How Surprised Are You When Visiting Convenience Stores in Other Countries?

Step into a convenience store on a foreign land, and what you find can often be a delightful or entirely unexpected surprise! From the variety of items on display to the flavors of your favorite snacks, the experience can vary greatly depending on where you are. Here’s a closer look at some of these unexpected discoveries:

Costa Rica 2010-2012

When I first visited Costa Rica in 2010-2012, I was amazed by the well-stocked convenience stores. The shelves were packed with a wide range of goods, and it was surprising to find that many people spoke English. This made it easy for me to navigate and find what I needed without any language barriers.

Nicaragua 2015-Present

In Nicaragua, where we’ve lived since 2015 and now own a home, convenience stores have even more surprises in store. The level of inventory in these stores is nothing short of astonishing! They carry a vast array of products, not just essentials but also many luxuries and convenience items. Visiting a store in Nicaragua feels like stepping into a local supermarket rather than a small corner shop.

Japan

In Japan, the range of good ready-to-eat food items in convenience stores is absolutely remarkable. It's a feast for the senses, with so many options that you can easily spend a few minutes just deciding on a meal. The quality is also impressive, making it clear that these stores are not just about quick snacks but can cater to a diverse range of tastes and dietary needs. It’s truly a culinary adventure in a compact space!

United States

One of the things that surprised me when I visited convenience stores in the USA was the quality of the food. Contrary to what I expected, it wasn't always the best or most appealing. This can be a bit of a disappointment, especially when you are used to the variety and quality found in stores in other countries. However, it’s a great opportunity for trying new local brands and dishes.

Ireland 2010-Present

When it comes to buying beer in Ireland, it’s surprisingly simple and straightforward. I remember going to grab a pack of Guinness, only to find that the sleeves on it were almost empty, with only four cans left. This was an unexpectedly thoughtful gesture from the previous shopper, who had effectively split the pack with me. Sharing in Ireland is an unexpected but pleasant surprise in several contexts, making the convenience store journey even more memorable.

Unique International Candies

Another delightful surprise is discovering that even international candies can vary significantly from country to country. For example, I once bought a package of MM’s in London. The package was the same, and the outer shell was familiar, but the chocolate inside was different from what we have in the U.S. This was tailored specifically to British tastes, and it was a revelation. That small difference in flavor is a powerful reminder of the diverse culinary experiences the world offers.

From the well-stocked shelves in Latin America to the endless array of ready-to-eat foods in Japan, the experiences of visiting convenience stores overseas are filled with surprises. Each store offers a unique insight into the local culture and taste preferences. Whether it’s the quality of the food, the availability of local candies, or the unexpected generosity of fellow shoppers, these experiences highlight the rich diversity in our global communities.