Think the World’s the Same Everywhere? 20 Cultural Shocks That Will Prove You Wrong

Think you’ve seen it all while traveling? Think again. These 20 global customs will challenge your idea of “normal” and might catch you off guard during your next trip.

1. Eating Insects

shutterstock 1504304741

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Benny Marty

In many parts of Asia and Africa, insects are a regular part of the diet. Americans might find the idea of munching on bugs for protein rather unsettling.

2. Public Bathing

pexels ron lach 9165662

Image Credit: Pexels / Ron Lach

Countries like Japan and Finland are known for their communal baths or saunas, which usually involve being nude in the presence of others, a concept that can be quite uncomfortable for many Americans.

3. Haggling Over Prices

shutterstock 1093220696

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Almazoff

In many places, like markets in the Middle East and Africa, haggling is expected and part of the culture, which can be a jarring experience for Americans used to fixed-price tags.

4. Eating with Hands

pexels rachel claire 5531301

Image Credit: Pexels / Rachel Claire

In parts of India, Africa, and the Middle East, eating with your hands is customary and seen as a way to connect more intimately with your food, contrasting with the American habit of using utensils.

5. Siesta

shutterstock 2068005239

Image Credit: Shutterstock / giggsy25

In Spain and some Latin American countries, businesses shut down in the afternoon for a siesta. Americans accustomed to non-stop, all-day access to services may find this frustrating.

6. Censorship of Speech

shutterstock 1295929432

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

In several countries, what can be discussed openly without repercussion in the U.S. may be censored or considered disrespectful, challenging Americans’ views on free speech.

7. Gender Segregation

shutterstock 1302600061

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

In some Middle Eastern countries, public spaces are often segregated by gender, which can be a surprising adjustment for travelers from the United States.

8. Tipping Practices

shutterstock 1971589787

Image Credit: Shutterstock / BearFotos

While tipping is customary in the U.S., it is not practiced everywhere. In Japan and South Korea, for example, tipping might even be seen as insulting.

9. Animal Rights Practices

shutterstock 1867448125

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Elitprod

In some countries, practices involving animals, which many Americans might view as cruel or unusual, are commonplace and culturally significant.

10. Religious Customs

shutterstock 1330044002

Image Credit: Shutterstock / AlessandroBiascioli

In many countries, travelers might be expected to adhere to local religious customs, such as wearing headscarves or attending mandatory services, which can be unfamiliar to Americans.

11. Drinking Age Laws

shutterstock 1493118143

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Roman Zaiets

In many parts of Europe, the legal drinking age is significantly lower than in the U.S., often leading to a culture shock for American parents traveling with teenagers.

12. Punctuality

shutterstock 1487382494

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Blanscape

In many Southern European and Latin American cultures, a more relaxed approach to time and punctuality can conflict with the American emphasis on timeliness.

13. Openness About Personal Life

shutterstock 1016243926 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

In many cultures, asking personal questions during a first meeting is normal, which might seem intrusive and uncomfortable for Americans.

14. Toilet Etiquette

shutterstock 2212873979

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dadann

In several Asian countries, traditional squat toilets and the absence of toilet paper in favor of water can be surprising and challenging for many American travelers.

15. Greetings

shutterstock 1370125082

Image Credit: Shutterstock / BearFotos

In France, a kiss on each cheek is a common greeting, quite different from the more reserved, often non-contact greetings preferred in the U.S.

16. Dining Etiquette

shutterstock 576283474

Image Credit: Shutterstock / MAD.vertise

In China, some behaviors considered impolite in America, such as belching or placing bones on the table, are seen as normal and even complimentary.

17. Queuing Behavior

shutterstock 2279781997

Image Credit: Shutterstock / QualityHD

Americans might be surprised by the more fluid approach to queuing in countries like India or Egypt, where what appears as ‘cutting in line’ is just typical crowd movement.

18. Spitting in Public

shutterstock 1302592021

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Keitma

In China and some other countries, spitting in public is not as frowned upon as it is in the U.S., where such an act would be considered very rude.

19. Drinking Customs

shutterstock 2292116909

Image Credit: Shutterstock / DavideAngelini

In countries like Russia and Korea, there is a strong cultural emphasis on drinking alcohol during social functions, which can be intense for Americans who are not accustomed to heavy drinking.

20. Bargaining in Business

shutterstock 2014536932

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ground Picture

In many cultures, business deals are often preceded by lengthy negotiations and personal relationship building, contrary to the more straightforward, time-efficient methods preferred in the U.S.

Have Some Respect 

shutterstock 387029653

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Rawpixel.com

Understanding and respecting local customs is crucial for Americans traveling abroad. While some practices may seem controversial or challenging, they offer a valuable insight into the diversity of global cultures. Always approach these experiences with an open mind and respect for local traditions.

Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops

shutterstock 144997492 1 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / donvictorio

Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops

18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

pexels adrian newell 14177239 1

Image Credit: Pexels / Adrian Newell

American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

shutterstock 284980904 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nejdet Duzen

Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrii Iemelianenko.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations. Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Tripimage 9133145 14418597

PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.

03a9a9872ea4140f9e8c4d7fd9ee74b3?s=150&d=mp&r=g
+ posts