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“An Aisle And A Half For Cereal”: 51 People Share Their Most Unforgettable Culture Clash Moment
Traveling the world opens your eyes to different cultures and customs. Along the way, you may experience moments of shock, some of which may remain with you for a long time.
Here are some anecdotes from people who were surprised by what they saw during their visits to foreign countries. Some were amazed by the locals' politeness, while others were in awe of the cleanliness of the surroundings.
Scroll through and see if you can relate to any of these stories, and feel free to share yours in the comments!
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#5
Yayheterogeneity 6 months ago
Yes, can confirm. But people in Africa are pretty much the same. It's still a hard to accept concept that you don't want to be involved with someone.
#6
Howl's sleeping castle 6 months ago
In India people book their seats in public buses by throwing their kerchief or bags through the window
#8
Limey 6 months ago
In America that they have been brainwashed to think of “politics “ as an inappropriate topic. This is in part because they seem unable to have civil discussions about important things but also (IMO) because this has been instilled as a means of desensitizing them to what is going on. And look where that has landed us…
#9
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#13
Limey 6 months ago (edited)
One of my pet peeves as an expat Brit in the US for 25 years was how almost everyone has to work into the conversation that they go to church. “Oh I know them from church”, “he goes to my church”, we did such and such after church”. I always felt it was disingenuous. Ok so you go to church. That doesn’t mean you are a good person or even (particularly… and noticeably in the US these days) a Christian.
#16
Rahb in Oz 6 months ago
Scandinavian and surrounding countries seem to have the best balance, IMHO.
#17
Rahb in Oz 6 months ago
No place is perfect, but I love Japan. The courtesy and respect are amazing.
#19
Kristiina Männiste 6 months ago
In Estonia you will get fined if you did not stop. Police once tried to fine me for not stopping for a guy who was on sidewalk 1m away from the road just standing, scrolling on his phone. I pointed out that the guy was STILL standing in the exact same place and refused to accept the ticket
#20
Randomosity 6 months ago
I never realized how easy it is to find a public bathroom in the U.S. then I went to Dublin and almost wet myself because I spent a long time looking for one, and didn't know you had to pay. Someone put the coins in for me and I thanked them as I was running for the toilet. 😁
#22
Eastendbird 6 months ago
After spending lots of time in Italy (which we adore!) we eventually came up with the 5% rule. No matter how amazing the experience you have to be prepared for the 5% that is f****d up. It might drop to just 1% or go up to 50% plus but if you're prepared for it it's easier to cope with. Our slang for a completely disorganised and chaotic mess became "It was an Italian roundabout of a situation".
#23
#25
Srinivasan S 6 months ago
Cultural Shock? Yes. Cultural misunderstanding? Also yes Hindu tradition considers the woman as part of the Husband's family tree. So marrying with sister's children is accepted. But it's not accepted when it's your brother's children. Eventhough this has reduced a lot due to scientific reasons and western influence in our culture, some people still practice this
#26
George Costanza 6 months ago
Yep, no trash cans because you shouldn't be making any trash while walking around. The trash cans are at the business you buy something, not on the street. Don't eat/drink and walk and make a mess.
#28
BookFanatic 6 months ago
I (US) met someone from Portugal when I was a young teen. She did the double-kiss and I went home and told my parents I'd been "French kissed" because I'd only heard of French folks doing that. I was a stupid teen.
#32
Tyranamar Suess 6 months ago
I dated a Swede and he bragged about everything. It was very obnoxious.
#34
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#42
Nicole Weymann 6 months ago
...and many other European countries, too. In Germany you can get a minimal supply of highly overprized stuff at gas stations, bakeries are open in the morning (fresh buns are THE breakfast staple), and a handful of pharmacies have are on emergency duty - that's about it for your sunday shopping experience here 90 % of the time. Exceptions being local festivities and the four advent sundays before Christmas.
#43
Howl's sleeping castle 6 months ago
I thought AC buses are common in airports. Atleast in warm and hot countries. We have that even in domestic terminals
#46
Did I say that out loud? 6 months ago
Yeah, I've heard that our mustard catches out quite a few people when they first try it. The best description I've heard is "French mustard is a delicate blend to compliment and enhance your food. English mustard is designed to make your nose bleed."
#47
Petra Peitsch 6 months ago
Stay on the right, to let people passing on your left, and this won't happen.
#48
Daya 6 months ago
How old is this comment? It is not allowed to smoke in restaurants or bars anymore in Germany. As a non-smoker, I love to eat my food without a smoky smells. There are some expectations of this rule, though. If clearly stated, you can smoke in a bar and If you are sitting outside a Café, it is also allowed sometimes.
#51
Auntriarch 6 months ago
I would beg you to open it inside. I love the smell but I don't really enjoy eating them
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Littlemiss 6 months ago
For me it was going into stores in the States and being treated like a human being. I got greeted warmly, helped, and talked to. We don't have customer service here, if you get grunted at you're lucky in most places. Though they will point at a tip jar and look hopeful. We don't tip in New Zealand. I go out of my way to be as polite as possible because I want to treat others as I would like to be treated.
Apocalyptic Excavator 6 months ago (edited)
It's not kindness, it's a business model. They hire more people per square meter of a store and entertaining customers is part of the employees' job description. A customer actually pays for all these interactions in the form of more expensive goods.
Load More Replies...
Huddo's sister 6 months ago
I was actually shocked at how similar Vancouver was to Melbourne. The only difference was the constant smell of m*******a when walking down the street (found out I have a strong almost allergic reaction to it). Canada wide it also seemed that while they were very familiar with gluten allergies (although only the cities guaranteed I would find something I could eat easily) they didn't really get milk/lactose allergies. In Melbourne all cafes stock at least three alternatives to regular milk, including lactose free, whereas I just kept getting offered 2% in Canada.
Littlemiss 6 months ago
For me it was going into stores in the States and being treated like a human being. I got greeted warmly, helped, and talked to. We don't have customer service here, if you get grunted at you're lucky in most places. Though they will point at a tip jar and look hopeful. We don't tip in New Zealand. I go out of my way to be as polite as possible because I want to treat others as I would like to be treated.
Apocalyptic Excavator 6 months ago (edited)
It's not kindness, it's a business model. They hire more people per square meter of a store and entertaining customers is part of the employees' job description. A customer actually pays for all these interactions in the form of more expensive goods.
Load More Replies... Huddo's sister 6 months ago
I was actually shocked at how similar Vancouver was to Melbourne. The only difference was the constant smell of m*******a when walking down the street (found out I have a strong almost allergic reaction to it). Canada wide it also seemed that while they were very familiar with gluten allergies (although only the cities guaranteed I would find something I could eat easily) they didn't really get milk/lactose allergies. In Melbourne all cafes stock at least three alternatives to regular milk, including lactose free, whereas I just kept getting offered 2% in Canada.
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