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Hey there! Ever gone somewhere new and thought, "Wait, nobody does this?" Yeah, same. Let’s jump into a bunch of stuff people thought was totally normal at home, but abroad? Not so much. Ready for some fun culture shocks? Here we go!

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#1

39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

crazycakemanflies , Ray Hennessy Report

In Australia, the birds are so loud, they’re basically nature’s version of a never-ending jam session. Travel somewhere else and suddenly, the quiet is deafening.

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    #2

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    Princess_Butterbean , freepik Report

    In Canada, people actually don’t insult your face randomly. Shocking, right? Visit India or Korea, and strangers might happily tell you exactly what they don’t like. Ouch!

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    #3

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    Ashamed-Addendum-661 , Kelvin Zyteng Report

    Thought everyone gave people room? Nope! Italy finds out personal space is wayyyyy smaller in places like India and China. Time to get cozy!

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    #4

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    ComprehensiveAd1855 , A n v e s h Report

    In the Netherlands, birthday kisses are shouted at *everyone* in the room. So when one traveler accidentally kissed the wrong person in Mexico and said "Happy Birthday!" the result? Super awkward silence and red cheeks.

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    #5

    Away-Extension-9731 Report

    They thought all sun was the same - until the USA and Europe didn’t burn them in 10 minutes. Apparently, New Zealand’s sun has turbo mode.

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    #6

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    lessismore6 , Curated Lifestyle Report

    Kids grow up surrounded by street cats, playing with them like neighborhood celebrities. Other countries? Not so many cat fans roaming the streets.

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    #7

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    NoCrew6900 , Stephen Tettey Atsu Report

    In Ghana, you greet *everyone* you pass, even random strangers. Not so much in places like Germany, where strangers are just strangers.

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    #8

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    Annesolo , Curated Lifestyle Report

    In France, the price tag always includes taxes. Visiting the US? Get ready to be shocked and maybe ditch some shopping because the tax pushes you over budget.

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    #9

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    TipAdventurous9654 , Arthur Wang Report

    Cooking without triggering alarms, midnight strolls without paranoia, veggies galore at the market, free toilets, lightning-fast food delivery, and parks where grandmas party all night. Oh, and a not-so-great soccer team. China’s got some surprises!

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    #10

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    thricedice88 , Swanky Fella Report

    In the UK, you can drink straight from the tap, and guess what? You actually flush toilet paper. Wild stuff, right?

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    #11

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    sprpyllchl , Steven HWG Report

    Old folks, pregnant women, people with all sorts of disabilities get own special lines everywhere. No cutting in line here! Haven't seen this in many other countries.

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    #12

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    Live_Angle4621 , LetsGoToTheMars Report

    Finland is all about practicality. Ever seen a dish-drying cabinet right above the sink? That’s how they roll!

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    #13

    peyko123 Report

    Want a coffee or movie? In Denmark, babies sometimes chill outside the café or theater while parents take a break. Cold? Nope, considered respectful!

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    #14

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    fixitfile , Getty Images Report

    Gyms just for women or men? Yep, that’s the norm in Jordan. It’s more conservative vibes there, so this feels totally natural to locals.

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    #15

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    Foldfish , engin akyurt Report

    Icelanders thought fruits were boring until they tasted a genuinely sweet orange and fresh corn, not canned or frozen. Life upgrade!

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    #16

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    Hacon123 , Siyuan Report

    Spaniards are used to late dinners, but travelers get shocked when restaurants close early elsewhere. Surprise! Not everyone’s into midnight snacks.

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    #17

    Frostsorrow Report

    Canadian folks might leave doors unlocked at home. Making international friends? Yeah, they get real confused about that!

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    #18

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    PygmeePony , Tim Mossholder Report

    In New York, a Belgian visitor was thrilled to find public bathrooms they can actually use for free. What a luxury!

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    #19

    Embarrassed_Ad1722 Report

    Bulgarians nod for no and shake their heads for yes. Travelers abroad had tons of funny, confusing moments trying to figure this out!

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    #20

    bulbousbirb Report

    In Ireland, tap water is tasty, umbrellas are optional, bugs aren’t monsters, and everyone’s happy to chat. Also, no obsessive packaging on veggies. Yeah, it’s kind of awesome.

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    #21

    starshinegirls Report

    Expect big fences topped with barbed wire. Overseas travelers barely saw anything like this in England. Safety first!

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    #22

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    Desperate-Tomatillo7 , Natalia Blauth Report

    In El Salvador, toilet paper belongs in the toilet. Some travelers in other places get puzzled when bins are the norm for used paper.

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    #23

    Ok_Walk9234 Report

    Poles have at least 10 different tea types in their cabinets. A traveler missing cherry tea might end up with just chamomile. Close enough!

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    #24

    KupferTitan Report

    In Germany, waiting at red lights is serious business, unlike some other places where jaywalking seems okay. Oh, and their bread? Top-tier stuff that drops in quality elsewhere.

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    #25

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    Current-Direction218 , Getty Images Report

    Swedes have reliable water that doesn’t randomly go ice-cold or scalding hot. Flow is steady. It’s like plumbing magic!

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    #26

    cornerstorequeer Report

    In parts of the US, people randomly compliment strangers’ shirts or makeup. Visit Toronto and folks just want to be left alone. Culture confusion ensues!

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    #27

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    Yoko_Smoko , engin akyurt Report

    In England, a pint at 10:30 AM on a sunny day isn’t weird. It’s basically a tradition. Other countries might side-eye this, but hey, sun means fun!

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    #28

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    Ricoreded , Kristino Boxers Report

    Wearing shorts practically everywhere - including church - is totally normal in South Africa. Visitors balk a bit, but summer’s hot, right?

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    #29

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    mhikari92 , Colourblind Kevin Report

    In Taiwan, toilet paper comes in interfold boxes like facial tissues. Visitors used to rolls find this neat and a bit confusing.

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    #30

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    Obvious-Picture-8137 , Colin + Meg Report

    In Ghana, rice with stew is normal. Spend a week in Burkina Faso and boom - your whole food math changes.

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    #31

    Creepy-Front-8095 Report

    In Portugal, speed limits kinda exist - just more as loose guidelines. Buckle up for surprise speed rides!

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    #32

    TheBrightMage Report

    Cheap eats 24/7 and water to clean your butt? Thailand has it covered for the perpetual hungry and fresh-feeling.

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    #33

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    sureyoudo0 , freepik Report

    Indian summers feel like crazy boss levels of heat - sticky and hot. But dry heat in the US/Canada at lower temps sometimes burns your skin worse. Who knew?

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    #34

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    ebl725 , Michael T Report

    Americans expect ice in every cold drink. Simple, but also a surprise to visitors who don’t do the icy splash.

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    #35

    eugeneugene Report

    Southern Americans expect you to take off your shoes inside the house, even if your socks smell like daisies. Some visitors find this hard to believe.

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    #36

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    Bitter_Armadillo8182 , Levi Meir Clancy Report

    In Brazil, cheek kissing is basically a greeting handshake replacement. Expect a lot of smooches if you pop by!

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    #37

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    PotatoAnalytics , Kin Shing Lai Report

    Eating with a spoon and fork combo is standard in the Philippines. Other places? Not so much!

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    #38

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    Responsible_Egg_3260 , Denis Report

    First timer in Thailand got sunburn roasted by locals but also offered sunscreen tips. Sunburn = universal language!

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    #39

    39 Totally Normal Things That Seem Weird When You Travel

    storm_borm , Getty Images Report

    In Britain, binge drinking is basically a social must-have at every gathering. Other countries stare and whisper.

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