaldon
22. โAmerican Styleโ Hot Dogs In Germany
Sausages were culturally imported from Germany and came to the United States. Ironically, this was exported back as the โAmerican Styleโ Hot Dog. Although, Americans definitely donโt put their hot dogs in jars.
Source:
Reddit/EustressedOut
23. Frosties In Europe
In America, this beloved cereal is called Frosted Flakes. You might find yourself down a cereal aisle in Europe seeing all the U.S. cereals with a slightly different name. Either way, theyโreeee great!
Source:
Reddit/Pachriksu
24. Lynx Is Axe Body Spray
For copyright reasons, Axe Body Spray is Lynx in Australia and in the UK. Axe Body Spray is the original name and home to America. Either way, itโs definitely a popular fragrance amongst men everywhere.
Source:
Twitter/Mike Milligan
25. Coca Cola Light in Italy
Instead of the word โdietโ, other countries like Italy use โlightโ. Many places arenโt allowed to use the word, as it isnโt what would contribute to a healthy diet. The difference between zero and light is there are different artificial sweeteners used.
Source:
Reddit/Samthescott
26. Walls In The UK
This ice cream favorite is Good Humor in the United States. Although this ice cream has actually been found to have a bunch of different names all around the world. Weโve found some examples for you: Australia-Streets, Netherlands-Ola, Germany-Lagnese, Spain-Frigo.
Source:
Bored Panda
27. Danone
Apparently Dannon is strictly a United States thing. Danone is originally a French brand, it was changed so Americans could pronounce it easier. They also drastically differ in sugar content.
Source:
Bored Panda
28. Japan Pepsi Cola
As we know, Japanese packaging is known to be unique. This appearance is quite different from the Pepsi bottles Americans are used to seeing. Japan Cola sold by Pepsi is found to have a slightly different flavor too.
Source:
Reddit/ukfashandroid
29. One Is Norwegian One is American
This soda tastes very similar to Mountain Dew. Although, this has been discontinued in the United States. It was first produced to try to compete with the popularity of Mountain Dew.
Source:
Reddit/funnyban12
30. Canadian Viva Puffs
In Ontario, these are also called Whippets. The only difference between the two is the Quebec Whippet is made from โrealโ chocolate. This is similar to the American Mallowmar, just with fruit on the inside. In the UK, they call these Tunnocks chocolate tea cakes.
Source:
Reddit/TheresAPotatoInMyAss
31. Cameo Pizzaburger in Italy
This brand is known as Dr. Oetker in the United States. Although, Iโve never had a pizza burger before. Make sure to try this on your next trip and let us know!
Source:
Bored Panda
32. In some places in India, if a person is overweight, they are respected more. If a person is big, it means they are rich.
ยฉ Larissa Panaro Artemenko / Facebook
Historically, it used to be culturally being big was desirable in many places. This meant you were well fed. This contrast used to show the difference between rich and poor. Although, these cultural norms have changed through time.
Source:
Flickr
33. In Bergen, you can tell the locals from the tourists by their umbrellas. The locals almost donโt use umbrellas. Instead, they wear raincoats.
Whether you chose an umbrella or raincoat itโs really a personal preference. Also depending on the environment, a raincoat might just come more in handy as itโs hard to find a good umbrella. Itโs known for men to favor raincoats rather than umbrellas, and for women vise versa.
Source:
Pexels/Thirdman
34. In Vietnam, the locals swim in the sea wearing jeans, T-shirts, and other clothes. ยฉ Ekaterina Saiz Martin / Facebook
This could come as a big shock to those from more developed countries. We tend to be used to the luxuries of swimming. As for other countries, sometimes swimming isnโt as common. Therefore bathing suits arenโt as available as in other places.
Source:
Unsplash/margot_pardone
35. โI studied in Kuwait. When I attended my friendโs wedding I was so shocked! She has a medium skin tone, yet, she looked ghost-white. I asked her later and she told me they sprayed her body with a light-colored spray, like spray tans, but the opposite.โ
Beauty standards can be drastically different as you travel the world. As we know in Western culture, darker or tan skin is considered to be beautiful. What might be seen as unattractive somewhere else might be a pinnacle of beauty standards for another place.
Source:
Pexels/Barbara Ribeiro
36. โI lived in China for 4 years. In the supermarket, they sold small live crocodiles, turtles, and frogs. They sold them for food.โ
It isnโt uncommon for countries to sell live animals for food. When I traveled to Guatemala, they sold live chickens. Sometimes they even decapitate them in the middle of the street in some cultures. For a lot of places, this is a cultural norm.
Source:
Deposit Photos
37. โI was in Lebanon and I stopped by a cafe. While we were waiting for our order, the waiter brought us some appetizers. Where I come from, they donโt offer things like this for free. You will have to wait for what you ordered.โ
In America, sometimes if youโre lucky, youโll get an array of free appetizers. It is quite common though, for bread to be brought out as an appetizer included with the meal. I mean, youโre way more likely to come back with excellent service, right?
Source:
Pexels/ROMAN ODINTSOV
38. โIn Vietnam, we ordered duck soup. They brought us soup. With a duck. Like, the entire duck. With a beak.โ
In other countries eating the whole animal is something that is normal. Sometimes it could even be considered a delicacy depending on where youโre from. Although, some of us like westerners tend to not like our meat as the actual animal it came from.
Source:
Pexels/Saeid Anvar
39. โWe moved as a family last year in September to Charlottesville, Virginia (USA). My family and friends went to McDonaldโs to celebrate my husbandโs birthday. We got free ice cream for the kids (that we ate), it was on the house, our surprise knew no bounds.โ
Mcdonalds is famous for not always having the best service or being the most giving. Itโs heartwarming to hear this story of a family having an excellent experience. The staff even sang happy birthday to the husband!
Source:
Pexels/Somben Chea
40. โI went to Sweden for work. I think my Swedish colleague and I talked like 2 times in 7 days. And then, one day before my departure, she asked me to stay at her place because she lived very close to the airport. But the biggest surprise was when she woke up at 4 AM to make breakfast for me. She said, โYouโre my friend!'โ
In Swedish culture, kindness has no limits. Not something youโd ever see in New York. I mean, most people would probably never give that kind of offer either or even make them breakfast.
Source:
Pexels/Burst
41. โWhen I was in Romania, an elderly woman insisted that I have breakfast with her when I was taking photos on her street.โ
Culturally, many places are way slower-paced and friendly than your average, impersonal, rushed, city-bred culture. Nothing like immersing yourself in the culture like talking with a local. Especially a kind old woman, she probably has a lot of marvelous stories to tell.
Source:
Pexel/Luizmedeirosph
42. โIโm a big bald man. In Vietnam, the locals, especially the women, often touch my belly. They think it will make them rich.โ
Many cultures have different superstitions. Depending on where youโre from, it might just be rubbing a bald manโs belly. This is because specifically in Vietnam, it is highly uncommon to see a bigger person.
Source:
Pexel/Kevin Bidwell
43. โIn Vietnam, touching a kid with light skin and hair is a blessing.โ
Cultural norms tend to become drastically different once you get to the East. Itโs super fascinating to see how other people go about their daily lives. Here are some more interesting practices: Never touch an adult on the head, itโs considered impolite, eating from your left hand is considered unclean, and feet are considered to be dirty- donโt put them on the table!
Source:
Pexels/Daria Shevtsova
44. โIn Israel, people say โhelloโ to shop assistants, janitors, bus drivers. It was surprising for me at first, but then I got used to it and now I do it too.โ
Itโs an amazing feeling when you travel and you arrive at a destination with such a friendly and personal culture. In a lot of places in the US, starting a conversation with a stranger is considered a bit strange. Thereโs a culture of minding your own business. But as for other countries, this is a norm.
Source:
Pexels/Armin Rimoldi
45. โIn Sweden, thereโs a rule that says you should not disturb your neighbors from 10 PM till 7 AM. If youโre going to have a loud party late at night, you should put a notice in the elevator or the entrance door to warn your neighbors.โ
What happens if your neighbors donโt want you to throw a party? Although, this seems like a very courteous rule. I wonder how this would go in the United States.
Source:
Pexels/RF._.studio
46. โIn Turkey, they use very polite and sweet words. They will even say something like โsweetheartโ or โhoneyโ to people they donโt know.โ
Pet names are used all around the world, what those pet names are, though, depends on where you are. Another example is in France, they use โMy little cabbage.โ In Germany, it could be โMouseโ or โBunnyโ. No matter where you go, pet names are always creative terms of endearment.
Source:
Pexels/Francesco Ungaro
47. โThe Chinese speak very loudly- the louder you speak, the cooler you are. And itโs totally normal.โ
In most places, speaking very loudly is considered rude. I mean, I guess it can help you really get your point across. Hopefully, it doesnโt give them too many headaches.
Source:
Pexels/Anna Tarazevich
48. โIn a taxi in Romania, I tried to fasten my seatbelt and the driver stopped me and explained that the passengers in the backseat can use the seatbelt to attack, so they donโt use the seatbelts in the front. I still donโt know if he was serious.โ
Hopefully, this guy wasnโt serious. Iโm pretty sure wearing seatbelts would be safer. Iโve never been to Romania though, but I donโt think it was that common to be attacked from the backseat. Or is it?
Source:
Pexels/Skitterphoto
49. โIn India, it sometimes took an hour to travel just a few miles. So a distance of 20 miles could easily take a couple of hours or more.โ
Depending on where you are in the world, traffic can be terrible. Especially if the population is more congested. India is notorious for having heavily congested roads, so itโs no surprise it would take a while to get anywhere.
Source:
Pexels/cottonbro
50. โThis a very little thing, but it still amazes me every time I go to the UK. People stand in line to get on a bus. And they wait for people to get off the bus before going in.โ
British people are known for their politeness. Culturally, they have a lot of politeness norms. This deflects the possibility of conflict arising.
Source:
Pexels/Krizjohn Rosales
51. โIn Switzerland, there is even a rule for when you can use the washing machine in your apartment.โ
I donโt know about you, but if I had to use my laundry machine at a certain time, Iโd never get my laundry done. Although, this cultural norm might help create a little more structure in your life. Personally, I would have a hard time sticking to this rule.
Source:
Pexels/Juliano Ferreira
52. โI was shocked that Germany is flooded with flowers. There are flowers everywhere. And nobody touches, steals, breaks, or destroys themโฆ Itโs beautiful.โ
Thereโs nothing more mesmerizing than a beautiful landscape. Itโs wonderful to have people in Germany taking such good care of their communities. Sadly, other places have that one person who ruins it for all.
Source:
Pexels/Pixabay
53. โIn Southern China and Hong Kong, people walk with their birds in cages. Sometimes, they take them out of the cages and hold them in their hands.โ
This sounds like something from the movies. In America, Iโve only ever seen someone walk their dog. Imagine walking down the street and seeing something with a bird on their hand?
Source:
Pexels/Dids
54. โIn Sweden, when you are having guests, you donโt have a table set. You just give plates to the guests and they go to the kitchen to get whatever they want.โ
Buffet style eating is quite popular in many places. This takes a lot of strain from the host of having to set all the plates. It also eliminates a lot of wastes as guests can choose their own portions.
Source:
Pexels/Kaboompics .com
55. โWent back to the same cafรฉ after 6 hours in search of glasses to find them at the same table without even being moved an inch.โ
Itโs a horrible feeling to forget something at a restaurant that was extremely expensive. Especially if itโs your favorite pair of Ray-Bans. In Europe, this man went hiking after leaving his glasses in a cafe and came back to see them in the same spot.
Source:
Pexels/Shamindi Wehalle
56. โPeople in Europe will follow the rules. Be it driving lanes or waiting for the pedestrian lights to turn green. Even in the middle of the night at 2/3 AM when there is absolutely no one on the streets, people will stop at a red light.โ
This is similar in America because people donโt want to add points on their license. Although, you better believe Europeans will follow all the rules! In contrast, Americans have been found to deviate from those rules.
Source:
Pexels/Jack Gittoes
57. โIn Turkey, I remembered a very unusual driving tradition: drivers always honk at everyone they see just to attract attention.โ
In other places, honking your horn is a sign of warning or road rage. If I was driving in Turkey, all the honking would definitely have me confused! People non-native to Turkey might wonder if they are doing something wrong.
Source:
Pexels
58. โIn Paris, I was taken aback by how thin everyone was. It was all I could think about for the first hour.โ
Weโve talked about being bigger being culturally beautiful now the roles are reversed. In this city dominated by fashion culture, it is considered beautiful to be thin. Surprisingly, they stay so thin with all that wonderful food.
Source:
Pexels/Thorsten
59. In Japan, Itโs Common For Streets To Not Have Names
Itโs common for places to have street names all over the world. As for Japan, often theyโll use block and section numbers instead of street names. It might seem difficult in theory, but can make traveling around a lot easier.
Source:
Pexels/Ryutaro
60. In Netherlands, Many People Donโt Have Curtains
In many European countries like the Netherlands, youโll find that there arenโt curtains on your windows. Culturally, the idea of privacy is very different. They highly value their personal space and wouldnโt even think of peering into a neighborโs window.
Source:
Pexels/Alessio Cesario
61. In Singapore, They Dry Laundry On Bamboo Poles
Say goodbye to traditional laundry dryers. Instead of rope, they use bamboo poles to dry laundry. Today they tend to get replaced with plastic sticks, but this way of drying is something youโll never forget.
Source:
Pinterest
62. The Netherlands Have Extremely Steep Stairs
Extremely steep stairs are the signature of the Dutch home. They are mostly found in canal houses. Hopefully you donโt fall!
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Pexels/Rachel Claire
63. In Columbia, Hot Chocolate Is Served With Salted Cheese
This idea seems pretty weird to those not from Columbia. Although, tourists have reviewed that yes, itโs unusual but also extremely delicious. Have you tried cheese in your hot chocolate?
Source:
Pexels/Dzenina
64. In France, Milk Is Stored At Room Temperature
Sounds kind of gross, right? Well, itโs completely safe. This milk is ultra-pasteurized, so itโs unusual to keep it in the fridge. People say thereโs no difference either!
Source:
Pexels/Alexa Fotos
65. Red Ink Is Considered To Be Taboo In South Korea
If youโre traveling to South Korea, Iโd put that red pen away! Writing a personโs name in red ink in South Korea traditionally means that the person has passed. Be very careful before you write that postcard.
Source:
Flickr/Aaron Brady
Now that weโve taken a brief trip around the world, I hope this helps your travel urge during this pandemic. Maybe you mightโve learned something new about a different culture today.
Hopefully, weโll be able to travel soon! For now, this will have to do.
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