Marjolein Dilven
Traveling to new countries is exciting, promising fresh experiences and opportunities. But don’t forget that beneath the allure of adventure lies the challenge of adapting to the customs and traditions of these foreign lands. What may appear straightforward can evolve into puzzling conundrums, leaving travelers intrigued and bewildered.
From the nuances of tipping in the United States to the complexities of public restroom fees in Europe, each foreign encounter offers a unique opportunity to explore the intricacies of global etiquette. Here are some bizarre customs that might shock you.
1. Tipping Culture in the US
The tipping culture in the United States is often perplexing for many. It can be challenging to adapt to because it creates a constant dilemma of feeling like you’re either being seen as ungrateful for not tipping enough or as if you’re overpaying by tipping generously.
We know staffing is a significant cost in the restaurant industry. Some argue that it would be simpler to incorporate these expenses into the menu prices. This way, customers could enjoy their dining experience without the added stress of calculating tips.
2. Squatting on Toilets
Some find squatting on toilets challenging to get used to, even when they’re deeply rooted in local culture and tradition. It can be unsettling and unhygienic for those accustomed to Western-style sit-down toilets.
The unfamiliarity of squatting on toilets and the potential for messiness can make it hard to embrace this. The cultural difference can be stark, leading to a sense of discomfort when trying to adapt to local norms.
3. Paying to Use the Toilet
Charging fees for public restrooms in Europe can be a procedure that some people find difficult to adapt. In many other parts of the world, public restrooms are often free.
This can be inconvenient and somewhat unexpected for travelers. It may take time for people to get used to paying for restroom access, especially if they come from regions where it’s not the norm.
4. Portuguese Dessert
Some may find it challenging to get used to the practice of Portuguese servers disappearing after serving dessert. According to Portuguese dining culture, dessert is highly valued, and the tradition allows diners enough time to enjoy it.
5. The Custom of Bartering
Some struggle to embrace bartering. It requires negotiation and often lacks transparency, making people uncertain whether they’re getting a fair deal.
Bartering can be time-consuming, as both parties must agree on the terms of exchange. For those accustomed to the convenience of fixed prices, this practice may feel unfamiliar and inefficient, making it difficult to embrace.
6. Not Including Tax on a Price Tag
The practice of not including taxes on the price tag can be challenging for people to adapt to because it creates transparency issues. Customers prefer knowing the total cost upfront, and hidden taxes can lead to surprises at the checkout counter.
7. Closing the Shop Whenever
In Italy, it’s customary for shops to close without warning at any point during the day. This unpredictability can take time for people accustomed to more consistent business hours.
Adapting may prove difficult due to the lack of routine in shop operating hours, making it hard to plan visits with certainty.
8. No Free Tapwater in Europe
In Europe, it’s customary to pay for bottled water, unlike in other regions where tap water is often provided for free.
This cultural difference in water service can surprise those used to unlimited water access.
9. Five Meals a Day
A Filipino woman introduced her Canadian husband to Filipino eating habits, which involve having five meals daily. He struggled to adapt to this habit due to his different eating routine, which included a lot of rice.
10. Wearing Shoes Inside the House
Wearing shoes indoors can introduce dirt and contaminants into their living spaces, making it challenging to maintain cleanliness. Having shoes on while trying to unwind in the comfort of their home in other cultures may also feel uncomfortable and less relaxing.
11. No Airconditioning or Window Screen
In Europe, the absence of air conditioning is something people can tolerate, especially when it’s not a sweltering summer. Likewise, having no window screens can be manageable.
However, the challenge arises when these two conditions combine for people not used to this setting. The absence of air conditioning in the height of summer, coupled with no window screens, makes it exceptionally uncomfortable due to the lack of ventilation and protection from insects. This combination becomes unsettling for many.
12. Bidets Instead of Toilet Paper
People might be hesitant to switch from toilet paper to bidets because they’re unfamiliar with the sensation and process of using water for cleansing. Bidets are not as common in some parts of the world, so their use may seem unusual or unnecessary to those who haven’t encountered them.
Concerns about hygiene and cleanliness may initially drive some to resist bidets, but with time and education, many come to appreciate their benefits.
13. Everything Is Closed on Sundays
Switzerland’s tradition of completely shutting down all the stores on Sundays is challenging for some people to adapt to because it disrupts their usual routines and access to services. This can feel restrictive and inconvenient, especially for those who need to do essential tasks or prefer a more flexible weekend schedule.
The practice reflects the country’s strong commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and maintaining a work-life balance, which might clash with the expectations of a more fast-paced and 24/7 lifestyle.
14. Openly Spitting in Public
In China, something many find difficult to adapt to is the widespread habit of people openly spitting in public, whether on streets or sidewalks. This behavior can be challenging for outsiders to get used to due to its perceived unsanitary and unpleasant nature.
It differs significantly from other cultures where public spitting is considered impolite or offensive.
15. Don’t You Dare Refusing Food
Refusing food can be hard to adjust to because, in many cultures, declining an offer of food is often considered impolite. However, it’s essential to understand that politely saying “no, thank you” should not be considered rude as it respects individual preferences and dietary choices.
The challenge arises because declining food can sometimes be misinterpreted as a rejection of hospitality or an insult to the cook, making it a sensitive cultural practice to navigate.
Source: Reddit
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Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.