The 14 Great Products That Only Exist In Other Countries

By YEET MAGAZINE Updated 0118 GMT (0918 HKT) October 2, 2021

Face Slim | Face Lifter @ wildgad / Twitter

The United States is one of the biggest countries in the world, but that doesn't mean it owns it and has seen it all. There are indeed great inventions that many people have not yet had the chance to see - let alone buy.

It can be as simple as a clever escape plan or as extravagant as a pizza vending machine, but whether we admit it or not, some countries just do better. Some of these amazing items would be more than welcome in US stores, so why haven't they hit the shelves yet?

1. Indicator lights for toilets

Country / Region: Asia, Europe
What It Is: An indicator light that lets you know when a cabin is occupied.

Using a public toilet is often a last resort, but sometimes we have no choice. And you have to admit that it's not always that easy to get in, do what you have to do and get out. Finding an empty washroom on a busy day can waste precious minutes, and even make you blush with shame if the occupant forgot to lock the door.

Bathroom Indicator Lights @Bathroom Indicator Lights / Pinterest.com

So why not solve this common yet embarrassing problem by simply installing an indicator light system? You don't have to be Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk to see that this is a revolutionary idea that should be implemented in every state in America as soon as possible.

2. Ready-to-use banana bread bags

Country / Region: United Kingdom
What it consists of: Bags with ripe bananas, perfect for banana bread.

Banana bread is easy to make and delicious, but there is only one downside. You have to wait for your green, fresh bananas to ripen before you can do this. It can often take several days, but if stores started to pack ripe bananas for this purpose in bags, it would be a lot easier, right?

Ready Made Banana Bread Bags @Quora / Pinterest.com

It's an original idea that some brands have already implemented in other countries, so what is holding back American mass distribution? No certainty on that side, but we would like these ripe packaged bananas to appear on the shelves of Intermarché. Hmmm, you can almost already smell the taste of fresh bread.

3. Floor evacuation plan

Country / Region: Europe
What it consists of: A building evacuation plan placed on the ground

What's one of the first things you learn to do in a fire? Bend down as much as possible so as not to inhale smoke. The only problem is, if you're in a building you don't know, crawling isn't the way you might find the exit.

Floor Evacuation Plan @ cfalcon0227 / Pinterest.com

Some escape plans are posted on the walls, but how can you see them if the hallways are smoky? In some countries like the UK, these plans are displayed on the lower parts of the walls, so that they would be more visible in the above situation. Not stupid, especially when it comes to saving lives!Advertising

4. Highways for bicycles

Country / Region: Japan
What it consists of: A specific route for bicycles

We all know what a freeway is, but they are usually congested with cars. While America has many highways connecting states, cities, and towns, it does not have true bicycle highways. Countries like Japan have built them for two reasons.

Bicycle Highways @dezeen / Pinterest.com

On the one hand, it's good for the environment and, on the other hand, the population is so dense that if everyone took the road, there would constantly be traffic jams. It is an ecological solution which will hopefully be adopted. That would certainly delight Netflix's David Attenborough , as would Greta Thunberg.Advertising

5. Cheese vending machines

Country / Region: Bavaria
What it consists of: A cheese vending machine

If there's one thing Americans are familiar with, it's vending machines. Who hasn't used one over lunch in high school, or grabbed a packet of crisps from a motel vending machine? They're everywhere, ready to swallow your dollar at a moment's notice, wherever you are.

Cheese Vending Machines @ elsa.blooms / Instagram.com

Most of them only contain candy bar type snacks or carbonated drinks such as Coca-Cola . If you go to Bavaria, you might be pleasantly surprised. The locals have their own cheese distributors, which distribute the famous dairy product to the general public. It makes you wonder what Uncle Sam is waiting for ...Advertising

6. Improved toilets

Country / Region: Europe
What it consists of: A public toilet with a bidet.

It's no secret that Europeans often do things differently. In fact, it applies to so many things that we could spend years talking about it. Just going to the bathroom is different in Europe.

Next Level Bathrooms @ammoprod / Instagram.com

There, users of public toilets find not only a toilet, but also a bidet. The bidet is used to wash the butt after using the toilet. Many Americans find it strange, but Europeans also find it strange that American toilets do not have them. Each his own !Advertising

7. Free wifi

Country / Region: Estonia
What it consists of: Free WiFi in many cities

Americans are used to having free wifi when walking into a cafe but when it comes to being on the street or at home it's a different kettle of fish. You must either use your cell phone or have a line installed. In Estonia, this is not always necessary.

Free Wifi @marketeriamx / Pinterest.com

Access to the Internet for all is increasingly considered a human right, which is why many cities and towns have free Wi-Fi at certain times. You don't have to order coffee from a Starbucks , just open your browser wherever you are and go.Advertising

8. Roadside tombs

Country / Region: Greece
What it consists of: Tombs to remember the dead

If you've ever had the pleasure of riding a road in Greece, you've probably noticed little carvings on the side of the road. Depending on what part of the country you are visiting, there may be more. They may seem like nice additions to the landscape, but in reality they have a whole different meaning.

Roadside Shrines @ ella777111 / Pinterest.com

They are in fact tombs erected in memory of those who died there. Why is this such a great idea? Admittedly, this will not make your photos posted on Instagram more attractive, but it is a nice way to pay tribute to the deceased and it also serves as a reminder to motorists to encourage them to drive safely if they do not want to have the their at this location.Advertising

9. Power outlets with USB

Country / Region: Miscellaneous
What it consists of: A power outlet with a built-in USB port

It's no secret that many devices come with USB outlets these days. It's fast becoming the new standard for most manufacturers, but if you lose the socket it's inserted into, you have to buy a new one. In some countries there are power outlets with a built-in USB port.

USB Plug Sockets @AngelLSuttle / Pinterest.com

So, if you forgot or can not find the plug of your Amazon Kindle, you just have to plug the USB cord directly into the wall. As easy as that. We are starting to see some of these wall outlets in some homes in the United States, but it is still far from the norm.Advertising

10. Boxes of misshapen vegetables

Country / Region: United Kingdom
What It Is: A box of misshapen but inexpensive vegetables

When it comes to choosing our veg at the supermarket, we're all looking for the biggest, the prettiest, or the brightest. Still, they will undoubtedly taste the same as the others that are a little less aesthetic, but it is so.

Wonky Veg Boxes @Morrisons / Facebook.com

In the UK, stores like Walmart have started to carry misshapen boxes of vegetables. The vegetables are just as good, even if they don't look like they are. And they are much cheaper than the other “standard” vegetables on offer.Advertising

11. Restaurant notes with the number of calories

Country / Region: Europe
What it consists of: A note that also gives nutritional information

How many of us have gone to a restaurant and tried to calculate the number of calories in our meal on the way out? It has happened to most of us at least once, but in some corners of the world they have realized it and decided to do something about it.

Calorie Counting Recipts @ cchandler0061 / Pinterest.com

We're not sure exactly where this great idea came from, but every American restaurant should take note, no pun intended. This receipt not only gives you the bill, but it also lets you know exactly how many calories you have consumed during the evening. What more ?Advertising

12. Naps

Country / Region: Europe
What it consists of: A mid-afternoon nap

In some states in the United States, summers are incredibly hot, but you never see an executive close their office door in the afternoon for a nap. Why ? They are missing something, however. Naps were born in Spain, but it is a tradition present in other Mediterranean countries such as Greece.

Siestas @Grizzlaine / Pinterest.com

In the summer, during the hottest hours of the day, many places close and everyone is entitled to a few hours of rest. The temperatures are so high and the heat of the sun so intense that everyone rests for a while before resuming their activities. Although this practice is becoming increasingly rare, perhaps Americans should consider it!Advertising

13. Physical activity at work

Country / Region: Japan
What It Is: Exercising in the Workplace

Working 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in an office isn't really good for your health. This can lead to all kinds of problems, including back pain and general fatigue. In Japan, companies have been trying to remedy this problem for some time.

Workouts at Work @SilkeBellefleur / Pinterest.com

Instead of expecting their employees to enroll in a gym, some employers have decided to make physical activity part of everyday work. Employees can take time off work to participate in a supervised workout, stretch, gain energy and boost morale. The general opinion is that this practice is very successful and would even have beneficial effects in terms of productivity.Advertising

14. Stargazy Pie

Country / Region: United Kingdom
What it consists of: A fish pie

Stargazy Pie might not be very appetizing to look at, but this magical pastry has a story that Americans would love to know. Originally from the small village of Mousehole, Cornwall, Stargazy Pie is traditionally made for Christmas.

Stargazy Pie @contikicarrie / Pinterest.com

Every year, locals create a huge version of the pie and enjoy it alongside several pints of beer, making it a popular delicacy. Not only is it a great excuse to get together around the holiday season, but it isn't as bad as it looks, especially when paired with hard-boiled eggs.