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Cultural differences are what makes us all unique and what greatly contributes to the excitement of travelling when you get to discover some particularities of a destination that aren't too or at all common in your home country. Eating rotten fish might sound slightly (and literally) off to you, but it’s totally normal in Sweden. Having two passports from the same country is common in Russia, but might not exist where you live. And the practice of eating fried Mars bars might not be the most popular one in North America, but it’s common in Scotland, or seeing police driving Lamborghini as their work car in Italy might not be seen anywhere else.

Check out the list of some strange things from that are only common in certain countries, vote for the weirdest ones, and let us know if you've experienced them in the comments.

#1

Luxembourg's Public Transportation Is Free

Luxembourg's Public Transportation Is Free

In 2020, the public transport was made free for all locals and visitors alike.

Wikimedia Commons Report

Hans
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The efficiency gains must be tremendous.

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    #2

    Nepal's Flag Is Non-Rectangular

    Nepal's Flag Is Non-Rectangular

    The only modern country in the world with a non-quadrilateral flag is Nepal and it is said to derive from Hinduism.

    Balathasan Sayanthan Report

    Sum Guy
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Stop trying to fit in... do your own s**t

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    #3

    There’s A Lamborghini In The Italian Police Fleet

    There’s A Lamborghini In The Italian Police Fleet

    A few years ago, a Lamborghini was added to the police vehicle fleet in Italy, and it’s probably quite fast and, well, impressive to look at.

    massimomormile Report

    mulk
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think they have only one Lamborghini

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    #4

    In Scandinavian Countries, Parents Leave Their Kids To Nap Outside In Cold Temperatures

    In Scandinavian Countries, Parents Leave Their Kids To Nap Outside In Cold Temperatures

    Most Scandinavian parents think that it's healthier to expose their children to as much fresh air as possible. Therefore, they leave them outside to take their naps.

    Bjonsson Report

    Mere Cat
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A Finn here. I know babies that didn't want to nap inside at all, my sister's kid as one of them. Slept like a dream outside, even in extremely cold weather. And was completely warm and happy when woke up. It's all about proper clothing, sleeping bags etc. :)

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    #5

    In Japan, Traffic Lights Seem To Be Blue

    In Japan, Traffic Lights Seem To Be Blue

    As the word for green originally didn't exist till later and 'blue' was used to refer to both green and blue, Japan uses the most blue shade of green that is legally possible.

    David McKelvey Report

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    #6

    Bathtubs Made Of Wood Are Used In Japan

    Bathtubs Made Of Wood Are Used In Japan

    The ofuro baths are for sitting and soaking in hot water and are not frequently found around the world.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Very tiny bath tub. Don't think my fat a**e would even fit in lol.

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    #7

    Colombians Drink Hot Chocolate Cheese

    Colombians Drink Hot Chocolate Cheese

    The sweet cocoa drink is consumed with savory cheese slices. And if you've tried it, you know that it's quite delicious, but surely not common elsewhere.

    einalem Report

    Iggy
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This actually sounds fantastic.

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    #8

    In France, Milk Is Not Refrigerated

    In France, Milk Is Not Refrigerated

    Most of the milk sold in France is pasteurised at UHT (ultra high temperature) and therefore doesn't have to be stored in cold.

    nikolai chernichenko Report

    Shelp
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ...and doesn't look like that either

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    #9

    Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu

    Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu

    This place in New Zealand is said to have the longest name and it's 85 characters. Have you tried to pronounce it?

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Shelp
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well it seems quite easy to pronounce, consonant/vowel/consonant/vowel etc. Just take a deep breathe and go

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    #10

    People In The UK Have A Competition To Roll After A Giant Cheese Wheel

    People In The UK Have A Competition To Roll After A Giant Cheese Wheel

    The annually held Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling is a competition where people race down the 200-yard hill chasing a giant wheel of cheese.

    Dennis Lam Sweden Report

    Jayne Kyra
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And in 2020 they rolled a Babybel cheese down the hill since the event had to be cancelled.

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    #11

    Some East Asian Countries Wore Face Masks Pre-Pandemic

    Some East Asian Countries Wore Face Masks Pre-Pandemic

    In countries like South Korea, for the safety of others, people would wear face masks even when having a common cold prior to the pandemic.

    Gayatri Malhotra Report

    Sum Guy
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And I think it should be common practice when you have a common cold

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    #12

    In The Netherlands, Stairs Are Usually Very Steep And Narrow

    In The Netherlands, Stairs Are Usually Very Steep And Narrow

    To some foreigners, staircases in the Netherlands might look more like a health risk than anything. Historically, the buildings were built up rather than out, saving all the centimeters possible.

    Kirsten Loza Report

    Hecking Heavy
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fall down the stairs with more fall this time! Yay!

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    #13

    In Ecuador, The Trash Trucks' Tune Is Similar To What Ice Cream Trucks Play In The USA

    In Ecuador, The Trash Trucks' Tune Is Similar To What Ice Cream Trucks Play In The USA

    If you are visiting Ecuador, you might mistake the garbage truck tune with an ice cream tune and get highly disappointed.

    natibal Report

    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank f**k our trucks don't have a tune, especially when they can come at 6am.

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    #14

    You Can Walk From The North To The South Of Monaco In About An Hour

    You Can Walk From The North To The South Of Monaco In About An Hour

    Due to the size of this country, you can easily walk the length of the whole country. How convenient!

    Google Maps Report

    Hecking Heavy
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Vatican City is also another country you can walk across in less than 60 minutes!

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    #15

    There Are 'Bra Studies' In Hong Kong

    There Are 'Bra Studies' In Hong Kong

    At Hong Kong polytechnic, you can major in Bra Studies, where Top Form manufacturer has its lab and factory.

    tinaxduzgen Report

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    #16

    In Italy, Restaurants Include Service Charge

    In Italy, Restaurants Include Service Charge

    You are not expected to tip in Italy as it is quite normal for the service charge to be added to the bill.

    tripadvisor Report

    Shelp
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same in most of Europe as far I know. I don't even understand how people in the US can expect the waiters to rely uniquely on tips in order to survive, and how some people still want to do that job.

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    #17

    In Italy Cappuccino Is More Of A Breakfast Drink

    In Italy Cappuccino Is More Of A Breakfast Drink

    Italians associate milk with mornings; cappuccinos are traditionally drank as a morning beverage.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always thought espressos were a morning drink to get you going.

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    #18

    Fried Mars Bars Are A Thing In Scotland

    Fried Mars Bars Are A Thing In Scotland

    This food item of questionable health value originated in Scotland in a fish and chips shop. It's battered and deep-fried. Would you like to try?

    Peter Shanks Report

    Iván Galarraga
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it's actually quite delicious, but wait till cool down unleast you want to burn your tongue with hot chocolate

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    #19

    In Thailand, There Is A Nationwide Water Fight In April

    In Thailand, There Is A Nationwide Water Fight In April

    If you are into water fights as much as Thai people, you should participate in Songkran, the Thai New Year's national holiday (13th of April). The water fight is a part of ritual cleansing during the celebration period.

    Phuket@photographer.net Report

    #20

    Bamboo Poles Are Used As Drying Rails In Singapore

    Bamboo Poles Are Used As Drying Rails In Singapore

    Don't be surprised seeing clothing drying on bamboo poles in this country—the bamboo material is widely available, making it quite a popular tool to dry things.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    #21

    In Thailand, People Remove Their Shoes Before Entering A Building

    In Thailand, People Remove Their Shoes Before Entering A Building

    One of the things related to feet etiquette in Thailand is taking one's shoes off before entering a building—that's to keep dirt from the outside outdoors.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Mia Quest
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All Arabs and Asians do that too :)

    Ji
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep! A few don’t, but most homes in Asia have you take off work shoes and put on home slippers when entering a home, or even a school.

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    Aya Hikage
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    in germany it's quite common too but we take the shoes off inside. I think that should be more common elsewhere too. I don't understand why you would wear the shoes in your house you also wear on the street. It just makes no sense to me, I mean you have so much less cleaning to do if you take the shoes off

    Mama Panda
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the southwest part of the USA, there are scorpions that blend in with carpeting and are also venomous so it's wise to wear shoes inside or else the hospital would be flooded daily by scorpion stings.

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't wanna leave your shoes outside in Australia otherwise you may find a snake or spider has taken up residence lol.

    Vicky Z
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I would sleep with my shoes on if I was there I'm scared of almost every insect lizard etc

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    Kitti B.
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's the same here in Hungary and in most European countries. Having your shoes on in your home is barbaric :P

    H Edwards
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually think there are more countries where it's preferred to remove your outside shoes than countries where you don't.

    denzoren
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always found it weird when people enter their homes with their shoes or even go onto their bed with it. I grew up knowing that you've got to take off your shoes before you enter the house.

    BorPand8
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are they talking about entering a building in general, or just people's homes? Because nobody in the Philippines takes their shoes off before entering a public building... I found a blog that says Thai people take them off before entering "temples, stores, hostels, hotels, and even on sleeper buses." Temples, definitely. But stores? That's just gross.

    BlockDog02
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, same here in Poland. But not churches really, as those are the Christian temples I suppose

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    frederic eeckman
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sure we do that at home, but not in EVERY building. I wouldn't take my shoes to go to the post office.

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    Manatee Mermaid
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Jamaica we take off outside shoes and wear house shoes inside. My American friends would always tell me to leave my shoes on but it felt disrespectful to me so I always took them off. I admit it's annoying with snow boots but all the more reason to not track stuff inside.

    Sac Shim
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Japan as well. It’s much more hygienic. The horror of having a pair of dirty shoes and getting up on a bed..

    향미
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    as an Asian, I think it’s weird to *not* take your shoes off

    BlockDog02
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same in Poland :) At least in your own house, not really in buildings that aren't a person's home. I've got just socks on rn lol

    names and books
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i'm in the us and i don't wear shoes in the house... do people do that?

    Allan Miller
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We do that in Canada on the west coast.

    Mark Schilling
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    The east too. Wearing shoes inside is an American thing.

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    zenitsusunshine
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    same back home in japan; even in schools, you have to change out of your outdoor shoes and put on your indoor shoes

    Donkey boi
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most of Europe, the Middle East and Asia do this. Some it's as you enter, others it's pretty much as pictured.

    Nick P
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A very common thing in India. It's disrespectful to wear your footwear inside the house/temple.

    Curry on...
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I take my shoes off at the door. There's no sense in tracking the outside grime in.

    Guðrún Sveinsdóttir
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We take of our shoes in my country because of the weather.

    Carito alias La Cototina
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am from Chile and we use shoes inside the house, I emigrated to England and here everyone I know takes the shoes off when the enter a house. Some people even bring their own sleepers or socks to wear inside! I love this.

    Leo Domitrix
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is common in some European cultures, too. Shoes off!

    Crazy Dog Lady
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THIS should be the custom in all homes/businesses. Once we started removing shoes in our home the floors were such much cleaner.

    Jasmine Hufflepuff Henderson
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some people have to wear shoes inside though. I have to because I have a leg that turns inward and my shoes are the only thing that helps my leg to not turn in and keeps me balanced. My grandmother also has planters heel and she has to wear shoes to help with the pain.

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    Mark Kelly
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well in Canada only our homes.

    Verena Abt
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's done in so many places!!!

    Sue User
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do this. Now I don't take them off outside because they would get wet, but right inside the door.

    Hello Dolly
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish I could get my family to follow this rule! I even have a shoe rack and a special closet for shoes. I still find shoes around the house. Biggest pet peeve is when my hubby come home after a work out and keeps his shoes on and they touch the couch. Like come one we lay around on the couch I don’t want your shoes on it.

    Charlotte Shortt
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    my mom makes me do this any time we walk in the house...

    Anna Tuomisalo
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Northern countries too, like Finland.

    backatya
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So now your rug has smelly feet sweat and your shoes get spiders and other bugs in it.

    ASHRFOX
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is a common thing in rural areas of most countries, especially on farms so you don't track s**t all over the floor

    Fairsher
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most Canadians remove their shoes also.

    Babs Grieshaber
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't wear my shoes in my house, sounds perfectly normal to me. They come off at the door.

    M Kate McCulloch
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wear shoes indoors or out as little as possible. I like free feet... lol

    Sharon Vaughn
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I take my shoes off when I come home and sometimes when entering a friend's home just b/c I prefer being barefoot.

    Tracy Danis
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most Canadian do this when entering homes.

    Premislaus de Colo
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Rall
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most of the world remove their shoes inside, always bothered me to see americans laying in bed or on the sofa with shoes on

    CharliAnn Olney
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A lot of Americans do that as well. I grew up that way. I always thought it odd that people did not take off their shoes in the house. Not Asian. Native American

    Barbara Vandewalle
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My cousins in Canada did that. The mother knitted slippers for everyone in the family.

    Demetri Bryant
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No $500 pairs of Air Jordans sold in that country...

    surprised pikachu
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In america we take off our shoes when their dirty. However I have noticed it becoming a trend

    Brandy Grote
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We did it to keep the carpet clean. We lived in San Diego. It was common in Hawaii as well, due to the Asian influence.

    Lynne Harbison
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Courtesy in any country. Who wants dirt, faeces, urine and God knows what else brought into the house on the soles of shoes.

    Raven Sheridan
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is shoe theft rampant in Thailand?

    Mark Kelly
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What? We do it here in Canada.

    ArhomR
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    First one out is best dressed

    Trish Slaughter
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I was small (back when dinosaurs roamed the earth and dirt was new) you automatically took your school shoes off when you came in the door. You put on slippers so your good shoes and your mom’s clean floors lasted longer,.

    Tyrel McAllister
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We did that in Canada, and we do that in Fiji. Only country i am aware of that usually wears shoes inside is the United States

    NATHAN ENGLANDER
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some Americans like me have that rule too. Mostly because my family has OCD and shoes are absolutely disgusting.

    A. Jones
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do this at home (states), but leave the shoes inside by the door (door entry is tiled). It helps keep the carpets clean and reduce bringing in germs.

    Christina Eneroth (Eneroth3)
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Scandinavians do too. It's quite disgusting to walk with outdoor shoes inside a home.

    Meghna Mohan
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In India, we either go barefoot inside the house or have specific flip-flops or comfortable slippers to wear inside alone. The outgoing shoes are kept outside or in a shoe box at the entrance of the house.

    Ego_TheMusic
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yup many New Zealanders too, especially on Marae.

    Mark Schilling
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And so they should, at least in private homes.

    Michelle V
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I could totally live with that!

    Radek Suski
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not common here but It's how I was been raised in Poland and my German wife do that as well so no shoes in our house 😜

    lailyfnoor
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's more like Asian thing,, and maybe other countries too

    kjorn
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i never kept my shoes inside my house.

    AzKhaleesi
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People that come to my house in the US do this to because if you dirty my floors I'll be pissed.

    Tiny Dynamine
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This happens in many countries, even some European ones.

    Aunt Messy
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And in Japan, and if you go to someone's home in Canada, you take off your shoes.

    Sum Guy
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also most Southern African households...

    Mary Rose Kent
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    But what they don’t mention is that it’s VERY RUDE to have the bottom of your foot positioned so that it’s facing/pointing at anyone.

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    #22

    There Are No Street Names In Costa Rica

    There Are No Street Names In Costa Rica

    Although some streets might have names, they might not necessarily have signs, so the addresses in Costa Rica are still described by local landmarks.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    M O'Connell
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It appears that mailing addresses are on a grid, regardless of the street pattern. I have relatives who live in a US municipality that does this too.

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    #23

    In Some Parts Of Highways In Germany, Speed Limit Is Only A Recommendation

    In Some Parts Of Highways In Germany, Speed Limit Is Only A Recommendation

    On the federal highway system AKA autobahn in Germany, the speed limit in certain places is only a recommendation and drivers can choose to drive as fast as they want.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Ritchat
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's not 100% correct. We do have speed limit on the Autobahn and they have to be obeyed. But we do have a sign that cancels the last speed limit. THEN you are allowed to drive as fast as you want. So it's only allowed on specific sections of the Autobahn.

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    #24

    In Slovakia, A Live Carp Is Kept In A Bathtub Before Preparing It For Christmas Dinner

    In Slovakia, A Live Carp Is Kept In A Bathtub Before Preparing It For Christmas Dinner

    A Christmas tradition in Slovakia is letting the carp that is meant for dinner swim in the bathtub for a few days to clean its tract, since it's a bottom feeder. And, well, people don't take baths unless they want to share the tub with a fish.

    Andrij Bulba Report

    Jayne Kyra
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is also killed in the tub and people keep a scale from the carp in their wallet to attract money. Thankfully, we have never done it, but it is still a thing.

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    #25

    Sitting In A Sauna In Finland Can Be A Competition

    Sitting In A Sauna In Finland Can Be A Competition

    World sauna endurance championships were so famed that people from different countries would compete in this extreme activity in the homeland of saunas—Finland.

    Hotel Arthur Report

    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I remember rightly a guy died a year or two ago whilst doing one of these competitions. I can barely last 5 mins in a sauna.

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    #26

    People In The Netherlands Don't Use Curtains

    People In The Netherlands Don't Use Curtains

    It seems that the Dutch don't mind people looking into their homes. This might be coming from Protestant religious traditions and the notion of 'I have nothing to hide.'

    storebukkebruse Report

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    #27

    Russians Have 2 Passports

    Russians Have 2 Passports

    Citizens of Russia have two passports: one national passport that serves more like an ID and a passport for travelling abroad.

    mmamontov Report

    Samantha PandaNotBored
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Russian train stations are something else . Each one different, each one beautiful. You can travel from Moscow to St Petersburg economy for around £4 Stay in a YMCA instead of a small room , they are much cleaner and very cheap . The Russians have a wonderful dessert , it’s like a doughnut, but much much more yummy . Cheap too !

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    #28

    South Koreans Think That Writing In Red Ink Is A Bad Omen

    South Koreans Think That Writing In Red Ink Is A Bad Omen

    In the past, writing someone's name in red in the book registry meant that the person is deceased.

    Crystal Report

    mulk
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "red pen shop": oooooh noooooooo

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    #29

    In Brazil, Hair Lightening Is Just As Popular As Hair Removal

    In Brazil, Hair Lightening Is Just As Popular As Hair Removal

    Some women in Brazil like to bleach their body hair rather than remove it completely in order to keep the light fuzz.

    Andrey Report

    Iggy
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a good idea. A lot less painful.

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    #30

    Unmarried 25-Year-Olds In Denmark Get Covered In Cinnamon

    Unmarried 25-Year-Olds In Denmark Get Covered In Cinnamon

    This messy tradition derives from spice sellers in 16th-century Denmark who were famed to be single and were called 'pepper men' and this makes a perfect extra excuse to party more. So why not?

    Steven Worster Report

    Birgit M
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whoa! I once had a Tequila Gold that comes with a piece of orange covered in cinnamon. I accidentally inhaled a tiny bit of that powder and nearly choked to death!

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    #31

    Some Streets In Japan Don’t Have Names

    Some Streets In Japan Don’t Have Names

    Due to the different addressing system in Japan, the blocks have names instead of the spaces between them (streets).

    wikipedia Report

    Nizumi
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I vaguely remember that addressing mail in Japan works like this: Country, province, city, ward, block, house, person. Kind of a "drill down" method of writing the address. Neat!

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    #32

    People In Singapore Reserve Seats In Public Eateries

    People In Singapore Reserve Seats In Public Eateries

    As you need to order food from the counter and risk not being able to find a seat, Singaporeans leave anything from umbrellas to packs of tissues to maintain seats reserved for when they return with their purchased meal.

    CELSprojects Report

    Dark_flame
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not limited to Singapore, I'd say... I'm from Northern Europe and it isn't an uncommon custom here

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    #33

    There's A Dessert In Turkey That Contains Chicken Breast

    There's A Dessert In Turkey That Contains Chicken Breast

    Shredded chicken breast in a milk dessert, anyone? Tavuk göğsü is a sweet served in Turkey that might be not to everyone's taste.

    a 1 u c a r d Report

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    #34

    While Taking Photos, Dutch Say “Smile At The Little Bird”

    While Taking Photos, Dutch Say “Smile At The Little Bird”

    Surprisingly, instead of saying "cheese" (after all, a lot of cheese is made in the Netherlands), the Dutch say "Lach eens naar het vogeltje" ("Smile at the little bird").

    Shim Report

    Russell Ellwardt
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because, in the 19th century when photos were taken in studios with long exposures, photographers had a little bird figure indeed to focus people's attention and thus their view. This is not a Dutch thing. Just like most entries in this thread, this one is crap.

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    #35

    In Sweden, Rotten Fish Is A Food Item

    In Sweden, Rotten Fish Is A Food Item

    Lightly salted and fermented Baltic sea herring has been in Swedish cuisine since the 16th century and it's famed for its extremely particular taste.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Dark_flame
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know anyone who's tasted it tho, born and raised in the capital of Sweden

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    #36

    Swedes Cool Their Drinks Outside

    Swedes Cool Their Drinks Outside

    A perk of having cold winters in Sweden is that you can cool your drinks outside in the snow. Perhaps a few countries take advantage of infinite alcohol cooling opportunities outdoors.

    GregMontani Report

    Dark_flame
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Think this might be quite usual in most countries with cold winters?

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    #37

    In The Netherlands, It's Common To Answer The Phone With 'Hoi'

    In The Netherlands, It's Common To Answer The Phone With 'Hoi'

    No matter how bizarre it sounds, it's normal for the Dutch to answer the phone with the very old-school 'hoi,' that even gave the roots for the nautical term 'ahoy.'

    idleman Report

    A H
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I live here in the Netherlands, speak Dutch, and I don't understand how this is weird. "Hoi" just means hi and it isn't 'old school' at all

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    #38

    The UK And Some Other Countries Still Drive On The Left Side

    The UK And Some Other Countries Still Drive On The Left Side

    Driving on the left side of the road is a feudal heirtage of the days when it was more convenient to hold and use swords in the right hand and have any opposing traffic on the same side in order to fight them.

    David Dixon Report

    #39

    The Swedish Use A Special Cheese Slicer Instead Of A Knife

    The Swedish Use A Special Cheese Slicer Instead Of A Knife

    The Swedish are so serious about cheese that they use a cheese slicer (which is said to have been invented by Norwegians) instead of a regular knife.

    Wikimedia Commons Report

    Dark_flame
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Didn't know this was uncommon in other countries, they seem to be available in other European countries as well?

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