Asia is a continent where you can experience lots of different cultures, try different foods and meet new people. If you compare Asia with Turkey, you may notice some similarities, but there are also some interesting differences. Let’s have a look at 7 things that might surprise you when you visit Asia.
1. You May Eat Rice More Than You Expect
The first surprising thing is how often Asians use rice. In many Asian countries, such as Japan, Korea and Thailand, you see that they use rice in many dishes. You can find rice in many different dishes, such as sushi, curry, bibimbap and onigiri.

2. Showing Respect Is On Another Level
Respect is a key feature in many Asian cultures. One way of showing respect is bowing. The lower you bow, the more respect you convey. For instance, in Thailand people use wai. They press their palms together with a slight bow.

3. A Strong Culture of Cleanliness
Asians pay a lot of attention to keeping their homes, schools and even some restaurants clean. For example, in Japan,students often clean their classrooms themselves. This teaches children to take responsibility for their environment from a young age.
4. Tipping Culture Can Change
Tipping is different in different parts of Asia. For instance, in Japan tipping is not expected whereas in Thailand tipping is especially common in tourist areas. Thus, it is better to leave a tip after checking the local customs the country you visit.

5. Eating with Chopsticks
People commonly use chopsticks when they eat in Asia. If you are used to using spoon and fork, you may find it difficult. There are also some rules about using chopsticks. For example, you shouldn’t pass food from chopstick to chopstick directly.
6. An Organized Public Transportation System
In large cities like Tokyo, trains and subways are important parts of daily life. They are mostly punctual and well-organized. People tend to speak quietly and follow the rules carefully.
7. Convenience Stores Are Everywhere
In some Asian countries, convenience stores offer much more than snacks. You might find drinks, hot meals, ATMs, and bill-payment services easily.
Photo Credits
Featured Image: https://www.accentontravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/South-Korea-iStock-835391546-scaled-1200×0-c-default.jpg
Photo 1: https://sketchplanations.com/types-of-sushi
Photo 2: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowing_in_Japan
Photo 3: https://goldeducationaltours.com.au/inside-japanese-elementary-schools/
Photo 4: https://onemileatatime.com/cathay-pacifics-guide-to-tipping-in-asia/
Photo 5: https://www.metromag.co.nz/food/food-food/how-to-use-chopsticks-chinese-asian-identity
Photo 6: https://korea.stripes.com/travel/exploring-korea-tips-for-taking-trains,-taxis-and-buses.html

