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40 Things That Make Americans Seriously Scratch Their Heads While Overseas

Public Bathrooms Costing Money

Public Bathrooms Costing Money

If you need to use the restroom in Europe, make sure you have a few euros in your pocket.

Restrooms across the EU cost money, and some even have people waiting outside to take money—no sneaking!

Open Air Urinals in Paris

Open Air Urinals in Paris

In what can only be described as the most un-French thing to ever happen, Paris has recently installed open air urinals--where the public is free to urinate in full view of anyone unlucky enough to pass by them. 

Apparently the city has had an issue with public urination, so it's understandable they'd want to do something about it. We just thought "doing something about it" wouldn't involve encouraging more public urination. 

No Gaps in Bathroom Stalls

No Gaps in Bathroom Stalls

This one goes both ways. Europeans are shocked when they use our public restrooms because there are gaps. In Europe, there aren’t gaps in a ton of places. 

Can you imagine going to the bathroom without seeing people walking around through the little gap in the stall? Sounds like an exclusive club.

Snakes in Australian Toilets

Snakes in Australian Toilets

Despite what you may have heard about Australia, it's not the brutal, dangerous place you may be imagining. Except for the snakes in toilets. 

During the dry season, snakes searching for water have been known to slither into a home or two--and what better place to find H20 than a toilet? If you're vacationing and this happens to you, don't worry, they're not poisonous--most of the time. 

Lack of Bathroom Rules in Paris

Lack of Bathroom Rules in Paris

If you’re in Paris, don’t freak out if a woman walks into the men’s restroom to use the bathroom. It’s normal. 

Needless to say, it’s pretty dang shocking for some Americans who are used to strict, gendered restrooms. 

(Image via Pexels)

Not Flushing Toilet Paper in Mexico

Not Flushing Toilet Paper in Mexico

In many buildings in Mexico and Latin America, the pipes aren't designed to handle toilet paper being flushed. While this is not entirely uncommon in the USA, the stakes aren't usually as high as screwing up the plumbing for an entire building. 

For those of us who flush toilet paper and are worried we'll forget this bit of etiquette, this rule will be seared in your memory once you flood your first hotel room. 

Squat Toilets from Around the World

Squat Toilets from Around the World

In America, we might sit on a porcelain throne, but in other countries, they prefer to squat. Squat toilets are found in many Asian and South Asian countries, but they are a rarity in the Western world.

Despite claims that these toilets are more hygienic and healthier for humans, we're not sure if we're ready to pop a squat.  

Hundertwasser Toilets of New Zealand

Hundertwasser Toilets of New Zealand

In America, we try to think about the bathroom and what goes on in there as little as possible. In New Zealand, they turn the whole experience into a freaking art museum. 

The Hundertwasser Toilets in Kawakawa, New Zealand were designed by an artist using recycled materials from around the city. The end result is a bathroom that is more unique and creative than it ever needed to be. 

Walter Niederbauer/500Px Plus/Getty Images

Colorful Gravestones in Romania

Colorful Gravestones in Romania

Romania is serious about its gravestones—particularly in a place called Sapanta. 

There, there’s a “Merry Cemetery” that features tombstones that depict how the person died using little cartoon characters. Yeah, that would totally not be cool here.

(Image via Wikipedia)

Police Officers on Rollerblades in France

Police Officers on Rollerblades in France

Apparently, in France, police officers wear rollerblades. Sometimes, they scoot around in groups, so you can hear them before seeing them. 

We don’t even let bellhops at Sonic wear skates anymore!

rawfile redux/Photodisc/Getty Images

Kindergartens in Amsterdam

Kindergartens in Amsterdam

We can’t verify where in Amsterdam, but apparently, there was a kindergarten located directly above the red light district. 

Guess that would work as great birth control, huh?

(Image via Wikipedia)

Underage Drinking in Germany

Underage Drinking in Germany

In America, you can’t drink until you’re 21. Well, some visiting teens are excited to learn that the drinking age in Germany is 16. 

If you have a parent, you can drink at 14. Guess that’s one way to pass the time.

Lots of Smoking

Lots of Smoking

Smoking has pretty much become something taboo in America, but Europe? Nah. People smoke a lot more than anyone expects.

If you can’t stand the smell of cigarettes, Europe may not be for you.

Age Restrictions on Energy Drinks in the UK

Age Restrictions on Energy Drinks in the UK

This one kinda makes sense, but it’s still really weird. If you’re sleepy in the UK, it’s easier to get coffee than an energy drink. 

You have to be 16 in order to get one! It’s a recent law that’s supposed to keep energy drinks out of kids’ hands.

Numerous Pharmacies in Spain

Numerous Pharmacies in Spain

We have a lot of pharmacies in the United States, but it’s nothing compared to Spain. 

There’s a pharmacy on pretty much every street corner, and you don’t need a prescription for most things.

(Image via Flickr)

Vending Machines with Beer in Iceland

Vending Machines with Beer in Iceland

Maybe this one isn’t a huge surprise for some, but it’s still shocking to see. A vending machine that sells hard drinks? Next thing you know, there will be machines that can dispense cocktails.

Actually, we’d be willing to give it a shot.

Jackyenjoyphotography/Moment/Getty Images

Blue Big Bird in Holland

Blue Big Bird in Holland

Alright, this one is pretty tame compared to the others, but it’s pretty shocking. Here you are, used to a YELLOW Big Bird, and you come across a BLUE Big Bird with the Sesame Street gang? 

They call him Pino, but we all know better.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

Cafes Turning into Bars in France

Cafes Turning into Bars in France

This one happens in more than just France, for sure, but France is really known for doing it. 

During the day, you can study in a café, and visit the same place that night for a drink. They just swap out the menu and start selling those stiff drinks.

UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Old, Old, OLD History

Old, Old, OLD History

America has history, but you don’t really interact with it on a regular basis. In Europe? It’s ancient—literally. It isn’t weird to live around history. 

One person was shocked when they saw a sign at a brewery that was established in 1489, three years before “Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”

Geography Photos/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Random Restaurants in Germany

Random Restaurants in Germany

When you’re out hiking in Germany, you’ll want a good bottle of water and…an entire restaurant?

Some hiking areas are populated by restaurants that are only accessible via a little hike. You can sit and enjoy the view while munching on some wurst. 

Arterra/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Requesting the Check

Requesting the Check

This is another one that happens a lot in Europe. There, a waiter will only come by sparingly. 

When you want your check, you have to wave them down. They’ll leave you with empty glasses until you request attention. 

Public Drinking in Germany

Public Drinking in Germany

Public drinking is totally chill in Europe, but it’s most prevalent in Germany. 

In America, you can get a ticket for having an open container out, but there? It’s totally fine to drink outdoors. You can start drinking at 9 AM for all they care!

Future Publishing/Future Publishing/Getty Images

Country Road, Take Me Home

Country Road, Take Me Home

For some reason, Europe loves “Country Road, Take Me Home.”

During a trip through Italy, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, bars are known for playing the song at least once, and locals absolutely love it.

(Image via Pexels)

Massive Amounts of Tourists in Italy

Massive Amounts of Tourists in Italy

America has tourist spots, sure, but it’s nothing like Europe. Some areas have so many people that it’s nearly unbearable. 

The Vatican is basically one long line with thousands upon thousands of people (if not millions).

(Image via Pexels)

No Toilet Paper in China

No Toilet Paper in China

In some areas in China, you have to bring your own toilet paper. 

Even more surprising to Americans, some of them don’t have walls between the toilet! Instead, there are just little fences to mark the space.

Pickpockets

Pickpockets

America moved beyond pickpockets. Now, we have to worry about card skimmers, so some people forget that there are petty thieves all around the world. It can truly be as bad as people say. 

When you’re sitting at a café, someone can fly by on a bike and swipe your phone. People will reach into your purse or pocket and take your belongings. 

Tanning Anywhere in Sweden

Tanning Anywhere in Sweden

Americans want to be tan, but we don’t tan wherever we please. 

In Sweden, it doesn’t matter where they are—next to a museum, a Fika shop—it honestly doesn’t matter. They’ll stop wherever they want for some rays.

Matthias Clamer/Stone/Getty Images

Beer is Cheaper Than Water in Austria

Beer is Cheaper Than Water in Austria

Depending on where you go, beer is sometimes cheaper than water. Water is pretty important, so what’s up with that? Plus, don’t you need water to make beer? 

Guess when Jesus turned water into wine, he went a little overboard some places.

(Image via Pexels)

Necrolog in Bulgaria

Necrolog in Bulgaria

A Necrolog is an obituary placed on a wall, tree, bus stop, street lamps, or other areas. They’re supposed to honor that person, but they look just like our wanted posters. 

Anyone who doesn’t know better would probably think Bulgarians are really proud of their criminals.

NIKOLAY DOYCHINOV/AFP/Getty Images

Shirts with Random English Words

Shirts with Random English Words

This one is pretty common in areas where English isn’t popular. 

Nothing is better than getting a friend a hot pink shirt with friendly, yellow front that just says “scum.” Love ya, buddy!

Mike Kemp/Corbis News/Getty Images

Lack of Air Conditioning in Italy

Lack of Air Conditioning in Italy

Italy gets as hot as America, and we’re talking about the hotter areas of America. It isn’t weird for it to be 90 degrees, but many buildings and apartments don’t have air conditioning. 

What the heck?! Talk about a heat stroke.

(Image via Pexels)

Bizarre Scams in Ukraine

Bizarre Scams in Ukraine

People will go a long way to force you to pay money. 

One weird scam is when people come up to you, put four living monkeys on you without permission, and then force you to pay money for the pictures you didn’t ask for. This has to be weird everywhere. 

Pedestrian Rights in Switzerland

Pedestrian Rights in Switzerland

Sure, pedestrians have the right of way in America, but that doesn’t mean cars pay attention. Walking across a street is a dangerous sport. 

Switzerland, on the other hand, is serious. Cars will slow down significantly if you’re anywhere near the crosswalk. It honestly makes it kind of awkward.

(Image via Pexels)

Everything Seems Small

Everything Seems Small

This goes for many countries around the world. In America, we have plenty of space, so we go oversized.

In other places, showers, elevators, cars, and rooms are all generally pretty small. Even the freaking sidewalks are super thin! 

monzenmachi/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Karaoke in the Philippines

Karaoke in the Philippines

Karaoke is a big thing in the Philippines—no, seriously. It’s a huge thing. It’s a widespread pastime among Filipinos, and it can get seriously competitive. 

It’s basically like football in the South. There are even records of violence breaking out over song choices!

The Selfie Stick Business

The Selfie Stick Business

Visit anywhere in Europe, and you’ll see a ton of people selling selfie sticks. They’ll just stand on the side of sidewalks and roads saying “Selfie stick? Selfie stick!” 

Apparently, it’s a billion-dollar industry there or something.

Thieving Baggage Handlers in Budapest

Thieving Baggage Handlers in Budapest

Don’t put anything valuable in your luggage in Budapest! 

The baggage handlers are so untrustworthy that there’s a service where you pay them to shrink-wrap your luggage so that you know your stuff wasn’t rifled through. Why not just fire the culprits?

Public Pooping in China

Public Pooping in China

Walking around Beijing? Try to look where you’re going. Apparently, public pooping, as in pooping in public areas that aren’t a toilet, is common. 

Yeah, this sounds like a pretty crappy situation.

Lack of Ice

Lack of Ice

Some places overseas can get pretty hot. Sure, you don’t want ice when you visit Russia, but Italy? You better believe I want ice in my water when it’s 90 degrees outside. 

Good luck getting it without asking, though.

(Image via Pexels)

Free Healthcare in Sweden

Free Healthcare in Sweden

Sprain an ankle or break a finger in Sweden? Don’t be afraid to go to the hospital! 

It’s definitely surprising when you go to an emergency room, get treated, and go to pay, only to find out that your bill is $0.

(Image via Pexels)

Waiters Saying No in Italy

Waiters Saying No in Italy

Don’t ask for an espresso before dessert, because you’ll get a big ol’ “no.” Italian waiters feel they know best in regards to food and drink, particularly where it goes and when. 

It’s weird, but hey, Italian food is pretty great, so maybe they do know best.

Corn on Everything in South Korea

Corn on Everything in South Korea

South Korea imports a lot of corn. They love it. They love it so much that they’ll even put it on pizza—yes, pizza. 

If you’re visiting South Korea, make sure to ask for your food without corn.

hot8030/iStock/Getty Images Plus

American Hatred

American Hatred

Other countries don’t have the same fondness for America that we have for ourselves.

It isn’t odd for an American to visit somewhere overseas, and someone stops to tell them everything wrong with America and Americans.

Lack of Personal Space

Lack of Personal Space

So, what’s with everyone standing cramped together? 

Some countries have a lot of people, but that doesn’t mean you have to touch the other person in line. Just back off a little.

(Image via Pexels)