Let me tell you when I first started traveling; I thought I had hygiene all figured out. Soap, water, and maybe some hand sanitizer if you’re feeling fancy—that’s universal, right? Wrong. What’s considered “clean” in one country might be seen as strange or even unnecessary in another. And honestly, some of it can be pretty fascinating. Different cultures have their own way of handling hygiene, and the variances can be pretty eye-opening.
I remember my first encounter with a bidet in Europe. It was like a rite of passage. Meanwhile, a trip to Japan introduced me to the concept of public baths, which took some getting used to but ultimately felt more like a spa day than a chore. The funny thing is, once you get into these customs, they start making sense, and suddenly, you’re questioning why you’ve been sticking to your old habits all this time. It’s like a global classroom, teaching you that hygiene is as much about culture and tradition as it is about staying clean.
But, of course, not everyone’s going to agree on what’s best, and that’s okay. This list is here to show you some of the surprising hygiene practices from around the world. You might even pick up a tip or two that makes your routine a little better.
1. Bidets vs. Toilet Paper
If you’ve ever been to Europe, especially in countries like Italy or France, you’ve probably noticed the bidet. It’s a mainstay in many European bathrooms, used for cleaning after using the toilet. Some swear by it, claiming it’s cleaner and more hygienic than relying on toilet paper alone.
On the flip side, in the U.S., toilet paper remains the go-to. But with more people becoming environmentally conscious, bidets are starting to gain popularity as an eco-friendly option.
2. Handwashing is Not as Universal as You’d Think
You might assume that everyone washes their hands after using the bathroom, but that’s not always the case. In fact, the World Health Organization found that about 25% of people globally don’t wash their hands with soap. In some places, it’s a lack of access to soap and clean water, while in others, it’s just not a habit.
Recent health campaigns, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, have tried to raise awareness about the importance of hand hygiene, but there’s still a long way to go.
3. Squat Toilets
In many parts of Asia, like Japan, India, and China, you’re more likely to encounter a squat toilet than a traditional Western-style one. Though it might seem odd at first, many locals believe squatting is more natural and better for your health. Some research even suggest that squatting can make bowel movements easier and reduce the risk of certain health issues.
It might be a bit of a balancing act at first, but you could end up feeling healthier for it!
4. The Natural Toothbrush of the Middle East
In the Middle East and parts of Africa, the miswak has been a traditional tool for oral hygiene for centuries. It’s a small twig from the Salvadora persica tree, used to clean teeth, freshen breath, and even kill bacteria. No plastic toothbrushes are needed here. These are eco-friendly sticks that were used long before modern toothpaste was invented.
Some studies show that miswak is just as effective, if not more so, at cleaning teeth than regular toothbrushes.
5. Drinking Water is a Global Gamble
What’s safe to drink in one country might make you sick in another. Tap water is usually safe and clean in the U.S., Europe, and Australia. However, drinking tap water can lead to unpleasant health issues in places like Mexico or Egypt. In many regions, travelers are advised to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid contamination.
Meanwhile, some countries like Finland boast incredibly pure tap water—so pure that locals take pride in it!
6. Bathing is a Ritual in Japan
In Japan, a bath is more than just a way to get clean—it’s a whole ritual. People shower first to rinse off and then soak in a hot bath, usually for relaxation. Many homes and public baths, known as onsen, have strict rules about cleanliness. It’s a way to unwind and clean the body, mind, and spirit.
Although the communal bathing culture can be surprising to outsiders, for many Japanese, it’s a vital part of daily life.
7. Eating With Your Hands
In India, eating with your hands, specifically your right hand, is a long-standing cultural tradition. It’s not just about the food—using your hands is thought to enhance the experience, engaging more of your senses. Just make sure you wash your hands before and after the meal!
The act of using your hands is seen as a personal, almost spiritual connection with the food.
8. Germaphobia
Americans are known for being a bit germ-conscious. From hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes to toilet seat covers, many public places in the U.S. are stocked with ways to avoid germs. And don’t forget the elbow bump, a handshake alternative that’s gained popularity since COVID-19.
While it might seem excessive to some, for many Americans, it’s just a way of staying healthy in public spaces.
9. Dry vs. Wet Bathing in Europe
In Finland and parts of northern Europe, the sauna is a form of dry bathing that is believed to be essential for health and hygiene. People sit in a hot room to sweat out toxins before cooling off in a cold shower or lake. It’s considered both a social activity and a health routine.
Meanwhile, southern Europe, including countries like Spain and Italy, leans more toward regular water baths for cleaning and relaxation.
11. Flavored Toothpaste Around the World
In the U.S., most people use mint-flavored toothpaste, but in places like Japan, you’ll find unique flavors like green tea or charcoal. Other parts of the world, including India, often opt for herbal pastes made with natural ingredients like neem or clove.
These unique flavors cater to local tastes and traditional remedies for oral health.
12. Air Dryers vs. Paper Towels
In some parts of Europe, high-tech air dryers are becoming the norm, especially in places like airports and shopping malls. These fancy air dryers are seen as eco-friendly alternatives to paper towels. They blast air at high speeds, drying your hands quickly and without waste. Many people appreciate the sustainability aspect, but some still worry about the spread of germs through the air.
In contrast, many Americans prefer paper towels, viewing them as cleaner and more effective at removing bacteria despite the waste they create.
13. Shoes Indoors?
In many Asian and Scandinavian countries, it’s a big no-no to wear shoes inside the house. Visitors are usually expected to remove their footwear at the door and either walk barefoot or put on slippers provided by the host. This is done to keep dirt and germs from being tracked into the home, a practice that’s viewed as both practical and polite.
In the U.S. and many parts of Europe, however, walking around indoors with shoes is much more common, although this habit is starting to change as more people become aware of hygiene concerns.
14. Street Food
In places like Southeast Asia, street food is a huge part of daily life, and hygiene standards can vary. Locals swear by the cleanliness of their favorite street vendors, but travelers are often advised to be cautious about eating street food to avoid getting sick. These vendors follow local hygiene standards, but they might not match what tourists are used to.
In contrast, in the U.S. and many European countries, home-cooked meals are generally seen as the safer, more hygienic option, with strict food safety guidelines followed in most households.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
