Hygiene is one of those things everyone handles differently—and it gets really interesting when you travel. What feels totally normal in one country can make someone from the U.S. gag (or at least squirm). From reusing bathwater to skipping deodorant, these hygiene practices from around the world might leave Americans asking, “Wait… they really do that?” Let’s dive into the habits that raise eyebrows—and sometimes noses.
1. Skipping the Daily Shower (France)
Americans love their morning showers, but in France, it’s a different story. Skipping a daily rinse is pretty common and considered no big deal. For many, it’s about conserving water and protecting your skin’s natural oils. To an American, this might sound unthinkable, but to the French, over-showering is just unnecessary.
2. Washing Instead of Wiping (Italy and Beyond)
Bidets are everywhere in Europe, but Americans can’t seem to wrap their heads around them. Using water instead of toilet paper feels totally foreign to Americans. But for Italians (and much of the world), it’s just cleaner and more eco-friendly. Once you try it, you might just be converted. But for many Americans, it’s still a hard pass.
3. Skipping Deodorant (Parts of Asia)
In some Asian countries, deodorant just isn’t a thing—partly because many people there naturally produce less body odor. Americans, on the other hand, are practically raised on commercials telling them to “stay fresh” 24/7. So when someone opts out of deodorant entirely, it can feel… let’s say, noticeable to someone from the U.S.
4. Bathing with Strangers (Japan)
Communal baths in Japan, known as onsen, are as normal as grabbing coffee with a friend. But to Americans, the idea of soaking naked with a bunch of strangers feels like the opposite of relaxing. For the Japanese, it’s a deeply cultural and even spiritual practice. For Americans, it’s an anxiety-inducing nightmare of “where do I look?”
5. Spitting on the Streets (China)
In China, spitting in public—especially by older generations—is just part of life. It’s seen as a way to clear out phlegm and stay healthy. Americans, meanwhile, find it downright gross. The sound, the splash, the public display—it’s a lot for anyone raised in a country where spitting is reserved for the baseball field.
6. Shoes Off, Bare Feet In (Southeast Asia)
When you’re walking into someone’s house in Southeast Asia, it’s expected that you take off your shoes. It’s about respect and keeping the indoors clean. But for Americans, going barefoot (or in socks with holes) can feel awkward. And then there’s the worry about foot odor—because that’s always a fun surprise when you least want it.
7. Blowing Your Nose at the Table (Germany)
In Germany, loudly blowing your nose in public—even at a restaurant—is totally fine. No one bats an eye. For Americans, who usually excuse themselves to the restroom for a discreet nose blow, this can feel borderline offensive. It’s one of those “different strokes” moments that takes some getting used to—or never feels quite right.
8. Sharing Bathwater (Japan)
Yes, this is a thing. In Japan, families often share the same bathwater, but there’s a catch—they rinse off in the shower before hopping in. For Americans, the idea of reusing someone else’s bathwater (even if it’s pristine) is tough to stomach. But for the Japanese, it’s practical, respectful, and totally normal.
9. Using Water, Not Soap (India)
In some parts of India, soap isn’t always part of the handwashing process. Instead, people often rely on water alone. For Americans, who’ve been conditioned to believe soap is non-negotiable, this can feel like skipping the most important step.
10. Washing Hair Less Often (Russia)
Giving your hair a daily scrub is not really a thing in Russia. It’s believed that washing your hair too much can weaken it, especially in the harshness of the cold weather. For Americans, who lather up almost daily, this practice can feel a little, well, greasy. But to Russians, it’s about keeping hair strong and healthy—and they swear by it.
11. Brushing After Every Meal (Mexico)
In Mexico, brushing your teeth after every single meal is totally normal. People even carry toothbrushes around for post-lunch touch-ups. Americans, who usually stick to twice-a-day brushing, often find this practice a little excessive. But who can argue with minty-fresh breath and impeccable dental hygiene?
12. Eating with Your Hands (Ethiopia and India)
Utensils? Who needs them? In Ethiopia and India, eating with your hands is part of the experience, especially with dishes like injera or curry. Americans, however, tend to equate eating with your hands to being messy. But in these cultures, it’s not just about the food—it’s about connection and tradition.
13. Skipping Deodorant in Winter (Scandinavia)
In cold climates like Norway and Sweden, many people forgo deodorant entirely during the winter months. Why? Because they’re not sweating. Americans, however, might not feel the same way—deodorant is a year-round habit, regardless of the season. For Scandinavians, though, it’s just another way to keep things simple and natural.
This content was created by a real person with the assistance of AI.
