Why Don’t We Have These Amazing Things In America Yet?

Caroline Gawlik|24 Oct 2018

If you've ever traveled to another country, you're probably not too surprised that they have some things that Americans could never dream of. You would think that the world's most powerful country would have the best of everything, but there are plenty of things we're missing out on.

I think it's safe to say that we need to get most every item on this list shipped over to the U.S. of A. right away!

I'm Shocked America Hasn't Picked This Up Yet

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We've all been living a life doomed to static electricity shocks everytime we use an elevator. If putting up a sticker is all we have to do to stop the madness, why hasn't it happened already?

This doesn't seem like one of those things that will cost too much. Get on it, American elevator makers.

Free Mouthwash In A Seafood Restaurant Can Save So Many First Dates

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We're already giving out free toothpicks and mints in restaurants. Why not go all the way and offer free mouthwash? I could have avoided so much embarrassment if the local sushi place had one of these.

I'd gladly trade my third free refill or Dr. Pepper for a shot of free mouthwash after a meal.

U-Haul Needs To Get Moving With This Idea

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Am I looking at a transformer right now? Nope, it's just another genius Japanese invention. I didn't even know how much I wanted moving trucks that open from the back and the side.

Moving is a nightmare. Anything that will make it easier to get that way-too-heavy couch out of the truck and into the apartment sounds like a great idea.

Which Flavor To Try First?

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OK, plain old chocolate Kit Kats are good. But in Japan, people get to choose from 15 different flavors like pear, edamame, apple, and sweet potato.

Some sound better than others, for sure. But I'm kind of needing to get my hands on some strawberry Kit Kats right now.

Stop Guessing At The Checkout

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Unless you're living your best tax-evasion life in the Cayman Islands, you probably have to suffer through mentally calculating tax on everything you buy. It's always a nasty shock when you get to the checkout, and it's way more than you think.

In other countries like England, they automatically add the sales tax to the tag, so there are no surprises.

It's Well Known That Our Chocolate Is Terrible

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Even fellow Americans have admitted that U.S. chocolate is trash in comparison to the real Cadbury stuff from Britain. That's because the laws are different.

In Britain, milk chocolate has to have at least 25% cocoa, but the U.S. only requires it to be 10%. American chocolate makes up the difference with regular sugar. Lame.

America's bathrooms are better than most, but keep reading to see why they have a lot to improve on.

A Sink That Has Soap, A Faucet, And An Air Dryer All In One

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Stop the awkward bathroom shuffle. The one where you have to wash your hands, but the soap dispenser closest to you doesn't work, so you awkwardly have to lean over the person beside you.

Then once you're done washing your hands, you have to get to the air dryer while dripping water across the floor. Bring in the three-in-one sink instead.

We Need Flushing Sounds So We Can Poop In Peace

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Pooping in public is already awkward enough, and everyone has their own way of trying to avoid becoming the center of attention. The most common is to wait until someone else flushes and use that 30 seconds of noise to your advantage.

This Japanese bathroom comes equipped with a button that makes a flushing sound so that no one will suspect you.

Is There Any Plus Side To The Bathroom Stall Gap America Has?

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There is no rhyme or reason for America's bathroom to have that stupid gap between the stalls. Why don't the doors go all the way to the ground? Some people say its to keep bathrooms safe from assault and drug trafficking.

But if the rest of the world can get by with completely private bathroom stalls, why can't we?

Check out Australia's easy way to give parents a break in the grocery store.

To Go With Our Lunchables

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Americans live for fast food and single-use containers, so you'd think that an alcohol juice box would be right up our alley. Yet here we are in the 21st century without vodka juice boxes.

America needs to get on this quick so I can start bringing one for lunch.

These Need To Be In Every Bathroom In The World

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Japan's back at it again with the great bathroom ideas. Cell phones are ten times dirtier than a toilet seat, which makes them one of the dirtiest possessions we own. But no one thinks to clean them on a regular basis.

I need a personal supply of these smartphone cleaners.

Please, Give Parents In America A Break

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I understand why the candy corporations want to have chocolate bars in every grocery store checkout line, but please, give American parents one candy-free zone.

This Australian grocery store understands a no candy checkout line is probably the best part of any parent's week.

You'll be surprised to learn the rest of the world doesn't use this common word to describe orange juice.

You'd Think Americans Would Want To Walk Less

Why are moving sidewalks limited to airports? Everyone knows that Americans will avoid walking if they can. In other countries, they take the moving sidewalk to the next level and attach them to escalators.

Now you can go upstairs and across an entire floor without taking a step. We're living in 3018.

America's Drinking Laws Are Archaic

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Americans love to drink, so why are our drinking laws so out of date? Canada's legal age is 19, and in most European countries it's 18.

Not to mention, the carry laws are way more relaxed. In most European nations you can just walk around drinking a bottle of wine, and nobody cares.

The Word Pulp Apparently Just Isn't A Thing Everywhere Else

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Pulp seems to be a distinctly North American word. These orange juice containers hilariously call pulp "juicy bits." The Norwegian word for pulp is "fruktkjøtt" which translates to "fruit meat" which is equally hilarious.

Can I get a glass of orange juice, with extra juicy fruit meat? Thanks.

Keep reading to see why Americans should adopt this European Union law so we can finally kick back and relax without going broke.

I've Never Seen A Costco Where People Actually Obey The Laws Of Society

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If you're ever wondering how American's act when there are no rules or regulations, just step inside a Costco. It's complete anarchy. People everywhere, yelling, no order.

This Costco in Japan is absolutely mindblowing. Do they do this themselves or is there a Costco police officer enforcing it? How do we get this to happen in America?

I Know We Can Purchase Alcohol Wherever, But We Need The 7/11 Wine Brand ASAP

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Our liquor laws are archaic, but at least you can buy booze in any corner store in America. And even though we have these privileges, we're still exempt from the national treasure that is the 7/11 brand wine.

Why does Japan get 7/11 wine and America doesn't? I need to try the Yosemite Road chardonnay ASAP.

It Seems Like Everyone In Europe Goes On Month-Long Vacations

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By law, every country in the European Union gets a minimum of four weeks paid vacation. Four weeks! In comparison, the average American worker gets two weeks.

And sometimes that's not even paid. No wonder everyone in Europe is so tan and laidback.

Because Craigslist Is A Dangerous Place

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I will admit that safe spots for online transactions are gaining momentum in America. Although there aren't many designated spots like this one seen here, many people buying off Craiglist will suggest meeting at the local police station.

Word of advice: if anyone refuses to meet you at the police station or a safe meetup spot, then you probably dodged a bullet.

Free Museums That Don't Have The Judgemental 'Donation Fee'

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In Europe, museums are viewed to be a public service that anyone should be free to access. I know America has many 'free' museums, but they all ask for "donation upon entry."

And when I only donate a dollar, I can feel their judgment burn through to my soul.

Heated Mirrors So You Can See Your Naked Body Immediately

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The hotels in Japan have mirrors that are heated so that when your shower gets nice and steamy, you can still see yourself.

It seems like a silly invention, but anyone who's had to get ready immediately after a shower knows that wiping the mirror over and over can get annoying.

Voting in Australia is Super Casual

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In Australia, voting isn't so uptight like it is in America. They want to encourage people to make it out to vote, so they don't put added pressure on their citizens.

This means it's perfectly acceptable to walk up to your local polling place in your jeans and t-shirt, or you know, your Speedo.

Choosing The Right Milk Can Be So Difficult

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What's up with all the different types of milk here? One percent, two percent, half and half… it can get tricky up in the dairy aisle.

In England, they do it better. Milk is either whole or skimmed. You can make your selection without thinking about it for two hours.

When The Subway Is Too Full

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Don't worry about missing your train in Japan. If the subway car is too full, a uniformed employee will help stuff you in.

These people are called Oshiya and fortunately, they wear white gloves. For sanitary purposes, ya know?

Sweden Encourages You To Put Your PJs on And Stuff Your Face

Have you ever heard of hygge? It's this pretty awesome concept that Swedes practice. It's basically wearing the most comfortable clothes you can find and curling up on the couch with delicious food and something to entertain yourself.

Cold winters can be harsh in Sweden, so their country is pretty much a judgment-free zone when it comes to lounging around the house with scented candles and a pile of chocolate. We should all adopt this.

Hot Springs Are Kind of a Big Deal in Taiwan

In Taiwanese culture, hot springs are a go-to method for letting go of stress and unwinding. Hot spring bathing is a health ritual in this part of the world, where many of them can be found.

The crystal clear water is clean and can be used as drinking water. The water is beneficial for skin, while the relaxing outdoor environment is like a hug for your soul.

Lunch Is Super Important In France

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In France, lunch is the most important meal of the day and what's not to love about that? The French are also given a longer time to enjoy their mid-day meals than we are here.

On the flip side, it might be harder to stay awake at your desk following a luxurious long lunch break.

You Can Drink Everywhere in Brazil

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Ok, we're not saying that we're all for public intoxication, but drinking laws in the U.S. have become pretty tight. In Brazil, on the other hand, the drinking age is 18 years old, and is not often enforced. Even better, you can drink anywhere you please.

Whether you're in a car, or on the beach, pop a beer and enjoy yourself, because you're in Brazil.

Toilet Slippers Are Customary In Japan

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Since you're expected to remove your shoes and wear slippers when visiting any home in Japan, you might think you'd have to wear those same slippers into the bathroom. Not so.

You can keep your main house slippers clean by wearing special "toilet slippers" provided by your host, allowing you to keep your normal slippers pee-free.

Finland Has More Saunas Than People

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The people of Finland know how to survive the cold. They stock up on saunas. In face, there are more saunas than Finnish people in the country, if you can believe that.

But they're not your creepy, icky, typical gym sauna. Finns go the extra mile to make their saunas as beautiful and relaxing as possible. You can come across them in barns, lakeside cottages and cabins with a view.

Eat In Isolation In Japan

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The people of Japan understand that we don't always want to be social. That's why they invented a restaurant where you don't have to even talk to anyone. It's called "low-interaction dining" and was first seen in Fukuoka in 1960.

The trend was started at Ichiran restaurant, where they created ramen isolation booth restaurants that allow patrons to see which table is available on a chart, seat themselves, and fill out a paper to order. Their food is then served through a curtain, where they can enjoy their ramen in peace.

New Zealand Will Totally Pay For Your Toddler

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New Zealand cares about your baby. They want to to make sure their young citizens are given the best shot at life before they're even in school. That's why the country offers 20-22 hours of free childcare each week.

The government pays for daycare for toddlers part-time to give them a good start at development. Imagine if we had free daycare in the U.S.!

No Space To Park Your Bike? Japan Has Plenty Of Room For It

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If you're like a lot of Americans, you get frustrated when you can't find a decent spot to park your bike. It especially sucks when this happens because you're actually, you know, trying to help the environment and get some exercise in at the same time.

They've solved the bike space problem in Japan with some awesome underground garages. Even better, thieves can't get to them down there.

Norway's Prisons Are More Like a Vacation From Your Crappy Life

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In Norway, it's possible that you'll go to prison for committing a crime, but prison life isn't all that bad. Rather than focus on sacrifice and punishment, they rehabilitate their inmates with a place designed for solitude and reflection.

Norway's minimum security island prison requires inmates to stay there, but other than that, they're provided with a good life where they can relax. According to the BBC, Norway has the lowest rate of repeat offenders in Europe.

Trying To Diet? Go To France

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The concept of "all you can eat" is pretty foreign in France. Instead, restaurants serve you just the amount they think you should be consuming. This could be a good or a bad thing depending on how hungry you are.

Studies keep proving that Americans tend to eat everything on their plates, whether they are full or not. So the French might have the right concept when it comes to portion size.

ATMS In Portugal Are Like Your Best Friend

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You can do so much more at an ATM in Portugal than withdrawing your hard-earned money. No, in Portugal you can also purchase movie and event tickets and other fun stuff.

Also, you can do less fun stuff like paying your utility and phone bills. But hey, this is more convenient right?

Graduates In Norway Get To Party Like Crazy

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High schoolers everywhere tend to celebrate some after graduation, but Norway takes the prize for hardest partying.

There, they have something called a russefeiring. This is where you rent a brightly-colored bus, wear fun clothes, and party for 17 straight days. I'd go back to high school for that!

#13 Fans, Rejoice! 13 Isn't Taboo In Japan

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For all you huge #13 fans, Japan might just be the place for you. The pronunciation of "four" sounds like the word for death, so people tend to avoid it the way we do with 13.

Elevators often won't have a fourth floor, and there's even a word for fear of that number: "Tetraphobia."

Something We Didn't Even Know We Needed

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What's not to love about this Scottish product? It's a whiskey-flavored condom. Seriously. Even better is that it's called the McCondom.

Whiskey probably got you to the point where a condom even comes into play… why stop drinking it just because you're playing it safe?

Australia's Meter Maids Are Pretty Much Angels

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magine you get back to your car to learn that a smokin' hot woman has kindly paid your parking meter once your time expired, preventing you from getting a ticket. On the Gold Coast of Australia, this is the reality.

Surfers Paradise Meter Maids cruise around the downtown area wearing bikinis and paying off expired parking meters. Many of these women go on to be professional models.