Strange, but true: users have declassified non-obvious rules of behavior and survival in different countries (13 photos)

In Canada, cars are left unlocked - in case of bears. In Germany, a compliment can be offensive. And in the Netherlands, children... are simply dropped off in the forest and watched to see how they cope with the situation.





When traveling around the world, you can come across such unspoken rules that will baffle even a seasoned tourist. Users shared the most unexpected, strange and even absurd rules of conduct for vacationers, which are commonplace for local residents of a particular country.

1. Canada: Don't lock your car so people can escape polar bears



- My friend was once in the city of Churchill on the shores of the Arctic Ocean and didn't know about this rule. And he didn't even know that it's not a good idea to wander the streets alone at night. He went for a walk and saw a bear. Luckily, a guy in a truck was driving by, stopped and shouted: "Jump in the back!" - and they took off.

2. Vietnam: Crossing the Road as a Quest





- Going out on a busy street for the first time is a real stress. It seems like there is complete chaos around, but in reality, problems arise when you start rushing in different directions. Be predictable, walk calmly, and everyone will understand where you are going. Slow down, speed up, or freeze – you risk getting hit by wheels. The main thing is not to look drivers in the eye and hope that mopeds will go around you.

- I was advised: "Find the oldest grandmother and walk next to her." It worked like a charm!

3. Germany: Sunday = day of silence



On Sunday in this country it is strictly forbidden to:

mow the lawn;

make noise on the street;

throw loud parties;

disturb others in any way.

4. Germany: Envy as the Highest Form of Compliment



- Phrases like "I'm happy for you" or "Well done" are automatically perceived as sarcasm. I once told a German that he had done a great job. He looked like he was about to cry. Apparently, he just didn't know how to react to such words.

5. Switzerland: Quiet Conversation as the Norm of Communication



- Especially Americans (both northern and southern), accustomed to speaking loudly, complain about the whispering Swiss. In Switzerland, it is considered rude to disturb others, so people speak very quietly. Especially in transport. And if you start talking in a movie, you will definitely be hated.

6. Argentina: Loud claps when a lost child is found



- There is an old tradition: if you see a lost child on the beach, you put him on your shoulders and walk along the shore, clapping your hands. Anyone who sees such a picture should also clap - this makes it easier for parents to find their child. Well, yes, here everyone kisses on the cheek - even men with men.

7. Korea: an umbrella as a great treasure



My wife and I would leave her Chanel bag, laptops, phones and wallets in a cafe without any problems. But one day some kid stole our umbrella, mistaking it for his own. His mom even argued with us! And my bike was stolen. So umbrellas and bikes are a tasty morsel for thieves.

And yes – real traditional Korean alcohol soju (not that sweet swill they sell abroad) will cover you so quickly that you won’t even understand how it happened.

8. Finland: Naturalness as a Way of Life



- Sauna? Everyone is naked. Public pool? Swim naked. Changing room? Common space and showers - that means everyone is naked. There are even signs near the saunas with a picture of a swimsuit with a cross through it.

In the Yrjönkatu swimming pool in Helsinki, you can swim completely naked at certain times. And in private houses or summer cottages, everyone calmly steams naked in mixed companies, and then runs to swim in an icy lake. The body is just a body. Everyone has one.

9. Ghana: Food on the head



- Here, vendors easily carry food in baskets... on their heads.

10. New Zealand: Walking barefoot



- Going to shops without shoes is the norm here.

11. Argentina: Generosity and lack of hygiene



- People are shocked when they see how Argentines and Uruguayans calmly pass their mate with one straw (bombilla) to strangers.

12 Netherlands: Extreme Children's "Drop Offs"



- They arrange a quest for children: they blindfold them, drop them off somewhere in the wilderness without phones and say: "Find your way home." Of course, an adult goes with the little ones, but he doesn't help.

From personal experience: my first real "drop off" was in the final year of elementary school (children aged 11-12). We were taken a couple of kilometers away, and we walked back for several hours. Yes, adults were nearby. Yes, for an unprepared person this sounds like complete nonsense.

And what strange rules and traditions have you encountered while traveling?