Lifestyle variations between any two countries can be quite shocking, especially considering items that are essential in one place but a luxury in another. An online community lists twelve such things that left them in shock.
1. Melon Mania
In countries such as Japan, melons are a luxury. “They have auctions where they’ll pay thousands of dollars for the most perfect-looking melons,” notes a member. A commenter humorously adds, “‘Hey, nice melons!’ ‘Thanks, they were expensive.'”
2. Bilingual Kids vs. Monolingual Teens
In the U.S., it’s common for people to have their first exposure to a foreign language in high school. “It’s taught to us at the worst time possible,” complains one. However, in several countries, many kids speak at least two languages by the time they reach high school. In fact, English is the second language that many learn in addition to their native tongue.
3. Avocado Accidents
When one person went to Belize, they were taken aback by the sight of 50 avocados rotting on the ground “because there was just way more than anyone’s ever going to eat.” Meanwhile, a member residing in L.A. can’t fathom the price of avocados.
4. Domestic Help Divide
While deemed absurd in America, regular people in other countries have readily available domestic help. For instance, one user observes that houses in Indonesia typically have something like “2+1 bedrooms,” with the “+1” being the help’s room. However, one member believes it isn’t a sign of wealth but “a sign of people working for next to nothing.”
5. Cooling Clash
A user mentions that in the U.S., air conditioners are very common, and they’re constantly changing them. However, the whole house was scorching when they went to Mexico, and everyone wanted to stay in one room with an A.C.
6. Açaí Adventures
Deemed an overpriced superfood in the U.S., açaí is just a regular treat in places like Brazil. These tasty delights are served as street food in many variations bought from ordinary places on a whim. Clearly, this shift in status can shock many.
7. Tech Tool or Status Symbol?
Owning an Apple product may be standard practice for most Americans, but for a commenter from the Philippines, owning an iPhone signifies wealth. “I get it some Apple products are expensive, but even the most basic Apple product that is affordable in other countries will be considered luxury here.”
8. Fizzy Fiascos
A commenter observes that soda cans are cheap in America but are a luxury in their home country. “We usually buy 2-liter bottles and have to make it last.” Another American user comments that soda is so readily available that “you can get any size — including a 32-ounce fountain drink, for 99¢ at McDonald’s.”
9. Fast Food Chains
While most fast food places are deemed casual, affordable, and accessible in the U.S., the exchange rate in other countries causes the prices to be “three, four, five, times (and sometimes even more) of what you would pay in the states,” observes a user. The inflation is such that many would only eat at fast food restaurants on special occasions.
10. Chocolatey Challenges
“It’s such a luxury back in the Philippines,” comments one. They share how they had four siblings, and each would get half a Toblerone bar consumed only on special occasions. Because the chocolate was expensive, it was made to last for a month or two. “Coming to America, I was appalled when I saw I could get chocolate for $1.50! It was heaven!”
11. Fan Assisted Ovens vs. Air Fryers
When a user witnessed many Americans raving about air fryers, they pointed out how a convection oven is the same thing and is standard in many countries. “The rest of the world doesn’t need a bucket on their counter pretending to be something other than a convection oven,” comments one.
12. Bidet Bonanza
These incredible sanitary contraptions are magical. While a rare find in America, bidets are quite common in several countries and even come with advanced versions having various water pressure settings.
Source: Reddit.
How To Do Stealth Wealth: 13 Secrets To Quiet Luxury
Discover how to embrace the stealth wealth way of living, and why you might want to incorporate some ‘quiet luxury’ into your life today!
How To Look Expensive In 25 Simple Ways
Do you want to make your day-to-day wardrobe look a little more glamorous? Find out exactly how to look expensive in 25 simple ways!
110+ Luxury Quotes To Inspire You To Live Your Best Life
A carefully curated list of over 110 luxury quotes, designed to inspire you to live your best life – whatever that means to you.
How to Live a Luxury Lifestyle
Discover how to live a luxury lifestyle simply by reading these ten easy steps that anyone can implement today. Remember, luxury has nothing to do with net worth and everything to do with self-worth!
