20 Things Unique To Some Countries, That Often Leave Visitors Surprised

I think it’s safe to say that every country in the world has certain traditions that may seem a little bizarre to those visiting. And I don’t mean that in a bad way – after all, it’s the cultural differences that make all of us unique.

#1 Nepal’s Flag Is Non-Rectangular

Image source: Balathasan Sayanthan

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

#2 Luxembourg’s Public Transportation Is Free

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

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

#3 Bathtubs Made Of Wood Are Used In Japan

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

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

#4 There’s A Lamborghini In The Italian Police Fleet

Image source: massimomormile

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.

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

Image source: Bjonsson

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.

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

Image source: Dennis Lam Sweden

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.

#7 In Japan, Traffic Lights Seem To Be Blue

Image source: David McKelvey

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.

#8 Colombians Drink Hot Chocolate Cheese

Image source: einalem

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.

#9 Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

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

#10 In Ecuador, The Trash Trucks’ Tune Is Similar To What Ice Cream Trucks Play In The USA

Image source: natibal

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

#11 In France, Milk Is Not Refrigerated

Image source: nikolai chernichenko

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

#12 In The Netherlands, Stairs Are Usually Very Steep And Narrow

Image source: Kirsten Loza

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.

#13 There Are ‘Bra Studies’ In Hong Kong

Image source: tinaxduzgen

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

#14 In Italy Cappuccino Is More Of A Breakfast Drink

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

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

#15 Some East Asian Countries Wore Face Masks Pre-Pandemic

Image source: Gayatri Malhotra

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.

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

Image source: Google Maps

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

#17 Fried Mars Bars Are A Thing In Scotland

Image source: Peter Shanks

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?

#18 In Italy, Restaurants Include Service Charge

Image source: tripadvisor

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

#19 In Thailand, There Is A Nationwide Water Fight In April

Image source: Phuket@photographer.net

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.

#20 Bamboo Poles Are Used As Drying Rails In Singapore

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

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.