20+ Life customs from other countries that surprise travelers

From Iceland, I learned to relax with events that are out of my control. Sometimes a blizzard comes and she doesn’t care about her plans. Maybe what I really learned was to complain less. © Acegonia / Reddit

I still live in a foreign country (United States), but I learned many things about good manners that I would like to continue to apply even if I return. Things like keeping doors or elevators open for others. I’m a new driver, and every time I give way to pedestrians or cyclists, I always get a greeting, a nod, or a thank you. It’s not a big deal, but I feel good. Be sure to introduce those you don’t know in a group. Try to include the “new person” in the conversation. If there is a joke or insider reference that someone makes at the company, be sure to provide context for the new person. Be more assertive, confident, lively, clear, even if you are the youngest or most experienced person. © penchovilla / Reddit

I learned not to shout too much or speak loudly in the street. I discovered that my country is very noisy. © ClisPlisK / Reddit

I moved from my country to live in the Philippines. Overall, I think it’s a wonderful place to live, especially for me at 73. Everyone here respects the elderly. Older relatives, who cannot fend for themselves, are taken into the home of a family member, cared for and fully respected. When an elderly person visits a home, the younger ones take the older person’s hand and place it on their forehead, while bowing as a sign of respect. When the elderly attend a meeting, they accompany them to the table where the food is placed and give preference to helping themselves while the rest of the people wait. Or, if you use a cane, a younger member of the family will bring you the plate, serve the food and make sure you are given a place of honor and continue to make sure you have enough food and anything else you need. © Gustomaximus / Reddit