American culture is unique in many ways, and some habits and practices can leave people from other countries scratching their heads. Let’s look at 19 things Americans do that seem strange to the rest of the world.
Tipping Generously and Consistently
In the U.S., tipping is a standard practice in restaurants, bars, and many service industries. This expectation to tip generously, often around 15-20% (the national average is 18%, according to USA Today), can be bewildering to visitors from countries where service charges are included in the bill or tipping is minimal.
Obsession with Large Portions
American food portions are famously large compared to those in other countries. From enormous plates of pasta to super-sized fast food meals, the emphasis on quantity can be quite shocking. This cultural norm often leads to food waste, but it’s deeply ingrained in the dining experience in the U.S., with many restaurants even encouraging patrons to take leftovers home.
Celebrating High School and College Achievements
Graduation ceremonies, prom, and homecoming are major events in American high schools and colleges. These milestones are celebrated with a lot of fanfare, from cap-and-gown ceremonies to elaborate parties. In many other countries, such celebrations are either more subdued or non-existent, making the American way of honoring academic achievements seem excessive.
Driving Everywhere
The reliance on cars in the U.S. can surprise visitors from countries with robust public transportation systems. Many American cities and towns are designed with cars in mind, making it challenging to get around without one. This car-centric culture is a stark contrast to the pedestrian-friendly and public transit-oriented cities found elsewhere.
Unlimited Drink Refills
In many American restaurants, customers are often offered unlimited refills on soft drinks, tea, and coffee. This practice is uncommon in many other parts of the world, where beverages are usually sold by the glass or cup. The concept of free refills is a pleasant surprise to some, while others find it peculiar.
Ice in Drinks
Americans love their drinks cold, often filling glasses to the brim with ice. In many other countries, drinks are served with little or no ice, and the American preference for icy beverages can be quite confusing. This penchant for ice-cold drinks is a unique aspect of American dining that stands out to international visitors.
Celebrating Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a distinctly American holiday marked by feasting on turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. It’s a celebration of gratitude tied to the historical Pilgrims and Native Americans, so it has no equivalent in most other countries. The widespread travel, elaborate meals, and family gatherings that characterize Thanksgiving are fascinatingly unique to the U.S.
Shopping in Huge Supermarkets
The sheer size and variety found in American supermarkets can be overwhelming. Stores like Walmart and Costco offer everything from groceries to electronics under one roof. This concept of a one-stop shop, with massive aisles and bulk buying options, is a stark contrast to the smaller, specialized shops more common in other parts of the world.
Using Fahrenheit and Inches
The U.S. is one of the few countries that still uses the Imperial system, measuring temperature in Fahrenheit and distances in inches, feet, and miles. We’re not surprised that this can be perplexing for visitors accustomed to the metric system.
Wearing Casual Clothing in Public
Americans have a relaxed approach to public attire. They often wear casual clothes like jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers in situations where others might dress more formally. The laid-back dress code is evident in many aspects of daily life, but it can be surprising to those used to more formal dress standards.
Advertising Prescription Medications
Television commercials and print ads for prescription medications are commonplace in the U.S., often featuring lengthy lists of potential side effects. This practice is rare in other countries, where direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising is heavily restricted or even banned altogether.
Having Strangers Strike Up Conversations
Lots of Americans are known for their friendliness and willingness to engage in small talk with strangers. A chat with a cashier or a conversation with someone in line is pretty common to them, and this openness can be both refreshing and confusing for people from cultures where such interactions are less common.
Being Patriotic and Displaying the Flag
The American flag is prominently displayed in many public and private spaces, reflecting a strong sense of national pride. The visible patriotism of the American people, including singing the national anthem at sports events and pledging allegiance in schools, is more intense than in many other countries.
Having College Sports Rivalries
Many college sports, especially football and basketball, are a huge part of American culture. Fierce rivalries, massive stadiums, and extensive media coverage highlight the importance of college athletics. Putting amateur sports at such a high level is unusual in most other countries, though.
Excessive Use of Air Conditioning
Visitors from countries where AC is less common or used more sparingly may find it uncomfortably cold indoors if they go to visit someone in America. Chilly interiors, even in summer, are a notable aspect of American lifestyle.
Celebrating the Fourth of July
Independence Day, marked by fireworks, parades, and barbecues, is a major American holiday, and we go crazy for it. The celebration of national independence with such widespread enthusiasm and festivity is unique and can be quite a spectacle for those from around the world.
Drive-Thru Everything
The convenience of drive-thru services extends beyond fast food in the U.S., including pharmacies, banks, and even wedding chapels. Super convenience like this (i.e., the ability to conduct numerous transactions without leaving the car) is a distinctly American innovation that often surprises visitors.
Open Carry of Firearms
In several states, it’s legal for individuals to carry firearms in public places openly. This practice is unsurprisingly shocking to many people from countries with strict gun control laws. The sight of civilians with visible weapons can be alarming and hard to understand for those unaccustomed to such displays.
Celebrating Halloween
Halloween in the U.S. involves elaborate costumes, trick-or-treating, and decorated homes. The holiday blends spooky fun with community activities and is not widely replicated elsewhere, which confuses us Americans. The extent of participation, from young children to adults, and the commercialization of Halloween are uniquely American phenomena.
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