If you’re British, chances are you might enjoy the odd tipple every now and again. In many other countries around the world the locals are just same. But there are some unusual drinks and drinking practices that you should be aware of if you’re planning to relocate abroad.
We’ve had a look at some of the main ways in which alcohol consumption and distribution differ from the UK around the world to help prepare you for your move.
Legal Drinking Age
Just like the UK, in the majority of countries around the world, you need to be 18 to drink. However, there are a number of countries like the USA, Sri Lanka and Fiji where you have to be 21 to enjoy alcohol legally.
In Germany, Greece and Poland you only need to be 16 to buy and drink alcohol and in Albania, Ghana and Jamaica there is no legal drinking age at all.
Price
The price of alcohol around the world can vary significantly. In the UK and USA you will find some of the most expensive prices due to taxation and import costs. But, if you visit countries where alcohol is produced, it is often much cheaper. For example, in Mexico Tequila is much cheaper than it is in other countries and the same goes for Vodka in Russia.
Where you can drink
In most developed Western countries, where you can drink will be pretty much the same as in the UK. Restaurants, bars and hotels will often have licences to serve alcohol. But in other countries, particularly developing nations, the situation can be quite different.
In many Islamic nations, like Morocco and Qatar, drinking alcohol in public is strictly forbidden. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a beer, you just need to know where to go. In Qatar non-Muslims are allowed to purchase alcohol at the Qatar Distribution Center as long as they have right the documents and requirements.
In Morocco you can’t drink in public and any alcohol you have with you has to be hidden while you’re out and about. Major supermarkets sell alcohol but they’re not allowed to sell it after 7pm. The best places to go for a drink are bars in major hotels. As drinking isn’t allowed in public most bars, even in hotels, will have their windows covered by blinds so outsiders can’t see in. This can make them look quite unwelcoming.
Unusual drinks from around the world
As we mentioned at the start, as well as finding different drinking customs around the world, it’s likely that you will find a few different drinks you’ve never heard of before. Here are a few of our favourites from our travels:
- Lizard Wine is very popular in China. The beverage is made by adding lizards to fermenting rice wine and waiting 12 months
- Baby Mouse Wine is also very popular in China and Korea where it’s thought to be able to cure liver problems and the common cold. The drink is made with mice that are only a few days old to ensure that no fur is added to the finished product
- Kvass is popular in Russia and is made by fermenting old bread in water. During the summer months the drink is sold from tanker trucks in the street.
