12 Things That Are Completely Ordinary to Us, but Treated Completely Differently in Other Countries (14 photos)

When we travel, we don't often delve into the subtleties of a country's culture and traditions. And that's a shame. After all, our ways of life are different, and when you're in another country, knowing the local traditions will make your travels much easier. Moreover, you'll definitely be able to avoid any awkward situations.





1. In Japan, most streets don't have names.



In Japan, block numbers are used instead of street names. That's why you often hear, "I work/live in the fifth block." The exceptions are major streets and thoroughfares.

2. Curtains Banned in Scandinavia





In Scandinavia and European countries, particularly France, curtains are rare. It's become a habit or a peculiarity. People passing by can even see what's inside the apartment. And personal space isn't a concern here. You may know that people in these countries are generally very open and respectful of other people's privacy.

3. In Singapore, laundry is dried on bamboo canes



Of course, Singapore is famous for its various peculiarities. But there's one that will shock you. They dry laundry on bamboo canes!

4. The Indian Shower



In India, the familiar standard shower is not popular. In this country, such showers can be found in hotels or wealthy homes. The rest of the population, and that's the majority, showers like in the old days: with a bucket and a mug. Since water is precious in India, wasting it is frowned upon. That's why "showers" are constantly frowned upon.

5. In Turkey, there's a dessert made from chicken breast.



It turns out that chicken breast can be used to make more than just cutlets or Caesar salad; you'll be surprised, you can also make an incredible dessert. Turkish pudding, Tavuk Göğsü, is proof of this.

6. Holland has the steepest staircases in the world



The hallmark of Holland is its extremely steep staircases. They are an integral part of canal houses. Since flooding is a constant threat here, buildings were designed very narrow and high, and therefore the staircases inside were cramped and steep.

7. Brazil – the bleaching trick instead of waxing



While women all over the world are looking for ways to get rid of body hair, Brazilians insist that vellus is beautiful. Instead of removing hair, they bleach it with a specialized solution.

8. In Cuba, there is no glass in the windows of houses



Most houses in Cuba have no glass in the windows. Since it's so warm here, glass just gets in the way. Sometimes, you'll only see shutters or blinds on the windows.

9. Japanese "ofuro" baths



Ofuro baths, originally made of wood, are a wonder of Japan. But today, plastic and stainless steel baths are increasingly common. Ofuro baths are found in every Japanese apartment. Taking a bath is a ritual. A person lowers themselves into the water up to their shoulders and covers themselves with a wooden lid, which helps retain heat.

10. In Colombia, they add pieces of salty cheese to hot chocolate.



You might not know, but Colombians have a special relationship with chocolate. It's customary to drink hot chocolate with cheese, no questions asked. Tourists describe this wonder as "the most delicious thing they've ever tasted."

11. In France, milk is stored at room temperature.



Today, you can find different types of milk on our store shelves: both sterilized and ultra-pasteurized. But in most French stores, you only see ultra-pasteurized milk. That's why milk in France is not refrigerated.

12. Red ink is banned in South Korea.



In South Korea, writing a person's name in red pen means they're no longer alive. Therefore, in this country, you need to be extremely careful when choosing a pen to sign a greeting card with.

Bonus: German girls don't wear thigh-high boots



You won't see German girls in thigh-high boots in Germany. It's considered bad manners. And if you do spot a girl wearing thigh-high boots, it's either a local prostitute or a foreigner who doesn't understand local customs.