Genius Products That Only Exist Outside the US

Location: Europe
What it is: A building evacuation plan placed on the floor 

What’s one thing that all of us are taught to do in case of a fire? Get as low as possible to reduce your chances of inhaling smoke. The only trouble is, if you happen to be in a building you don’t know, crawling around on the floor isn’t the ideal way to figure out an exit. 

Floor Evacuation Plan @cfalcon0227 / Pinterest.com

Some evacuation plans are stuck on the walls, but you won’t be able to view them if the halls are clouded with smoke. In some countries like the UK, they stick copies to the bottom parts of the wall, so if you ever needed to, you could still find a map when you most needed it. Simple, yet potentially life-saving! 

Location: Paris, France
What it is: Drinking fountains that supply sparkling water 

Perrier was created in the south of France, so it only makes sense that the country would be the location of this innovative drinking fountain. Americans are used to drinking fountains supplying flat, if not a little stale, water. They’re refreshing for a sip or two, but these fountains are by no means delicious (and you really only drink at them if you’re that thirsty).

@SBS/Twitter.com

However, Paris has upped the ante with these new carbonated mineral water drinking fountains. They eject sparkling water, and they’re located throughout the city. You can enjoy a tingly sip whenever you want, all for free. 

Location: Singapore
What it is: Solar-powered trash cans that emit free WiFi

People can’t live without WiFi, but it’s often hard for governments to provide the internet at the drop of the hat. That’s why Singapore’s idea is so impressive. A few years ago, Singapore started building “smart bins.” These trash cans not only gave tourists and locals a handy alternative to littering, but they also emitted a WiFi signal.

WifiNow/Twitter.com

The WiFi is good for 98 feet, so people within that radius can quickly check their email without having to hover right next to the trash can. The Singaporean government hopes to construct enough of these solar-powered bins to provide WiFi to the whole metro area.  

Location: Dubai
What it is: High-tech bus stops with air conditioning 

Dubai is the land of, well, a lot of things, and the wealthy city can add “air-conditioned bus stops” to the list. In Dubai, there might be a lot of flashy, fast sports cars, but many people also rely on public transportation to travel. Getting stuck waiting for the bus in the Dubai heat is dangerous at worst, and the Dubai government has come up with a solution.

Suretravel/Twitter.com

The Road Transit Authority (RTA) of Dubai began building air-conditioned bus stops in 2006. Since 2007, 636 of the 2,700 bus stops in Dubai have air conditioning. Abu Dhabi, not to be outdone, followed suit in 2009, building their own line of air-conditioned stops.

Location: Australia
What it is: Burgers designed to look like Pikachu, Bulbasaur, and Charmander

These Pokemon burgers are almost too cute to eat. Down ‘N Out, an Australian version of the American In ‘N Out fast-food chain, went viral when it introduced Pokemon burgers to its menu. Each one of these three Pokeburgs costs $15, and you can only order one per customer. They’re served as a dine-in meal.

Pokemon Burgers @eflo0516 / Pinterest.com

The Pokeburgs feature Pikachu, Charmander, and Bulbasaur. The Pikachu is the most classic of the three, while the Charmander has crusted chips added into the mix. The Bulbasaur is probably the healthiest, with extra lettuce and green broccoli thrown in. The Pokeburgs are a huge hit, especially in Sydney.

Location: Abu Dhabi
What it is: ATMs that vend gold bars 

Where else but Abu Dhabi? The wealthy city is home to the first gold-dispensing ATM. TG Gold Super-Markt, a German company, came up with the idea for an ATM that dispenses gold bars. According to TG Gold Super-Markt, gold is better than “flowers,” which “wilt” and don’t get men “as many points at home.”

Gold To Go @ergunbeylerharic / Pinterest.com

The ATM was tested in a Frankfurt train station. After it was successful on its single-day run, TG Gold opened another ATM at Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace Hotel in 2010. Since then, these machines have popped up in Dubai (we’re surprised Dubai didn’t think of it first).     

Location: Japan
What it is: Seats that face out the window on a train 

This Japanese train doesn’t have walls; it has windows. The train gives passengers a way to see out the window, instead of looking at the seats in front of them. The exact train company is unknown, but it was a hit on Reddit.

Outward Facing Train Seats @dailymail / Pinterest.com

Though Amtrak has a similar option, it’s called an observation car, and it doesn’t take up the whole train. The Japanese train gives people a beautiful view of the landscape. It also might prevent motion sickness as well, as people don’t have to turn their heads to take in the scenery. Looking straight ahead is far easier on the senses.

Location: Unknown
What it is: Tool bracelet that attaches to your wrist and holds tools with a magnet 

The exact brand of this innovative invention is unknown, but it is, as one person called it, a genius solution to a daily problem. The magnetic tool bracelet lets people hold their screws and small metal tools without dropping them, making it easy and convenient for the tool holder to get work done.

Magnetic Bracelets For Holding Hardware @oreodumdum / Pinterest.com

There aren’t many similar products on Amazon quite like this. Though there are magnetic tool holders, which usually cost between $30 and $40, the wrist bracelet seems pretty unique. Whoever is selling it is probably making a fortune. Handymen to hobbyists alike can benefit from the convenience of this tool.

Location: Dubai
What it is: Car that can travel on land and in the water 

Interestingly, WaterCar is an American company, but it sells its cars in Dubai, so if you’re looking to see a WaterCar, you’ll need to go to the UAE. Dave March founded WaterCar after he was so inspired by the Amphicar from the 1960s that he had to make a replica.

Water Cars @dayanajimenez_1 / Pinterest.com

The WaterCar’s first iteration was the Panther. The Panther, like other WaterCars, can travel both on land and in the water. The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al-Maktoum, owns six WaterCars, each of which cost around $135,000. We’re sure some coastal dwellers and James Bond fans would love to see the WaterCars sold in the U.S. 

Location: Asia, Europe
What it is: A light that tells you when a stall is occupied 

Using public restrooms isn’t exactly something we all look forward to, but it’s just part of life. However, it’s not always as simple as going in, doing your business, and heading out again. Finding a vacant stall on a busy day can take up precious minutes, and sometimes result in a red face if the occupant forgot to lock the door. 

Bathroom Indicator Lights @Bathroom Indicator Lights / Pinterest.com

So, what better way to fix this socially awkward problem than to install a traffic light system? You don’t have to be Tesla’s Elon Musk to see that this is a revolutionary idea that should be implemented in every US state immediately. 

Location: Japan
What it is: A road specifically for bicycles 

We all know what a highway is, but they’re usually full of cars. While America has plenty of highways connecting states, cities, and towns, it doesn’t have fully-fledged bicycle highways. Countries like Japan have built these for two reasons. 

Bicycle Highways @dezeen / Pinterest.com

One, it’s good for the environment, and two, the population is so dense that if everyone took to the roads, there would be constant gridlock. It’s an environmentally-friendly solution that will hopefully catch on. Netflix’s David Attenborough would be proud if it did, as would Greta Thunberg. 

Location: Switzerland, Bavaria, Austria, Germany, Canada
What it is: A vending machine dedicated to cheese 

If there’s one thing Americans know well, it’s vending machines. Who hasn’t hit one up during lunch at high school, or picked up a bag of chips from a motel machine? They’re everywhere, willing and ready to take your dollar at the drop of a hat, no matter where you may be. 

u/Hapennydub/Reddit.com

However, most of them are loaded with snacks like candy bars or Coca-Cola. If you go over to Bavaria, you might be pleasantly surprised. Locals there have their very own cheese vending machine, dispensing dairy goodness to the masses. Why hasn’t Uncle Sam caught onto this one? 

Location: Europe 
What it is: A public restroom with a toilet and a bidet 

It’s no secret that things are often done differently in Europe. In fact, there are so many things that Europeans do that Americans don’t, we could spend a decade talking about that alone. Een going to the bathroom has its quirks. 

Next Level Bathrooms @ammoprod / Instagram.com

In Europe, visitors to public restrooms will often find not just a toilet, but a bidet waiting. The bidet is used to wash the derriere after using the toilet. Many Americans find it odd, but Europeans find it even stranger that Americans don’t typically have them. Different strokes for different folks!

Location: Estonia 
What it is: Free wifi across many cities  

Americans know that walking into a coffee shop often means free wifi, but when it comes to being out on the street or at home, wifi isn’t free at all. You either have to use your cell or get a line installed. In Estonia, that’s not always the case. 

Free Wifi @marketeriamx / Pinterest.com

Easy access to internet is increasingly being seen as a human right, so many cities and towns have free wifi between certain hours. You don’t have to walk into a Starbucks and buy a coffee to use it, you simply open up your browser, and away you go.