35+ Oddly Specific Vending Machines Found Around The World

Vending machines make life very convenient because you can buy whatever you need whenever you need it — as long as it’s stocked in the machine. It doesn’t matter if it’s the dead of night or just as the sun is coming up; vending machines are always open for business. We’ve come far from the first coin-operated vending machine in the 1800s, found only in London and stocked with postcards. Nowadays, it seems like there is a vending machine on every corner selling all sorts of stuff.

While you may be familiar with what you can find in the vending machines in your neighborhood, that might not be true elsewhere in the world. If you ever wondered what other countries sell in their coin-operated machines, you’re in luck. We are here to satisfy your curiosity; from fish to cupcakes, here are all the weird and wonderful things found in vending machines all over the world.

Salmon ATM — Singapore

We’re not so sure why they call this an ATM because it implies that you must have deposited something in order to be able to withdraw your goods. We’re quite sure that people in Singapore don’t go to the bank to deposit their salmon, but we love the idea nonetheless.

How cool would it be to have a vending machine like this in your neighborhood? Whenever you have a craving for salmon, whether it’s 11 am or 3 am, you can just rush down, get yourself some salmon, and start cooking it up.

Driverless KFC mini-truck — China

Nowadays, more and more companies are embracing machines and robots to help them sell their products. Why hire a salesman when transactions can be completed without a human? Apparently the KFC in China is very advanced compared to branches in other countries.

Over there, they have driverless roving vehicles that go around and sell their delicious chicken to hungry pedestrians. If you’re having hunger pangs but can’t go to the fast-food chain, you can just order from this thing when it comes around. Neat, huh?

Flower bouquets

One of the worst things that can happen to someone is forgetting anniversaries, birthdays, and other important dates. We all know just how sensitive significant others can be about those sorts of things. Forgetting such dates can prove fatal to a man’s or woman’s health.

Fret not because if you only remember it’s your anniversary on your way home, you can always stop at this flower bouquet vending machine. We don’t know where the vending machine is, but we’re sure that more than a few dates have been saved by this convenient machine.

Fresh vegetables — the Netherlands

One frustration when cooking in the early hours of the morning, not that many people do it, is most of the stores are closed, so you have to wait until opening time to get all the ingredients you need. This vending machine solves that problem.

This vegetable vending machine in the Netherlands is an early-morning omelet saver. Wouldn’t it be neat to just go down your block and buy the veggies you need for whatever recipe you have in mind at any time of the day or night?

Books — Romania

If you think only foods and drinks can be sold through vending machines, you have clearly been living under a rock for decades. Today, practically anything can be bought from vending machines. As long as they can fit through the slot…

This unusual vending machine in Romania is loaded with books. We don’t know where it’s placed, but having one of these at a bus terminal would be perfect! Plenty of people read on the ride to/from work, but not all remember to actually grab a book.

This takes the cake!

They say stressed spelled backward is desserts, and we can’t argue with that logic. Every time life becomes too overwhelming, or we feel let down and sad, we all reach for sweets. Under acute stress, our brains need 12% more energy, leading people to seek out sugary snacks.

For many, that means digging into some cake. This vending machine proves that you can have your cake and eat it too. Carlo’s Bakery is already famous since it’s owned and run by the Cake Boss himself, Buddy Valastro. The lines may be long at the bakery, but this vending machine seems pretty accessible.

Laundry detergent — Prague

Unnecessary plastic and paper packaging is wreaking havoc on the planet. Just go to your nearest grocery, and you’ll see toothpaste, vegetables, rice, chips, and of course, plasticware, all wrapped in plastic. But that’s not the only way to sell products…

We are all behind this idea of a laundry detergent vending machine in Prague that uses refillable containers. Isn’t this a great idea? This is something that other brands and stores should install. The world will be a better place with more vending machines like this.

Mix the rainbow

Candies like Runts, Skittles, and Mike and Ikes are a bit of a gamble if you don’t like all of the flavors. If you’re lucky, there’ll only be one or two cherry, but there’s always the risk of a packet full of the dreaded flavors.

This is a picky candy lover’s dream! By letting you select the flavors, the vending machine ensures that you’ll only pay for what you want to eat. We bet Van Halen’s assistant would’ve wanted an M&M’s version—it’d be easier to filter out those pesky brown chocolates.

Seeds — Greece

Do you lie awake at night wishing you could do some gardening but don’t have the right seeds? Worry not; this vending machine is coming to rescue you and indulge your green thumb urges when you spontaneously get them at 2 am.

They have flowers, herbs, and veggies, too. But there is only one problem with this vending machine; it’s located in the airport. In case you didn’t know, in many countries, it’ll illegal to bring seeds from abroad. Good luck getting into New Zealand with that in your bag.

Coconuts — northern China

It seems like coconut water has really shot up in popularity in the last few years. Coconut oil was pretty well-known, but now we’re seeing a lot of people craving that crispy coconut water at all hours of the day.

Fresh coconut water is hard to come by, but not in this area in China. Now you can get fresh coconut water without having to whack them open. We wonder if there’s a straw included or if they expect people to bring their reusable straws.

Cheese — the Netherlands

The Netherlands is known for its endless tulip fields, grand windmills, and, of course, cheese. Seriously, the Dutch can’t get enough of the stuff, and to prove that point, they created Gouda and Edam. Where in the world would we be without these delectable dairy products?

The Dutch are so serious about their cheese that they’ve even built special vending machines to house their beloved dairy products. Tourists and locals alike can get their cheese fix even if the shops are closed. They should have these at the airport for anyone who forgot to buy souvenirs.

Salads — Evanston, Illinois

One of the main problems with food in vending machines is that they’re unhealthy. Part of the point of vending machines is that the items won’t expire within a few days. But that didn’t stop someone from stocking a vending machine with only healthy food.

And, not only do they have their customer’s health in mind by stocking only fresh salads, but they also care about the environment. There’s a way to recycle their jars built into the machine, too. We want to applaud whoever made these yummy-looking salads.

Cupcakes — Chicago, Illinois

When we’re feeling sad, there are few things more powerful than a cupcake that can perk us right back up. They are also welcome treats when we’re in a celebratory mood. Basically, cupcakes are the perfect pastries for any occasion.

Residents of Chicago know this better than anyone else. They have access to this sweet baked good at all hours. Even after the bakeries have closed, there’s one spot that always has foodies’ backs. We just hope no one overindulges in this luxury.

Meat — Osage, Iowa

Moderation isn’t just important for snacks. Every food needs to be consumed within a reasonable amount and balanced with other foods. Even something as protein-rich as meat has a limit. Sadly, we think this vending machine makes it a challenge for local carnivores to resist getting a savory snack at all hours.

Look at all the selections of bacon, salami, hams, steaks, hotdogs, meat sticks, and all sorts of delightful things. You get fresh, smoked meat 24/7 in this small town in Iowa. You will need to show the utmost amount of willpower when you pass by this machine.

Umbrellas — London

London has always had the reputation of being a dreary and rainy city. If you live in London, you know that one of the necessities of daily life is a sturdy umbrella. But even the most well-prepared locals can forget the essentials on a busy morning.

This vending machine makes sure that people don’t have to suffer going to work or on a romantic date sopping wet. In fact, we’d like to see this in more places around the world. London is a rainy city, but it’s certainly not the only one.

Something’s fishy here

For many, fishing is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Sitting on a dock or floating in calm waters washes away the stress of the daily grind. However, getting to the lake and finding your tackle box empty is sure to cause that anxiety to come right back.

One bait shop knows the value of the pastime, so they set up a vending machine stocked with all the essentials. Now anyone who shows up to the lake before the shop opens isn’t stuck waiting for the employees to clock in so they can buy some fresh bait.

Freshly baked pizza — Croatia

Pizza is one of the best things to have ever come out of Italy. Millions, if not billions of people, are thankful for it and can’t live without this fast-food favorite. Sometimes we have pizza cravings and nothing else will satisfy our hunger. But what if the pizzeria is closed?

If this is a common issue in your life, perhaps you should move to where this guy lives. This pizza vending machine in Croatia is amazing. It lets you choose the topping and bakes the pizza fresh, no matter the hour.

Need some socks?

Missing or dirty socks might not qualify as an emergency most of the time, but there are rare cases when we want a quick pair to slip on. What if you got caught in the rain or didn’t want your mismatched socks showing on your first date?

The only catch with this vending machine is that it doesn’t sell plain socks. This might not be ideal for a black tie event, but the funky sock patterns are still trendy, so rocking a pair of these shouldn’t be a problem.

Convenience without disruption

The thing people love most about vending machines is just how convenient they are. After all, if you’re touring a new city, the last thing you want to do is spend an hour looking for a shop to buy a simple bottle of water.

Unfortunately, the modern technology doesn’t always blend in with local architecture, which can really put a damper on sightseeing. But not in Japan. Someone was thoughtful enough to create a frame for a vending machine that didn’t distract from the old architecture.

Egg-spress vending machine — the Netherlands

Have you ever gone to prepare breakfast only to find some key ingredients missing? What do you do if the store is closed? Well, if you want an omelet, you can just head to this vending machine and pick up some eggs.

Before you ask, yes, these are safe to eat. Eggs in Europe are not refrigerated because they are not washed before being sold. This allows the eggs to retain their natural protective layer. Meanwhile, eggs in the US need to be refrigerated since they’re washed before being stocked at the grocery store.

Crochet all day — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Don’t let the pink vibe fool you; crocheting is appropriate for all genders. Sure, it’s more commonly associated with women, but it’s a useful skill and relaxing hobby that anyone can make use of. Unfortunately, if you want to learn right away but the crafts store is closed, you’re out of luck.

Unless you’re in Philly, that is. We know quite a few avid crocheters and they can confirm that there is such a thing as a yarn emergency. Now running out of yarn isn’t a problem if you’re in a rush to finish your project.

Walking vending machine — Japan

Too lazy to go to the vending machine? Don’t worry because the machine can come to you… if you’re in Japan. The island country never ceases to amaze us; especially when it comes to futuristic technology. It’s truly a country unlike any other.

See those amazed and amused faces of the Japanese students? Yeah, we made the same face when we saw this picture. Frankly, if someone wasn’t shocked to see a vending machine walking around, we would have some questions for them.

Bookstore after hours

No matter how prepared you are for university, there will always be a few little things you forgot to pack or didn’t buy on your last excursion to the grocery store. That’s where the bookstore comes into play. They may be overpriced, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

University students aren’t exactly known for their regular sleeping patterns, so having a 24/7 bookstore stocked with the basics is a great idea. Students pulling an all-nighter will still have access to healthcare products, chargers, and even those all-important highlighters!

Legos — Chicago O’Hare Airport

Every parent knows just how challenging it can be to travel with little children. They have boundless energy, they easily get bored, they can be demanding, and to top it all off, they’re not above throwing a tantrum if they don’t get what they want.

Lego’s bright idea of putting their vending machine in an airport in Chicago must have made parents equally happy and frustrated. Although it’s a good solution for a delayed flight, there are probably just as many kids whining that they want a Lego set, too.

Solder and resistors — Japan

We can understand the need for vending machines kitted out with different kinds of food and medicine because they are essential. But circuitry materials? Well, this is the first time we have heard (or seen) such a thing. We’re not saying that it isn’t important, though.

Still, we just can’t imagine people going crazy because they can’t get their hands on electrical equipment at 2 in the morning. Or does that frequently happen in Japan? Hmm, the Japanese certainly have their quirks and an apparent obsession with technology.

Doggie care vending machine

Pet parents know that taking care of an animal companion isn’t as simple as a few walks a day. Dogs, for example, need lots of attention, treats, grooming materials, toys, and more. So what do you do if you take your pupper on a road trip but forgot something at home?

It’s not a problem if you find a vending machine like this one. You can get dog food, treats, and other necessities. We don’t know where this vending machine is, but we’d love to see some outside vet clinics and gas stations.

Gaming cartridges — Torrance, California

We are surprised this picture wasn’t taken in Japan because the country is practically synonymous with Pokemon, and it seems to be where some of the strangest vending machines find their home. This is definitely for those midnight nostalgia emergencies.

This is the ultimate nostalgia machine. Game Boy Color and Advance cartridges? Yes, please! Our only question is whether or not the rows are stacked with the same game, or if you need to wait for someone else to buy the games in the front.

Jackets in a can — LaGuardia Airport, New York

To properly enjoy a trip to a new place, you need to pack right. That means looking up the weather and packing accordingly. If you forget something, you can always go to a store, but actually getting there can be a problem.

For example, if you forgot a jacket, you don’t want to go out in the freezing cold, rain, or snow in order to find a new one. Fortunately for New York tourists, there’s a handy vending machine stocked with coats.

Soccer/Football — South Africa

We know that soccer (football) is one of the biggest sports worldwide, but we didn’t realize that South Africans liked the sport this much. It seems like not having a soccer ball is more common than we would have thought.

This would be pretty handy to have next to a dog park. In just one bite, dogs can ruin a friendly soccer game. Clearly, whoever stocked it has an eye for aesthetics. They made sure to put the balls with different prints in alternating rows—we know most people would just stock it haphazardly.

Smart IT department

Those who work in IT know how annoying it can be when people are constantly asking you for various things. Picture this: you’re busy working and are totally in the zone, and here comes a colleague who needs a new mouse.

That precious time can now be spent on more important things. No one wants to get a Master’s or even Ph.D. just to escort lost coworkers to the supply closet. Just point to the handy vending machine, and you can get back to fixing the real problems.

Milk — Salisbury, UK

Would you rather have a fresh bottle of milk or a carton of milk that’s been sitting on the supermarket shelf? We’re pretty sure most people would choose the former. Not only does it taste better, but the reusable glass bottle is better for the environment.

This vending machine in Salisbury dispenses milk in glass bottles, all freshly milked from a local dairy farm. And since it’s all local, we’re sure they have an easier time recycling those glass bottles to be used the next time they stock the vending machine.

Memorial candles — Norway

Every culture has its own funeral traditions, but the concept of lighting candles for loved ones who have passed is pretty common. But no matter how ingrained the tradition is, when you’re grief-stricken and going to visit a loved one’s grave, it’s easy to forget something at home.

Since visiting the cemetery is a personal affair, you might not want to worry about finding memorial candles at a nearby shop. It can be even more stressful if you go during an off hour and can’t find a candle anywhere. Fortunately, this vending machine solves that dilemma.

Something everyone can relish — Middleton, Wisconsin

Ah, mustard. Think of how boring those backyard barbecues would be without it. The spice has a long and spicy history (we won’t apologize for the pun). This machine knows how special it is and makes sure everyone else knows it, too.

Without the sign, we would’ve thought someone was just super obsessed with mustard and thought they weren’t alone. But, nope. It’s just a proud local manufacturer that wants to share its award-winning condiment with people, no matter what time of the day it is.

Midnight medicine

We already talked about university students and their insane sleep-wake patterns. While the 24-hour school supply vending machine was cool, we think this one is a far better idea. You can make do without a highlighter, but there’s no replacement for medication.

Besides, how can you study with a pounding headache? And what about trying to sleep when you have the flu? This is a brilliant idea, especially for campuses that are in the middle of nowhere, where chances are there aren’t 24/7 pharmacies.

A lifesaver…literally

This one might not be a vending machine in the same sense as the others, but we think it is hands-down the most useful and well-designed machine out there. The American Heart Association helped equip over two dozen airports in the US with these machines.

You might have been forced to learn CPR in high school health class, but how many of us actually retained that information? There’s no better way to pass the time while you wait for your flight than to learn “hands-on” how to save someone’s life.

Straight outta the ’80s

Taking pictures has become easier than ever—just look at how many new posts there are on Instagram every day. Still, some people are purists, or perhaps simply nostalgic, and prefer to take pictures with an older camera that requires a spool of film.

Perhaps this place has a disproportionate amount of film camera enthusiasts if they felt the need to have a vending machine filled with only camera spools. We hope there’s a 24-hour drop-off/pick-up for developing those films. That’d come in handy more so than the blank reels.

Bananas — Tokyo

Bananas are the ultimate breakfast food. It’s easy to grab one off the counter if you’re in a rush to get to work. And it’s not just the ease; they’re packed with health benefits, including potassium, plenty of fiber, and antioxidants.

If you forgot to grab your morning banana, you can always stop by this Dole vending machine in Tokyo. The only thing missing here is a separate compost bin for the banana peels. Still, we applaud them for having a trash can within easy reach.

Succulents

If you want to get a pet (cat, dog, hamster, etc.) but aren’t sure if you can keep up, get a plant first. They’re easier to maintain than a four-legged friend. And if you’re still hesitant, start with a succulent.

They’re basically the definition of low maintenance. That makes them the perfect trial “pet,” housewarming gift, and, apparently, vending machine plant. Is this geared toward introverts who want a plant companion but don’t want to interact with anyone at the store?

Life is full of surprises

We’ve seen all sorts of vending machines stocked with things we would never have thought of, but this is probably the weirdest one yet. Instead of labeling what button corresponds to what drink, they simply labeled them all as a “surprise.”

This feels more fitting as an April Fool’s Day prank than a practical vending machine. Unless you like every flavor of soda, you run the risk of wasting your money. Then again, this would make it easier to stock—there’s no need to sort by brand or flavor!

Fresh juice

Even coffee addicts have to admit that there’s no replacement for a freshly squeezed cup of orange juice in the morning. Unfortunately, it’s a lot harder to prepare. Popping a K-Cup into a Keurig is much faster than sitting there with a juicer and half a dozen oranges.

If you’re in the mood for freshly squeezed juice—which is healthier than boxed juices—maybe you’ll be lucky and pass by one of these on the way to work. Supposedly you can find these automated juicers in the Netherlands, Germany, and even Singapore!

Baguettes

The French love their baguettes so much that, until recently, French Polynesia had designated baguette mailboxes. For the rest of the world, we’ve only been able to get those crispy loaves from a bakery. But time it wrong, and you’ll go all the way to the store only to come back empty-handed.

No matter how many 24-hour stores a city has, getting a decent loaf of bread is nearly impossible after dark. We’re kind of grateful that these machines aren’t everywhere. 1 euro for a baguette, no matter the hour? We’d have a hard time resisting the temptation all the time.

Cassette tapes

The vending machine stocked with film canisters seems outdated, but this one definitely looks like it came straight from the ’80s. At least some stores still sell cameras that need film, but can you even get a cassette player anymore?

We don’t know anyone who has bought a DVD recently, let alone a videotape or cassette. We’re sorry to say, but we doubt anyone born after the mid-aughts would be able to use a cassette player without staring at it for five hours.

Picks and strings

Who doesn’t love a late-night jam session? Whether you’re rocking out with friends in your garage, or just practicing by yourself, there’s something so calming about playing (at a polite volume, of course) after the sun goes down. Nothing can replace an acoustic guitar by a firepit.

Broken strings and missing picks are a guitarist’s nightmare. How can you practice, or woo your crush, if your instrument isn’t even working? Better yet, now there’s no excuse not to practice playing guitar because of a broken string. If you don’t practice, trust us, your music teacher will know.

Cue the thong song — Australia

We hate to break it to you, but this machine doesn’t sell that kind of thong. That’s just what they call flip-flops in Australia. It sort of makes sense since that strap can feel as uncomfortable as a stray underwear strap.

This is a great idea for a beachside vending machine. Although we try to be prepared when we go to the beach, flip-flops can easily be left behind. We hate having to choose between sandy sneakers and burning hot feet on the sidewalk. Now that’ll never happen!

Ikea spare parts — the Netherlands

Ikea is famous for its inexpensive furniture that you can build yourself. As annoying as those long wordless pamphlets are, they seem to have everything pretty easy. Still, there’s always a level of panic if you misplace some of the parts.

Since the company relies on a streamlined design, many of the smaller parts are interchangeable. That also makes it pretty easy to set up vending machines for spare parts. No need to have separate pieces for specific products; some parts are basically one size fits all.

Sriracha sauce — Japan

People can’t seem to get enough of their condiments—not that we can blame them. Having the right flavor balance can make or break a meal, and sauces are the perfect fix for any lackluster fast food meal. But this is too much…

At least the mustard vending machine had some variety. As far as we can tell, this one is stocked with dozens of the same condiment. Is there such a demand for the spicy sauce that a vending machine needed to be installed?

Sunscreen — Sydney, Australia

Australia knows how to cater to its beachgoers. Maybe it’s because they know everyone already fears the animals that live there, so they want to make the rest of a beach trip a breeze. After all, one of the easiest ways to ruin a beach trip is sunburn.

Why don’t more countries have these? Even the most responsible adults can forget to reapply sunscreen. Having one of these not only serves as a great reminder, but can provide protection if you forget your bottle of sunscreen at home.

Dry cleaning

Tide knows its customers. If you didn’t know, the famous detergent has a chain of dry cleaners. One thing they do to stand out, other than rely on the brand name, is to provide 24/7 dry cleaning. Well, sort of.

The after-hour drop-off isn’t unique—public libraries have been doing that for years—but the pick-up is pretty cool. If you don’t have time to pick up your freshly cleaned suit, you can always get it after hours…even at 2 am as you practice for that important presentation.