Australia solves problem for expat who can’t open plastic bags

Most Aussies will probably share with this expat’s frustration when it comes to plastic produce bags, with the person begging for help.

An expat living in Australia has shared their frustration at trying to peel open plastic produce bags at the supermarket – and it’s something most Aussies will probably agree with them on.

Let’s be real, it’s frustrating when you just want to get in and out of the store, but instead find yourself spending an unnecessary amount of time grappling with the bag until you get it to open.

However, where there’s a will there’s a way as many Aussies pointed out after the frustrated expat took to Reddit demanding answers.

“Hey guys I just moved to Australia and I was just wondering, how the f**k do I open this?” they posted on the social media platform.

Expat begs for help when it comes to the best way to peel open a plastic produce bag. Picture: Reddit

Since sharing it just one week ago, it has already clocked more than 7500 ‘likes’ and over 1300 comments – so clearly it’s a very important issue.

“It’s like trying to insert a USB, but more infuriating somehow,” a fellow frustrated user wrote.

Others suggested to “rub until it separates”.

“It is in a state of superposition until you check both ends,” one person wrote.

“Get some water on your hands near the fresh veggies and then try,” another added.

Some were more detailed in their directions.

“Pinch, move thumb and finger away from each other until there is a slight opening. Using both hands pinch each side of the bag where the opening exists. Blow down the middle. Then fruit and veg that sh*t,” one Reddit user wrote.

Some suggested to hold onto an antibacterial wipe from when you first enter a store and use it wet your fingers to help open the bag. Picture: Facebook

A local fruiterer also chimed in, telling the expat to look for a “small overlap” along one side of the bag, adding it makes it easy to separate.

“Coles and Woolies might use different bags though. Or steal some moisture from a display of ‘wet’ produce like broccoli,” the fruiterer continued.

It’s not known which supermarket the expat was in, but some guessed they were in Aldi.

“Many shoppers have seen the angry man that is me, shopping with two little girls swearing and blowing up because I’ve been stitched up in the fruit section with these sh**ty bags,” a shopper wrote.

One person said that in Japan there’s “a little wet sponge” next to the bags that you can moisten your fingers on to open it.

But given Aussies don’t have that luxury, some suggested to use the antibacterial wipes from when you first enter a grocery store, which are provided to wipe down trolleys and baskets.

“If you keep one in your cart and wet your fingers with it, the bags open quite easily,” one person advised.

Others said no “licking” or “spit” is required.

“Just rub the bag between both hands like you are warming them. Works every time,” they wrote.