Leaving the United States can be an exciting adventure, but many Americans find themselves longing for certain comforts and familiarities. Here are 18 things that Americans commonly miss when living in a foreign country.
Diverse Food Options
One of the first things Americans often miss is the wide array of food options. In the U.S., it’s easy to find cuisines from around the world. Whether it’s Mexican, Chinese, Italian, or Thai, thanks to the country’s multiculturalism, there’s a restaurant for every craving, reports the USDA.
24/7 Convenience Stores
The convenience of 24-hour stores like Walmart or CVS can be a significant loss. In many countries, shops close early and are often shut on Sundays. Many Americans take for granted the ability to buy groceries, medicine, or even just snacks at any hour until they no longer have it.
Drive-Thru Everything
The drive-thru is a quintessential American convenience, allowing you to pick up food, cash, pharmaceuticals, and more. In other countries, this service is not as common, meaning more time and effort spent on what were once quick errands. This lack of drive-thru options can make daily tasks feel more cumbersome.
Large Living Spaces
American homes and apartments tend to be more spacious compared to those in many other countries. People might have a hard time adjusting to smaller living quarters, particularly for those used to having plenty of room. The extra space for storage and activities is something many come to miss.
Reliable Customer Service
Customer service in the U.S. is known for being friendly and efficient. This level of service isn’t always matched abroad, where cultural differences in service expectations can lead to frustration. People often long for the ease of returns, exchanges, and getting help promptly.
Sports Culture
The excitement of American sports culture is hard to replicate. Whether it’s watching the Super Bowl, attending a baseball game, or participating in a tailgate, these experiences are deeply missed. The passion and camaraderie around sports in the U.S. create a sense of community that can be hard to find elsewhere.
Free Public Restrooms
Most public restrooms in the U.S. are free and widely available. In many other countries, finding a clean, free restroom can be challenging, often requiring making a purchase in a shop or a small fee. This convenience is something many Americans find themselves really missing.
Driving Culture
The freedom and convenience of driving everywhere is not really reflected in many other countries. In the U.S., owning a car is often a necessity and a symbol of independence. Public transportation systems abroad can be excellent, but they don’t always match the convenience of hopping into your own vehicle.
Variety of Coffee Shops
Coffee culture in America is strong, and there’s a wide range of options from Starbucks to local cafés. The variety of blends, flavors, and the sheer number of coffee shops available at every corner is often unmatched abroad, where coffee culture can be quite different.
Tipping Culture
Though tipping can sometimes be a contentious practice, many Americans miss the clear structure of it when abroad. In the U.S., tipping is a way to ensure good service and to show appreciation. Other countries may have different practices, which can sometimes feel confusing or lead to service that feels subpar.
Large Grocery Stores
Supermarkets like Costco and Walmart offer a vast selection of products under one roof, often in large quantities. That level of convenience is hard to find in lots of other countries, where grocery shopping might require visits to multiple smaller stores.
Efficient Postal Service
The pure reliability and efficiency of the U.S. Postal Service and other delivery services like UPS and FedEx are often taken for granted. Abroad, mail services can vary greatly in speed and reliability, making something as simple as receiving a package more challenging and less predictable.
American Holidays
Americans love to celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Halloween, but these celebrations can be difficult abroad. The lack of familiar traditions, foods, and communal celebrations can make these times feel lonely. Many Americans miss the festive atmosphere and the chance to gather with family and friends.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
The U.S. is known for its efforts to make public spaces accessible to all, including those with disabilities. This inclusivity is not always mirrored abroad, where accessibility can be limited. Americans may miss the ease of access to buildings, public transport, and services designed for all.
Fast Internet Speeds
Being able to surf the web with high-speed internet is something many Americans are used to and expect. In other countries, internet speeds can be significantly slower and less reliable. This can impact everything from working remotely to streaming entertainment, making fast internet a common longing.
Tax-Free Shopping Days
Sales tax holidays and events like Black Friday offer significant savings in the U.S. These shopping events are a unique part of American consumer culture and are not typically found abroad, other than in some parts of Europe. That being said, the tradition is growing!
The Familiarity of Language
Even if someone speaks the language of their new country, there’s comfort in hearing and speaking English every day. This ease of communication and the cultural nuances that come with one’s native language are often deeply missed. Conversations in English, especially with fellow Americans, can be longed for when abroad.
Diverse Landscapes
The vast and varied landscapes of the United States, with beaches, mountains, and deserts, offer endless opportunities for exploration. We Americans love the accessibility to such a wide array of environments, but many countries may not have such a diverse range of natural beauty.
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