Outline:
Cultural Differences That Might Surprise Americans
Every country on the globe is different, so it’s only natural that the people, culture, or lifestyle will be different as well. Some things, however, can be so starkly distinct that they can come off as a cultural shock for foreigners. When a Reddit user asked non-Americans to share such things that are normal for them but would shock most Americans, the responses were both hilarious and wild. Here are some of the most interesting ones.
1. No Tips Needed for a Livable Wage
In some countries, hospitality staff don’t have to rely on tips in order to receive a survivable wage each month. This means that workers are paid fairly regardless of customer generosity.
2. Prices Are Actually the Actual Prices
In some places, the prices of store items are the actual prices—no hidden fees or markups. This can be a refreshing change for those used to unexpected costs.
3. Sick on Vacation? You Get Your Days Back
If you get sick on your vacation, you go to the doctor and the company has to give you your days back. This is a common practice in many countries where employee well-being is prioritized.
4. Public Obituaries
When people die, some countries put up little posters—printed obituaries—on the walls of buildings all around town and close to places the person liked to frequent. These have a little picture of the person, their date of birth and death, and a message of mourning from the family.
5. Early Romantic Relationships
In some countries like Denmark, boyfriends and girlfriends (or partners) sleep together at each other’s houses from about age 14-15 years old. Parents often prefer this over kids sneaking around and getting into bad situations.
6. Pharmacies Only Sell Medicine
In Germany, pharmacies only sell medicine, no snacks, makeup, or random stuff. First-time visitors might think they’re in the wrong store.
7. No Gunshots in Sydney
Some people have never heard a gunshot in their entire lives. For example, someone who has lived in Sydney for 40 years has never once heard a gunshot.
8. Police Don’t Carry Guns
In some countries, police don’t carry guns and can’t shoot a person just because they felt afraid. This is a major difference from what many Americans are used to.
9. Free Healthcare
Many countries offer free healthcare, which is a big contrast to the U.S. system.
10. Generous Paternity Leave
Some countries provide 9 months of paid paternity leave, free preschool (including all meals), free healthcare, and living wages. “Free” in this context means funded from taxes.
11. Sacking Corrupt Officials
In some places, bad government officials are sacked after a week of protests. This shows a strong public response to corruption.
12. No Vaccines for Newborns
In some countries, there are no vaccines for the first two months of life. This isn’t due to being anti-vax, but rather because mothers and newborns stay in their homes during that time.
13. Unique Cultural Practices in Japan
Japan has several unique practices that may surprise Americans. These include kids and parents bathing together until the kids are in their teens, schools being compulsory only until 9th grade, and no “carding” to buy alcohol.
14. Leaving Babies Outside Cafes
In some countries, it’s common to leave prams with babies outside the cafe while you go in for a coffee, even in the winter.
15. Common Use of Bidets
Bidets are common in many Asian countries and are considered a normal part of daily life.
16. Snap Elections
Some countries allow snap elections, meaning they don’t have to wait for 2 or 4 years of political issues to play out.
17. 28 Days of Annual Leave
In some places, employees get 28 days of annual leave, which is more than what many Americans are accustomed to.
18. Rollercoaster Cart in Ecuador
In Ecuador, there’s a rollercoaster cart that drives around town, doing donuts and going super fast while playing music. It’s called “El gusanito” and is a fun, albeit unsafe, attraction.
19. Extended Maternity Leave
Maternity leave in some countries is extremely generous, with colleagues sometimes being out on maternity for 3-4 years.
20. Legal Euthanasia
Euthanasia is legal and supported in some countries, though it’s not incredibly common.
21. Large Family Living Arrangements
In Spain, families often live together indefinitely. A home that would fit a starter family in America might have grandparents, aunts, uncles, and more.
22. Removing Shoes Inside Schools
In some countries, it’s customary to take your shoes off to go inside schools.
23. Walking Barefoot in Public
Walking around in public in bare feet is very common in some places. Supermarket shoppers and others often do this without any social stigma.
24. Bagged Milk
In Ontario and Quebec, bagged milk is a common sight, which might seem unusual to others.
25. Paying for Public Restrooms
In some countries, you have to pay for public restrooms, which is a stark contrast to what many Americans experience.
26. Carrying a Machete in Public
A man walking along a street with a massive machete is no cause for alarm in some places. People aren’t fazed by this.
27. DIY Tooth Repair Kits
In the UK, DIY tooth repair and filling kits are available in drugstores. This is due to long waiting lists for dentists.
