Travel has a way of shaking up everything you think you know. It exposes you to new ways of life, challenges your assumptions, and—sometimes—leaves you scratching your head in disbelief. In this blog, I’m sharing some of my most eye-opening culture shock moments from around the world and how I learned to adapt, grow, and embrace the unexpected.

If you’re planning your first international trip or just love stories about global discovery, this one’s for you.

1. 🇯🇵 Silence on Public Transport in Japan

When I first landed in Tokyo, the quietness on trains was… startling. No phone calls, no loud chatting, just peaceful silence—even during rush hour. As someone used to noisy subways back home, I initially felt awkward talking to my travel buddy.

💡 How I adapted: I learned to appreciate the quiet. It became a time for reflection, people-watching, or catching up on reading. Respecting this norm made me feel more connected to Japanese etiquette.

2. 🇫🇷 The French Approach to Customer Service

In France, especially in Paris, service staff don’t hover or try to upsell you like they do in other countries. At first, I thought it was rudeness—but it’s actually cultural.

💡 How I adapted: I adjusted my expectations and took the initiative to call the waiter when needed. It turns out, the French just value privacy and space during meals—once you get it, it’s actually refreshing.

3. 🇮🇳 The Organized Chaos of Indian Streets

My first walk through a street market in Delhi was sensory overload: honking horns, cows on the road, vibrant colors, and crowds like I’d never seen. It felt chaotic—but somehow it worked.

💡 How I adapted: I embraced the flow, followed the locals, and realized there is order in the chaos. And guess what? I started to love it.

🧭 For more India travel stories and tips, check out the Planet Earth Holidays Blog.

4. 🇸🇪 No Shoes Indoors in Scandinavian Homes

In Sweden, walking into someone’s house with shoes on is a big no-no. Even Airbnb hosts politely ask you to remove them.

💡 How I adapted: I got into the habit of checking at the door and even started packing my own pair of indoor socks or slippers. It actually made every place feel cleaner and more homely.

5. 🇨🇳 The Concept of “Personal Space” in China

Coming from a Western culture where personal space is sacred, being in a crowded metro in Beijing felt overwhelming. People stand very close—especially during rush hours.

💡 How I adapted: I stopped taking it personally. It’s just part of urban life in a country with 1.4 billion people. And I started timing my rides to avoid peak hours.

6. 🇲🇽 Late-Night Dining Culture in Mexico

In cities like Mexico City or Guadalajara, eating dinner at 9 or 10 PM is totally normal. I was used to eating around 6 or 7, so this shift threw me off at first.

💡 How I adapted: I adjusted my eating schedule and started enjoying the lively nighttime vibe. Sharing tacos at midnight became one of my favorite experiences.

7. 🇩🇪 Blunt Communication in Germany

Germans are known for their directness. The first time someone said “You’re wrong” in a discussion, I was taken aback. But they weren’t being rude—it’s just honesty without sugarcoating.

💡 How I adapted: I learned not to take things personally and to appreciate straightforward conversations. It made communication clearer and more efficient.

🌍 Embracing the Unexpected

These culture shock moments weren’t always comfortable—but they taught me to observe, listen, and adapt with an open mind. Over time, these differences didn’t just make me a better traveler—they helped me become more empathetic and globally aware.

Feeling curious about more cross-cultural travel experiences and insights? Visit the Planet Earth Holidays Blog for destination guides, travel tips, and stories from around the world.

🌐 Want to prepare for culture shock before you travel? Check out Expatica’s guide to culture shock and adjustment phases to learn how to manage expectations abroad.