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!
2. Unhealthy Ingredients Shown On Packaging In Mexico
In Mexico, certain items must show the unhealthy ingredients and give warnings within the packaging. It’s 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.
3. ‘Cool American’ Doritos in Holland
In America, this flavor is the famous ‘Cool Ranch’. As for Europe, it’s called ‘Cool Original’ as they have no idea what ranch really is, anyway. Nobody can really settle on a name for this all-time favorite chip.
4. In Asia, They Have Oreo Straws
Calling all Oreo fans! It’s time to take a trip to Asia. You can get these Oreo Straws to slurp your milk. Now you don’t have to worry about getting your fingers wet when dipping your cookie into milk.
5. ‘Very Bad Kids’ in France
We all know these are called ‘Sour Patch Kids’. Imagine saying, “Very Bad Kids are my favorite candy!”. I’m not sure how if that would bode well with the people who don’t know about its French name.
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 shouldn’t hot sauce come with everything?
7. ‘American Cups’ In The Netherlands
Red solo cups are the pinnacle of American drinking culture. It’s 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.
In Asia, you can pretty much find every type of noodle. Pringle noodles are definitely creative. Thinking about it, they probably taste amazing.
9. Rockets Are Smarties In Canada
Outside of the United States, Smarties aren’t quite the same thing. Instead of being a candy, they are a delicious milk chocolate snack. In Canada, they call these Rockets.
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.
11. In Europe, Budweiser Is A Different Brand
If you want to find the American Budweiser in Europe, you’re going to have to look for Bud. This Czech beer is the original Budweiser. People say it tastes better because it’s made without rice.
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.
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.
14. ‘American’ Pizza With Hot Dogs Stuffed Into The Crust
Ironically, this really isn’t a thing in America. Although this ‘American style’ pizza is gaining all the rage around Europe. People must really think American food is always high-calorie.
15. Different Sour Patch Kid Shapes (America: Top/Australia: Bottom)
We’ve 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 don’t have the blue one, they have a purple flavor instead.
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.
17. Salted Egg Flavor Lays Chips
Something really cool about traveling is you can find chip flavors that cater uniquely to the location you’re in. This chip flavor might seem weird to others, but might be a delicious favorite in Asia. Another example would be Ketchup chips as it’s very popular in Canada.
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 doesn’t taste that good, though.
19. American Classic Flavor Lays In China
Weird that the Chinese consider plain and salted to be the American Flavor. I’d think it would be something with a little more calories. Who knew Americans were famous for their salt flavors.
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!
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.
22. ‘American Style’ Hot Dogs In Germany
Sausages were culturally imported from Germany and came to the United States. Ironically, this was exported back as the ‘American Style’ Hot Dog. Although, Americans definitely don’t put their hot dogs in jars.
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, they’reeee great!
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, it’s definitely a popular fragrance amongst men everywhere.
25. Coca Cola Light in Italy
Instead of the word “diet”, other countries like Italy use “light”. Many places aren’t allowed to use the word, as it isn’t what would contribute to a healthy diet. The difference between zero and light is there are different artificial sweeteners used.
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. We’ve found some examples for you: Australia-Streets, Netherlands-Ola, Germany-Lagnese, Spain-Frigo.
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.
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.
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.
In Ontario, these are also called Whippets. The only difference between the two is the Quebec Whippet is made from “real” chocolate. This is similar to the American Mallowmar, just with fruit on the inside. In the UK, they call these Tunnocks chocolate tea cakes.
31. Cameo Pizzaburger in Italy
This brand is known as Dr. Oetker in the United States. Although, I’ve never had a pizza burger before. Make sure to try this on your next trip and let us know!
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.
© 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.
33. In Bergen, you can tell the locals from the tourists by their umbrellas. The locals almost don’t use umbrellas. Instead, they wear raincoats.
Whether you chose an umbrella or raincoat it’s really a personal preference. Also depending on the environment, a raincoat might just come more in handy as it’s hard to find a good umbrella. It’s known for men to favor raincoats rather than umbrellas, and for women vise versa.
34. In Vietnam, the locals swim in the sea wearing jeans, T-shirts, and other clothes. © 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 isn’t as common. Therefore bathing suits aren’t as available as in other places.
35. “I studied in Kuwait. When I attended my friend’s 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.”
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.
36. “I lived in China for 4 years. In the supermarket, they sold small live crocodiles, turtles, and frogs. They sold them for food.”
It isn’t 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.
37. “I 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 don’t offer things like this for free. You will have to wait for what you ordered.”
In America, sometimes if you’re lucky, you’ll 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, you’re way more likely to come back with excellent service, right?
38. “In Vietnam, we ordered duck soup. They brought us soup. With a duck. Like, the entire duck. With a beak.”
In other countries eating the whole animal is something that is normal. Sometimes it could even be considered a delicacy depending on where you’re from. Although, some of us like westerners tend to not like our meat as the actual animal it came from.
39. “We moved as a family last year in September to Charlottesville, Virginia (USA). My family and friends went to McDonald’s to celebrate my husband’s birthday. We got free ice cream for the kids (that we ate), it was on the house, our surprise knew no bounds.”
Mcdonalds is famous for not always having the best service or being the most giving. It’s heartwarming to hear this story of a family having an excellent experience. The staff even sang happy birthday to the husband!
40. “I 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, ‘You’re my friend!'”
In Swedish culture, kindness has no limits. Not something you’d ever see in New York. I mean, most people would probably never give that kind of offer either or even make them breakfast.
41. “When I was in Romania, an elderly woman insisted that I have breakfast with her when I was taking photos on her street.”
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.
42. “I’m a big bald man. In Vietnam, the locals, especially the women, often touch my belly. They think it will make them rich.”
Many cultures have different superstitions. Depending on where you’re from, it might just be rubbing a bald man’s belly. This is because specifically in Vietnam, it is highly uncommon to see a bigger person.
43. “In Vietnam, touching a kid with light skin and hair is a blessing.”
Cultural norms tend to become drastically different once you get to the East. It’s 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, it’s considered impolite, eating from your left hand is considered unclean, and feet are considered to be dirty- don’t put them on the table!
44. “In Israel, people say “hello” 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.”
It’s 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. There’s a culture of minding your own business. But as for other countries, this is a norm.
45. “In Sweden, there’s a rule that says you should not disturb your neighbors from 10 PM till 7 AM. If you’re 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.”
What happens if your neighbors don’t want you to throw a party? Although, this seems like a very courteous rule. I wonder how this would go in the United States.
46. “In Turkey, they use very polite and sweet words. They will even say something like “sweetheart” or “honey” to people they don’t know.”
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 “My little cabbage.” In Germany, it could be “Mouse” or “Bunny”. No matter where you go, pet names are always creative terms of endearment.
47. “The Chinese speak very loudly- the louder you speak, the cooler you are. And it’s totally normal.”
In most places, speaking very loudly is considered rude. I mean, I guess it can help you really get your point across. Hopefully, it doesn’t give them too many headaches.
48. “In 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 don’t use the seatbelts in the front. I still don’t know if he was serious.”
Hopefully, this guy wasn’t serious. I’m pretty sure wearing seatbelts would be safer. I’ve never been to Romania though, but I don’t think it was that common to be attacked from the backseat. Or is it?
49. “In 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.”
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 it’s no surprise it would take a while to get anywhere.
50. “This 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.”
British people are known for their politeness. Culturally, they have a lot of politeness norms. This deflects the possibility of conflict arising.
51. “In Switzerland, there is even a rule for when you can use the washing machine in your apartment.”
I don’t know about you, but if I had to use my laundry machine at a certain time, I’d 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.
52. “I was shocked that Germany is flooded with flowers. There are flowers everywhere. And nobody touches, steals, breaks, or destroys them… It’s beautiful.”
There’s nothing more mesmerizing than a beautiful landscape. It’s 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.
53. “In 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.”
This sounds like something from the movies. In America, I’ve only ever seen someone walk their dog. Imagine walking down the street and seeing something with a bird on their hand?
54. “In Sweden, when you are having guests, you don’t have a table set. You just give plates to the guests and they go to the kitchen to get whatever they want.”
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.
55. “Went back to the same café after 6 hours in search of glasses to find them at the same table without even being moved an inch.”
It’s a horrible feeling to forget something at a restaurant that was extremely expensive. Especially if it’s 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.
56. “People 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.”
This is similar in America because people don’t 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.
57. “In Turkey, I remembered a very unusual driving tradition: drivers always honk at everyone they see just to attract attention.”
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.
58. “In Paris, I was taken aback by how thin everyone was. It was all I could think about for the first hour.”
We’ve 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.
59. In Japan, It’s Common For Streets To Not Have Names
It’s common for places to have street names all over the world. As for Japan, often they’ll use block and section numbers instead of street names. It might seem difficult in theory, but can make traveling around a lot easier.
60. In Netherlands, Many People Don’t Have Curtains
In many European countries like the Netherlands, you’ll find that there aren’t curtains on your windows. Culturally, the idea of privacy is very different. They highly value their personal space and wouldn’t even think of peering into a neighbor’s window.
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 you’ll never forget.
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 don’t fall!
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, it’s unusual but also extremely delicious. Have you tried cheese in your hot chocolate?
64. In France, Milk Is Stored At Room Temperature
Sounds kind of gross, right? Well, it’s completely safe. This milk is ultra-pasteurized, so it’s unusual to keep it in the fridge. People say there’s no difference either!
65. Red Ink Is Considered To Be Taboo In South Korea
If you’re traveling to South Korea, I’d put that red pen away! Writing a person’s name in red ink in South Korea traditionally means that the person has passed. Be very careful before you write that postcard.
Now that we’ve taken a brief trip around the world, I hope this helps your travel urge during this pandemic. Maybe you might’ve learned something new about a different culture today.
Hopefully, we’ll be able to travel soon! For now, this will have to do.
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